1	Steam Sterilisation - Sterile Air Filters Intermediate Level Module 21B
2	Objectives Represent a typical GAS filter Steam In Place (SIP) procedure Highlight potential problems and offer solutions
3	Some Questions Why Steam? To STERILISE the filter and downstream pipework Minimum Requirements? Time = 20 mins Temperature = 121⁰C Pressure = 1.0 bar g
4	CAUTION !! All cartridge filters will have a finite steam life under optimum steaming conditions - poor steaming conditions WILL reduce the steam life of a cartridge filter Filter cartridges with a polypropylene core are more susceptible to damage at high temperature To prevent cartridge filter damage during steaming avoid excess differential pressure at high temperature
5	“How To” Guide These guides give step by step instructions for the SIP of a typical GAS filter system They can be used to check actual SIP methods They should be used as the basis for writing customer-specific SIP procedures
6	Remember It is very unlikely the existing system will exactly match the “ideal” layout Use the principles and procedures from this training to evaluate or constructively evaluate an existing system Practically adapt the typical system to meet the system requirements
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9	Note Gas filters should be steamed in the FORWARD direction when possible However in some applications it is necessary to reverse steam filters Details of maximum steam temperatures and steam life for specific filters are given on the relevant data sheets
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35	Alternative Method to flash drying Instead of flash drying the filters compressed air can be used Compressed air should always be used for systems larger than single 10” / 250 mm filters
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44	Both Methods Resume normal air / gas sterilisation or conduct an IN-LINE integrity test
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84	For Both Methods Resume normal air / gas sterilisation or conduct an IN-LINE integrity test
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86	Gas Filter SIP The 3 Golden Rules CONDENSATE CONDENSATE CONDENSATE
87	Gas Filter SIP - Check List PTFE filters are strongly hydrophobic so condensate will generate high differential pressure at high temperature Flow steam across the filter to an open vent or drain before attempting to flow steam through the filter Monitor the differential pressure during SIP
88	Gas Filter SIP - Check List Do not generate high steam flow through the filter by steaming to an open end Do not generate high steam flow through the filter by steaming high volume downstream systems through the filter Slope pipework to and from the filter housing so condensate will naturally run away from the filter
89	Steam Sterilisation - Sterile Air Filters Intermediate Level Module 21B