PROCESS FOR REMOVING PYROGENS UTILIZING A HYDROPHOBIC MICROPOROUS MEMBRANE

摘要

MB 45021IMPROVED PROCESS FOR REMOVING PYROGENS UTILIZING AHYDROPHOBIC MICROPOROUS MEMBRANEABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREThere is disclosed an improved process for removingpyrogens from a feed liquid selected from the group consisting ofwater and aqueous solutions containing said pyrogens, at aconcentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ng/ml, comprising thesteps of contacting a feed side of a specified hydrophobicmicroporous membrane with said feed liquid, allowing said liquidto pass through said membrane, and recovering said liquid from afiltrate side of said membrane, said steps being terminated beforesaid membrane becomes saturated with pyrogens.There is also disclosed an improved process forsimultaneously removing pyrogens and particulate matter from afeed liquid selected from the group consisting of water andaqueous solutions containing said particulate matter andcontaining said pyrogens, at a concentration of from about 0.1 toabout 50 ng/ml, comprising the steps of contacting a feed side ofa specified hydrophobic microporous membrane with said feedliquid, allowing said liquid to pass through said membrane, andrecovering said liquid from a filtrate side of said membrane, saidsteps being terminated before said membrane becomes saturated withpyrogens.The membrane used in the processes of the presentinvention is characterized by being made of polypropylene, beingsubstantially skinless, and having(a) a bubble point of about 25 to about 50 psi;(b) a thickness of about 3 to about 7 mils;(c) a nitrogen flow rate of at least 0.5 liters persquare centimeter-minute;(d) a burst strength of at least 10 psi; and(e) an S value of about 15, or less.-2-