Automated external filtration system for carbon black and other additives of small particle size in polyolefins.

Filtration of a sample is a practice frequently required before injection when using light scattering detectors but it is also done to extend the life of fragile GPC columns. Polymer Char, the company known for offering the most complete range of instruments for Polyolefin Characterisation, has created a series of accessories that facilitate routine tasks such as this one in polyolefin characterization laboratories. The External Filtration system (EFS) is an automated, fast, and innovative apparatus for eliminating carbon black, rests of catalysts or other additives of small particle size that may be present in polyolefin samples.

The process is fast, easy and safe for the user because there is neither solvent handling nor manual vial transfer. Once the sample is dissolved, the user pierces the vial on the system and starts the EFS operation. The solution is then automatically transferred to an empty vial while passing through a disposable filtration cartridge. Around 2 minutes later, the sample is clean and ready to be injected into the GPC instrument.  

Thanks to its smart design, the solution only travels through the disposable cartridges, so no cross-contamination may occur and no vapors are released to the ambient since the solvent circulates through a closed circuit, unlike the manual and traditional way that uses glass fiber filters, or the semi-automated equipment offered from other providers. After each filtration process, another one can be started right away, minimizing the user dedication to the filtration tasks, which are usually tedious and require a significant manpower within the daily tasks of all the laboratories.

The EFS means a breakthrough in external filtration, being the only automated system in the market capable of eliminating the carbon black completely in an effective, fast and safe process.