Millipore Corp.

At Interphex, Millipore Corporation unveiled its new Pod platform, an innovative filter system for normal flow clarification and prefiltration applications. The patent-pending disposable technology improves process speed, safety and economics in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, according to the company. Millipore’s Pod platform consists of an expandable holder and modular filters that overcome many operational limitations of traditional stainless steel housings. Developed as a self-contained device, each Pod is a single-use filter that reduces the need for clean-in-place (CIP) procedures. This minimizes costs associated with water usage, cleaning and validation. The design not only protects operators from exposure to process fluids, but also allows the units to be drained before change-out for lighter devices that are easier to move. In addition, the design and construction of the Pods can reduce hold-up volume from 40 - 73% over typical configurations of lenticular discs, providing an increase in product yield.The modular Pod platform delivers process scalability and flexibility. Without changing hardware, customers can run their system in serial or parallel configurations to meet specific process and batch size requirements of 20 to 12,000 liters. The small footprint saves valuable floor space and the lightweight design eliminates the need for hoists or high ceiling heights. In addition, the holder is on casters for easy assembly and movement.Susan Vogt, president of Millipore’s BioPharmaceutical Division, commented: "The biopharmaceutical industry has been looking for a range of improvements in traditional depth filtration technology, including scalability, ease-of-use, and cleaning and validation requirements. The self-contained, disposable, modular design of our new Pod filter technology addresses these issues.  This results in unprecedented process flexibility, productivity and economic benefits -- all of which will have a significant impact on the industry. The Pod is another example of Millipore’s commitment to providing customers with innovative tools that optimize their processes and improve their speed to market."Pods are available now with the company’s Millistak+ HC media for use in primary and secondary clarification processes.