How To Choose a Syringe Filter

Choose Chrom Tech's affordable HPLC syringe filters to remove particulates from your liquid samples before injection into your HPLC system. Our syringe filters are single-use, cost-effective, and designed for lab efficiency. When selecting a syringe filter, consider three key factors: sample volume, particulate size, and membrane compatibility.

1. Syringe Filter Diameter and Sample Volume

Sample volume determines the filter diameter. Larger diameter filters (e.g., 30mm) handle larger volumes up to 200 mL and provide faster filtration due to the increased membrane surface area. Smaller 13mm filters are ideal for sample volumes below 10 mL and are widely used in most chromatography applications.

2. Syringe Filter Pore Size

Chrom Tech offers two standard pore sizes: 0.45 μm and 0.2 μm. The 0.45 μm filter protects most HPLC instrumentation and columns from particulates. For modern assays with smaller particle sizes or highly sensitive detection, use 0.2 μm filters to prevent clogging and ensure optimal performance.

3. Syringe Filter Membrane Options

Select a membrane based on solvent compatibility and application. Chrom Tech stocks the most common membranes for HPLC sample preparation:

Nylon: Solvent-resistant, low extractables, aqueous and organic compatible. Binds protein, not suitable for protein recovery. Color-coded blue.
PTFE: Hydrophobic, chemically resistant, ideal for organic solvents. Color-coded red.
PVDF: Solvent-resistant, low UV-adsorbing extractables, low-protein binding, compatible with aqueous and organic samples. Color-coded yellow.
PES: Mechanically strong, low inorganic extractables, low-protein binding, ideal for proteins, nucleic acids, and ion chromatography. Color-coded green.
CA (Cellulose Acetate): Very low-protein binding, ideal for aqueous samples where protein recovery is critical. Not compatible with organic solvents. Color-coded orange.
PP (Polypropylene): Hydrophilic, broad chemical compatibility with organic solvents. Color-coded purple.
Glass Fiber: High flow, ideal for large particulate samples. Color-coded dark purple.

Syringe Filter Ordering Guide

Refer to the color-coded membrane guide to select the right 13mm or 30mm syringe filter for your application:

Membrane	Aqueous	Organic	Low Protein Binding	Color	Pore Size	13 mm	30 mm
Nylon	✔	✔		Blue	0.2 μm	F13-NY020	F30-NY020
PTFE		✔		Red	0.2 μm	F13-PT020	F30-PT020
PVDF	✔	✔	✔	Yellow	0.2 μm	F13-PV020	F30-PV020
PES	✔	✔	✔	Green	0.2 μm	F13-PS020	F30-PS020
CA	✔		✔	Orange	0.2 μm	F13-CA020	F30-CA020
PP	✔	✔		Purple	0.2 μm	F13-PP020	F30-PP020
Glass Fiber	✔	✔		Dark Purple	1.2 μm	F13-GF120	F30-GF120

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I use a syringe filter correctly?

Load your sample into a disposable luer syringe, attach the syringe to the filter, and hold vertically. Press the plunger slowly to ensure even flow and avoid clogging or bursting the membrane. Replace filters if pressure increases unexpectedly.

2. What types of syringe filters are available?

Chrom Tech offers Nylon, PTFE, PVDF, PES, CA, PP, and Glass Fiber membranes. Each is color-coded and selected based on solvent compatibility, particle size, and protein binding.

3. Which membranes are suitable for protein-containing samples?

Use low-protein binding membranes such as PVDF, PES, or CA. Nylon binds protein and is not suitable for protein recovery applications.

4. Are there alternatives to syringe filters?

Buchner funnels, syringeless filter vials, centrifuge filter tubes, and 96-well filter plates are alternatives for filtration. These options streamline sample prep and reduce loss.

5. How do I select the correct filter size and pore?

For volumes under 10 mL, use 13mm filters; for volumes up to 200 mL, use 30mm. Use 0.45 μm for general protection, and 0.2 μm for fine particles or high-sensitivity assays.

Summary

Contact Chrom Tech at support@chromtech.com for assistance selecting the correct syringe filter. Color-coded filters make it easy to identify the right membrane, protecting your HPLC system and maximizing instrument uptime.