UHMW-PE Porous Filters for modern syringe filters

In labs, we obsess over columns and detectors yet—oddly—the tiny filter in front often decides whether a run succeeds. Lately, procurement teams ask for solvent-tough, low-extractable, single-use components. Makes sense. Miniaturized workflows, cleaner baselines, faster sample prep. UHMW-PE Porous Filters are having a moment because they’re robust, moldable, and cost-effective. And yes, they’re made to take some abuse.

At a glance: product and specs

Product name: UHMW-PE Porous Filters (Origin: Rm. C-1301, Hyde Park Plaza, No. 66 Yuhua W. Road, Shijiazhuang, 050056 China). These sintered polyethylene elements drop neatly into housings for syringe filters, vents, and sample guards. Many customers say they’re pleasantly surprised by the consistency—honestly, so was I.

Parameter	Typical value (≈ / real-world use may vary)
Material	UHMW-PE powder (sintered)
Filter grade (nominal)	0.50–80 μm
Porosity	30–60%
Max working temperature	80°C
Compressive strength	≤ 6.5 MPa
Pressure drop	≤ 1 MPa
Chemical environment	Acid/alkali resistant; typical alcohols/hydrocarbons compatible
Bubble point example	DI water, 0.5 μm grade ≈ 3.0–3.8 bar (ASTM F316)

Where they’re used (and why)

• HPLC/UPLC sample prep syringe filters (low extractables, steady flow)
• Environmental testing (VOC prep, particulate removal)
• Pharma QC and biotech buffers (pre-filtration, vents)
• Food & beverage labs (clarification before instrument analysis)
• Microelectronics wet benches (point-of-use guards at modest temps)

Process flow, testing, and service life

Materials: high-purity UHMW-PE powder. Method: cold pressing and controlled sintering to tune pore geometry; secondary machining to fit housings for syringe filters. Typical testing: pore-size and MFP per ASTM F316; particulate release per USP <788>; extractables screening (USP polymer chapters); biocompatibility as required (ISO 10993, USP Class VI). Cleanroom finishing can be requested (ISO 14644-1). Service life: usually single-use in analytical workflows; for non-sterile utility, several cycles are possible, but keep below 80°C and avoid harsh oxidizers. Don’t autoclave at 121°C—UHMW-PE won’t love that.

Vendor snapshot (selection, not exhaustive)

Vendor	Pore range	ISO 13485	Customization	Lead time	Price
China OEM (UHMW-PE Porous Filters)	0.5–80 μm	Available on request	OD/ID, thickness, color, pre-cut discs	2–5 weeks	$
EU Brand	0.2–50 μm	Yes	Moderate	4–8 weeks	$$$
US Brand	0.45–70 μm	Yes	High (MOQ applies)	3–6 weeks	$$

Customization and real-world feedback

Options include hydrophilicity tweaks (surface treatment), grades from 0.50–80 μm, thickness/diameter to fit 4–30 mm housings, gamma-ready packaging, and color coding. One biotech pilot line reported ≈18% faster sample throughput vs. a PET-fiber prefilter (internal trial; n=120 injections). Another lab told me the discs “don’t shed” under standard USP <788> checks—always nice.

Use tips

• Match pore grade to particulate load; don’t overspec—flow matters.
• For aggressive oxidizers or high-temp sterilization, validate first.
• Document bubble-point windows for incoming QC; it pays off.

To be honest, the appeal is practical: consistent pores, fair price, and enough customization to slot into your existing syringe filters program without drama.

References

1. ASTM F316-18, Pore Size Characteristics by Bubble Point and Mean Flow.
2. USP <788> Particulate Matter in Injections.
3. USP <661.1>/<665> Plastic Packaging Systems and Components.
4. ISO 10993-1 Biological evaluation of medical devices.
5. ISO 13485 Medical devices—Quality management systems.
6. FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 Olefin Polymers (Polyethylene).
7. ISO 14644-1 Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments.