Depth filters trap contaminants within the media, offering high dirt-holding capacity but only nominal ratings. Membrane filters retain contaminants on the surface, offering absolute ratings, microbial retention, and integrity testing.

Nominal ratings indicate approximate retention but vary between manufacturers. Absolute ratings are standardized, ensuring consistent retention of defined organisms or particles (e.g., 0.2 µm with Brevundimonas diminuta).

Flow rate is how much fluid passes per unit area at a given pressure. Throughput is the total volume filtered before clogging. Both depend on the viscosity of the fluid being filtered, membrane porosity, differential pressure, and effective filtration area of the membrane in the device

Compatibility depends on the fluid’s chemistry, temperature, pressure, and exposure time. Pall Medical selects resistant materials for OEM devices, but verification under actual use conditions is always required.

Key tests include Bubble Point (pore size/barrier integrity), Water Breakthrough (hydrophobic aqueous barrier), Filter Efficiency, and Filter Life. These confirm reliability under defined conditions.