New accessories for the SCHICO germ collector

New accessories for the SCHICO germ collector

The SCHICO-Germ Sampler M2000 is a new measurement system for detecting microorganisms in compressed gases, in accordance with ISO 14698 recommendations.

It is a membrane filter method that allows testing the gas at the pressure used in production. This prevents microbes from being damaged by pressure reduction, as is the case with other methods.

The measurement system is particularly suitable for determining the microbial count in air, nitrogen, or oxygen without needing to recalibrate for each gas—only one calibration is sufficient.

Until now, only a sterilizable stainless steel part was available for holding the membrane filter (usable up to a gas pressure of 10 bar).

As a new accessory, a cost-effective sterilizable part is now available.

If the gas to be tested does not have a pressure higher than 3.4 bar, a polycarbonate filter holder can be offered (see photo).

The price of such a sterilizable part is only about half that of one made from stainless steel.

If multiple sampling points need to be tested in the shortest possible time, it is recommended to purchase multiple sterilizable parts. These can then be sterilized in advance and used without delay. This is advisable when working in cleanrooms.

The new polycarbonate sterilizable part can of course also be autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes.

Here is a brief description of the germ sampler:

The portable measurement device is housed in a standard case (briefcase size), with a total weight including one sterilizable part of 9 kg.

Before starting the measurement, the sterilizable part must be sterilized in an autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes. The membrane filter is already in the filter holder of the sterilizable part. Before use, the entire part is sealed in a suitable, water vapor-permeable foil (it is recommended to use multiple sterilizable parts). At the measurement site, the sampling point is disinfected with alcohol spray, the sterilizable part is removed from the foil at the quick-connect, and then quickly inserted into the sampling coupling at the site.

The measurement case is set up near the measurement point and supplied with power. An electrical outlet (230V/50Hz) should be nearby. If electrical power is not available or practical, the measurement case can be operated on battery power. With a single charge of the LiMn-ion battery, 15 measurements of 15 minutes each can be performed (such a measurement in air corresponds to about 1 m³ volume).

The supplied connecting hose then connects the sterilizable part, freed from the foil, to the measuring device. By turning on the device via a switch on the case wall, the measurement runs automatically. A defined amount of compressed gas, usually 1 m³, is sampled through the membrane filter at a nearly constant differential pressure. In air, this takes about 15 minutes, depending on the available pre-pressure, as mentioned above.

After the preset amount has been sampled, the automatic valve in the measurement case closes automatically. The measurement is complete. Then, the hose line is slowly depressurized; the flow direction at the membrane filter is not changed during this process. The line is disconnected. The sterilizable part is also removed from the sampling coupling at the sampling point, reinserted into the remaining foil, and sealed.

Samples can be taken at additional sampling points if multiple sterilizable parts are prepared in advance.

If a "laminar flow bench" is available in the room, the loaded steril filters from the sterilizable part can also be removed and new pre-sterilized filters inserted into a sterilizable part. The membrane filter is then taken for microbiological analysis.

When testing gases that need to be checked in non-sterile production or in aseptically produced products that are only sterilized in the final container, sterilization in the autoclave is not necessary. The procedure is simplified.