Hapco has been custom-formulating adhesives, sealants, and potting compounds for filter manufacturers since 1980. We develop and manufacture urethanes and epoxies for sealing, bonding, potting, and encapsulating filter media. These include water, blood, gas, HEPA, PPE, biotech, clean rooms, wine and beer, medical device, pharmaceutical, and food processing filters.
We take pride in fulfilling the needs of our customers with a long history of providing high-quality materials and state-of-the-art dispensing equipment to corporations like Millipore, Pall Life Sciences, and Koch Membranes.
What is Filtration?
The filtration process involves passing liquids and gases through the pores of a membrane, referred to as a filter, to separate solids from liquids. Filtration can take many forms, including:
- General Filtration: Also referred to as gravity filtration. Here gravity is the most basic method of filtering a mixture. As the mixture is poured onto a filter medium such as filter paper, gravity pulls it down to the bottom of the filter. Solids are left on the filter as the liquid passes below.
- Cold Filtration: The filtration apparatus and solution must be cooled. As a result, small crystals are formed and easily removed.
- Hot Filtration: This process involves heating the funnel or filtration apparatus throughout the process and the sample. To filter out any impurities, keep the solution warm enough to keep it liquid. Afterwards, the sample can crystallize again, gaining more purity.
- Vacuum Filtration: When recrystallizing, it collects a desired solid, such as crystals. By applying reduced pressure, vacuum filtration forces solvents and solutions through filter papers more quickly than gravity filtration.
What is Ultrafiltration?
Ultrafiltration (UF) is a membrane filtration technique where hydrostatic pressure pushes a liquid against a semipermeable membrane. This membrane, adorned with tiny pores, is designed to selectively filter particles and contaminants based on size. While its use in potable water production is significant, it has also carved a niche in the realm of biotechnology, showcasing its flexibility and adaptability.
Applications in Water Treatment:
1. Particle and Pathogen Removal: UF excels in eliminating nearly all particulate matter, such as silt, clay, and organic compounds. Furthermore, it is adept at filtering out pathogens, ensuring safer water for consumption.
2. Virus Elimination: UF traps a considerable percentage of viruses, owing to its fine filtration capabilities.
3. Chemical-Free Process: UF doesn’t necessitate chemical additives, ensuring no residual contaminants in the treated water.
Applications in Biotechnology:
1. Protein Purification: UF is instrumental in concentrating and purifying proteins, separating them from smaller molecules in solutions, making it invaluable in research labs and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
2. Cell Harvesting: In bioreactors, UF membranes can be used to harvest cells, especially when the desired cells are significantly larger than contaminants or by-products.
3. Biomolecule Fractionation: By using membranes with different pore sizes, UF can fractionate biomolecules based on size, separating large molecules like nucleic acids from smaller ones.
4. Vaccine Production: UF is involved in concentrating and purifying antigens for vaccine formulation, ensuring purity and potency.
5. Enzyme Recycling: In industries that use enzymes for biocatalysis, UF aids in the separation and recycling of these enzymes, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective process.
When it comes to bonding and potting filter media, few materials rise to the occasion as Hapco’s epoxies do. Renowned for their superior adhesion, durability, and resilience, these epoxies have become a gold standard in the industry. Let’s delve deeper into the unique attributes and applications of Hapco’s epoxies that make them a preferred choice for professionals across the globe.
Filter-bond™ E-Series
As part of this series, Hapco offers a line of flexible and rigid materials compatible with MiniFILTM and RapidFILTM dispensing machines applicable for potting and encapsulating filter media for various applications.
- Filter-bond™ E-3503: It has high viscosity (40,000 cps) and is ideal for low wicking. It is a two-component, semi-rigid, extremely tough elastomer commonly used for potting and sealing filter media.
- Filter-bond™ E-3505: Also typically used for sealing filter media, this has excellent bonding characteristics and high viscosity (50,000 cps) to prevent wicking.
- Filter-bond™ E-3568: This product performs well in applications such as pre-potting filter endcaps, flexible gasketing, ultrafiltration, and filtration. It is ideal for pre-potting filters for easy cutting or trimming.
Filter-bond™ R-Series
- Filter-bond™ R-30-6 Series: A three-part potting and adhesive system is designed for bonding or potting ultrafiltration products. The adhesive and potting systems do not contain carcinogens or substances that cause mutation.
- Filter-bond™ R-36: With its uses in various ratios, including 2:1 to 1:1 by volume or weight, it is an ideal product for production and field use. Our line of polymer adhesive bonds metals, plastics, ceramics, wood, fabrics, and canvas.
- Filter-bond™ R-37-38: This structural adhesive provides excellent adhesion to both similar and dissimilar substances while chemically resistant. It was developed specifically to bond filter media in ultrafiltration applications.
If you are in the market for custom-formulated adhesives, sealants, and potting compounds, Hapco is your go-to source. Our urethanes and epoxies are in demand in some of the most complex applications in different industries, and we continue to innovate with new products and formulations. Contact us today to learn more about what our products can do for your business.
