In the "Snow Dragon" polar expedition ship carrying the scientific investigation of the Chinese Antarctic expedition team, a familiar figure was found: a 47 mm magnetic filter funnel. What is the use of this magnetic filter funnel? Why is it on the "Snow Dragon"?

Free access to 47 mm magnetic filter funnels and more information on microbiological analysis products

According to CCTV reports, in March 2018, the Chinese Antarctic expedition team took the "Snow Dragon" polar expedition ship in the Amundsen Sea and the nearby high-wave sea area for more than 20 days, successfully completed the integration of China's first Antarctic Amonsen Sea. The survey has accumulated valuable samples and data for China to explore the mysteries of the Antarctic.

In order to conduct a “physical examination” of the seawater, the expedition team completed important seawater sampling work in the Amundsen waters. They sampled water from a few hundred meters to several kilometers deep and sent the samples to the marine physics, chemistry, and biological laboratories on the "Snow Dragon" for research in different disciplines. At this time, a familiar figure suddenly appeared in the news: 47 mm magnetic filter funnel!

What is the use of this magnetic filter funnel? Why is it on the "Snow Dragon"? Originally, the expedition team used it to conduct microbiological analysis of seawater.

In fact, membrane filtration technology has been used in this area for a long time. It uses a filter funnel and a vacuum system to pass the sample through a filter with a certain pore size. In this way, the microorganisms are trapped on the surface of the membrane. The filter is then transferred to a vessel containing the medium. Nutrients pass through the filter membrane, allowing microorganisms to grow on the surface of the membrane as colonies, which are then counted and identified.

Compared to conventional methods, membrane filtration technology requires a short preparation time and can provide information within 24 hours. If bacteriostatic components are present in the sample, filtration can also be effectively removed. Therefore, this technology is used in the food and beverage industry, environmental monitoring, cosmetic and pharmaceutical quality control, as well as in Vacuum Filter Belts the analysis of microbial or particulate contamination in aqueous solutions.

The expedition team used the Pall 47 mm magnetic filter funnel. Made of polyphenylsulfone, it is cheaper than most glass funnels and has a wide range of chemical compatibility. It can be autoclaved, durable and safe. It features a leak-free magnetic seal for easy vacuum filtration of liquids with one hand.

The 47 mm magnetic filter funnel is available in three sizes: 150 ml, 300 ml and 500 ml. The 150 ml size is easy to place in a small autoclave, while the 500 ml size is ideal for filtering large numbers of samples. The funnel is marked with a scale in increments of 50 ml. However, multiple components are required for filtration, including tee (or six-way) brackets, vacuum pumps, and suction bottles.

If you suspect that this process is too much trouble, consider Pall's new Sentino magnetic filter funnel. It can be used with the Sentino microbiological test integrated pump, which greatly simplifies the entire filtration operation. The Sentino pump uses a peristaltic pump to pass the sample through the filter, ensuring that the liquid flows in one direction without backflow and without the risk of contamination. At the same time, it also saves experimental space and can be operated freely in a highly restricted workbench.

At present, the 34th Antarctic expedition team has embarked on a journey back to China, but the scientific study of Antarctica is still continuing. If you are also engaged in microbiological analysis, then you can look to the professional expedition team, using quality products, saving valuable time and money.