Vacuum filter

Definition

A vacuum filter is a device used to separate particles from liquids or gases by using a vacuum to pull the fluid through a filtration membrane. It is commonly used to sterilize solutions by removing microorganisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vacuum filters use negative pressure to draw fluids through a filter, capturing microorganisms on the membrane surface.
2. They are essential for sterilizing heat-sensitive solutions that cannot be autoclaved.
3. Pore sizes of vacuum filters can vary but are often 0.2 micrometers or smaller to effectively remove bacteria and other microbes.
4. The efficiency of a vacuum filter depends on the integrity and pore size of the filtration membrane.
5. Vacuum filtration is also used in sample preparation for microbiological analysis, ensuring contaminants do not interfere with results.

Review Questions

Related terms

Autoclave:

A device that uses steam under high pressure to sterilize materials.

HEPA Filter: A high-efficiency particulate air filter that removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 micrometers.

Membrane Filtration: A technique where fluids pass through a semi-permeable membrane to separate microorganisms and particles based on size.