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Tangential Flow Filtration Servicing, Maintenance and Testing
Used widely in both the biopharmaceutical and food industries, tangential flow filtration (TFF) is a separation process that is very different from traditional filtration systems. Also known as ‘cross flow filtration,’ TFF works by passing fluid through a filter in a parallel direction. TFF is the better option because perpendicular filtration has a number of downsides, although the main risk is the clogging of the filtering membrane. This results in a high potential for blockages to build up (often referred to as a filter cake).
At MAControls, our team of experts are specialists at servicing and maintaining your TFF system so that it works more efficiently over a longer period of time.
When is TFF most commonly used?
TFF is the preferred method for filtration because it is a) continuous, and b) reproducible. As the particles pass through the membrane, the permeate can be separated and put to one side. It means that the retentate can then easily be recycled back through the feed. There are two main processes that MAControls can help to ensure are working at optimum efficiency. These are:
- Concentration - One of the primary benefits of TFF is that it allows for the creation of more concentrated fluids. The solute molecules can be kept, while the fluid itself is removed. This will be largely dependent on the type of membrane being used, as the filter will need to be smaller than the solute molecules.
- Diafiltration - This is when you need to simply separate large and small particles. The smaller particles are left behind, and this helps to maintain concentration integrity throughout the process.
No matter what your needs or processes are, our highly experienced team of MAControls engineers can service your TFF system. Our qualified engineers have years of experience maintaining a wide range of Tangential Flow Filtration Systems, including:
- NFF (Normal Flow Filtration)
- UF (Ultrafiltration)
- MF (Microfiltration)
- RO (Reverse Osmosis)
- Virus
Whatever the age of your TFF system, we can service and maintain your setup for maximum productivity and efficiency. We also provide calibrations on integrity testers.
Documentation by MAControls
We maintain cGMP compliant protocols for the validation, commissioning, qualification and re-qualification of international regulatory expectations. Along with our world-class validation and maintenance services, we also offer a variety of additional services, including:
- Corrective maintenance
- Telephone support
- Risk assessments
One of the reasons why MAControls is such a well-respected name in the industry is because, unlike other specialist companies, we are not affiliated with any original equipment provider. Our independent status means that we only offer the best in impartial advice that will get your TFF system running smoothly and at maximum efficiency.
TFF Applications
At MAControls, we have the experience you need to get your TFF processes working at optimal levels. We have been servicing, maintaining and advising on a wide range of TFF applications, so we know what your system needs. These include systems that are applied to:
- Removal of endotoxins via pre-filtration Water For Injection (WFI) systems
- Bacterial culture and virus recovery
- Removal of surfactants such as the PVA that is excreted from the excipient from nanoparticles that are inherent in drug loading
- The separation of both large and small biomolecules (including clarification/removal of all contaminants)
- Diafiltration (for either buffer exchange, removal of biomolecules, or desalination)
- Desalination and concentration of peptides, DNA, RNA, proteins, and oligonucleotide
- Recovery/separation and purification of the recombinant proteins and antibodies (from your cell culture media)
- Purification and recovery of plasmid DNA (either from cDNA in blood or from cell culture)
- Cell harvesting
- Reduction of bioburden, including the removal or reduction of endotoxin load
- Recovery and/or removal of virus particles
- Vaccine (and conjugate) diafiltration and concentration
- Protein mixture fractionation
- Purification and fractionation of blood plasma
Addressing the needs of your TFF system
There are four primary methods of tangential flow filtration. Any issues that you have with your existing system and processes will be dependant on the form of TFF that you adopt. At MAControls, you can rest easy knowing that our qualified engineers can tackle any system, no matter how long it has been in place. From brand new systems that aren’t working as well as you hoped, to obsolete equipment use that you think is going to hold you back from improved system efficiency, we can analyse your needs and provide the servicing that will bring you to optimal productivity and efficiency. The TFF systems that we service and maintain include:
- Microfiltration and Particulate: This is the type of system that will make use of membranes that have pore sizes designed to remove either larger microorganisms or particulates
- Ultrafiltration: The membranes used in ultrafiltration will be smaller, meaning that they are better able to reject both microorganisms and soluble macromolecules (such as proteins)
- Nanofiltration: This is the TFF system that uses the membranes with the smallest pore sizes (generally at 10 Angstroms, although some TFF systems will require even smaller)
- Reverse Osmosis: This is the type of system that uses non-porous membranes for the rejection and removal of those solutes that have a low molecular mass (such as salts and organic compounds)
Whatever system you have in place, MAControls engineers can ensure that your equipment is always working at full efficiency and that you have full access to the servicing and parts that you need to continue working.
Spare Parts and Breakdowns: MAControls are the specialists
It is accepted that any system or equipment will run into difficulties over a set period of time. Talk to our engineers today for a full evaluation of your Tangential Flow Filtration maintenance needs and criteria. While some parts of your system will need replacement as part of either a time based or condition-based Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) procedure, the unexpected can still happen at any time. This is especially true of such sensitive equipment of the type seen in TFF settings. Our PPM procedures ensure that parts are replaced before they fail, enhancing the reliability of your workflow and reducing the risk of failure at critical moments in a production run.
When it comes to replacing parts, we will evaluate every section of your existing systems. This will include the:
- Valve diaphragms
- Sanitary seals
- O-rings and other seals
- Pump seals, check valves, and additional diaphragms
- pH electrodes
- PLC batteries
If you struggle to find parts that may be obsolete, you can rest easy with MAControls, as we can either source those spare parts that are challenging to find, or can even find the alternatives that will improve the overall efficiency of your TFF setup. No matter your needs, we ensure that your TFF system is always able to function at optimum levels for maximum efficiency.
Optimising Your TFF Process with MAControls
When it comes to Tangential Flow Filtration servicing, we work hard to ensure that your setup is as productive as possible. The steps and criteria that we follow have been designed by our engineers to guarantee improved system efficiency for a broad range of clients. The process includes gaining a clearer definition of your objectives and success criteria.
To ensure improvements, we evaluate your processing goals and the aims of your TFF process. This will make it easier to a) maintain your equipment to the optimal standards, and b) source the parts that you need. Operating conditions will be addressed, as will the specifics of your system and the membranes that you make use of. This focus on understanding your goals and objectives makes it far easier to make improvements to your feed volume reduction and the recovery or removal of extraneous cells. Operating conditions are of paramount importance, which is why we focus on the development and optimisation of your given applications. The operation of every tangential flow filtration system is different, which is why the initial step of developing a deeper understanding of your goals and aims is so crucial.
MAControls and TFF Scalability
Most facilities and environments that make use of cross flow filtration will have to give some thought to the scalability of their TFF system. Being able to scale-up effectively makes for a more robust operation. Of course, many systems are inherently challenging in terms of ensuring linearity and consistency throughout a period of growth or an increase in work orders. Our maintenance and servicing mean that you get access to our years of experience, and our engineers can help you make improvements to your TFF system for easier scalability. We can advise you on whether a serial or parallel configuration is most suitable for your environment and operations setup, and we will ensure that you remain at the high performance levels that can maintain your growth and your existing productivity.
No matter your tangential flow filtration equipment or system needs, the MAControl engineers are here to help. For both emergency situations and long-term servicing solutions, we are the TFF experts that understand the precision needed to keep your facility operating at peak efficiency. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help your TFF system be the best it can be.
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