ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCE TOGETHER®
Research. Development. Production.
Infinite water purification.
ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCE TOGETHER®
Research. Development. Production.
Infinite water purification.
pure (Type 2) water holds a significant role in laboratories everywhere.
Researchers, scientists and engineers working in environments that range from pharmaceutical, biotech, research, and chemical labs to university, hospital or clinical facilities—as well as food and beverage labs—all depend on pure water to support their work. Pure water is used in nearly all laboratory applications, including preparation of microbiological media, buffers and pH solutions. It is also used as a source of feed water to ultrapure water purification systems, clinical analyzers, weatherometers, washing machines and stainless steel autoclaves.
In spite of the importance of pure water, many existing water purification systems still involve high costs and extensive maintenance due to inefficient or outdated technology. Furthermore, most water purification systems on the market are unable to guarantee production of consistently pure water. When choosing a pure water system for a laboratory, users need to keep these facts in mind, and carefully research their purchase. By determining selection criteria parameters (instant and daily pure water volume needs; water quality monitoring requirements; any industry certification requirements), and by discussing specific application needs with industry water purification experts, users can help ensure identification of the right water purification system for their environment.
Although various technologies exist for the production of Type 2 water, the most efficient way to produce pure water is to begin with reverse osmosis (RO) and follow with either deionization (RO-DI) or electrodeionization (RO-Elix® EDI technology). Today, Millipore has combined these technologies in a comprehensive range of systems, which include the latest Elix Advantage models.
Elix Advantage systems use Elix technology to produce constant-quality pure water easily and efficiently.
In a first step, tap water is treated by a Progard® cartridge, and then purified by reverse osmosis to
produce RO Type 3 water, which enters the Elix module. In the Elix module, ion exchange resins are
continuously regenerated via an electrical current. This process requires only very small amounts of water
and energy. No special maintenance or chemical regeneration that would deteriorate the resin beads is needed.
This unique process has become the new standard for the production of Type 2 water, and is replacing both
distillation and conventional deionization units in the laboratory.
In general, water that has been purified using Elix technology is suitable for use with analyses at the parts
per million (ppm) or high parts per billion (ppb) levels. It may also be used for several other purposes in a
laboratory:
Millipore and electrodeionization (EDI) development
Starting in the early 1980's, Millipore began to build on existing electrodeionization technology (first invented in the 1950's1,2). By concentrating significant research capacity on this promising technology, Millipore was able to develop a second-generation EDI (Elix) module in 1996. This module introduced mixed-bed resins in the concentrating (waste) compartments, as well as a development covered by a U.S. patent: the inclusion of carbon beads in the cathode compartment3 . These changes made it possible to reduce the electrical supply required by the module and also eliminate the need for water softeners.
Several years later, this module was followed by the third and latest generation of EDI design. This newest Elix module incorporates scalability, segmented electrodes that enable optimum DC amperage to deionize and regenerate the ion exchange resins in each of the module's sub-compartments (E.U. patent No. 1466656)4, as well as the ability to operate with higher concentrations of CO2 in the feed water without any negative effects on product water quality.
EDI is a sustainable technology that combines the strengths of several key purification technologies or media. The EDI module is never used as a stand-alone device, but instead constitutes an integral part of a global water purification system that can include a pretreatment pack, RO technology and a germicidal ultraviolet (UV) lamp. Our objective of continuous improvement has led us to identify several ways that EDI technology might be further improved. Today Millipore R&D researchers are evaluating these hypotheses; we are convinced that the results of these and other investigations will shape future technological advances in EDI development.
(1) Walters, W.R.; Weister, D.W.; Marek, L.J. "Concentration of Radioactive Aqueous Wastes – Electromigration through Ion-Exchange membranes," Indust. Engin. Chem., 47, 61-67, (1955).
(2) Kollsman, P. in U.S. Patent No. 2,815,320, "Method of and Apparatus for Treating Ionic Fluids by Dialysis," (1957).
(3) Denoncourt, J.P. and Moulin, J. in U.S. Patent No. 5,593, 563, "Electrodeionization Process for Purifying a Liquid," (1997).
(4) De Los Reyes, G.; Yacteen, W.; Bejtlich, C.L.; Sarioglu, T. in E.U. Patent No. 1466656.
in pure water quality is crucial in laboratory applications. The Elix Advantage system provides consistent, reliable pure water, saving users time and money. Combining Millipore's patented Elix electrodeionization technology with the most advanced purification technologies (optimized pretreatment and advanced reverse osmosis; UV sanitization and pure water recirculation to maintain low bacteria levels), the Elix Advantage system uses potable tap water to produce consistent, high quality pure water for all your lab's needs. It is important to note that using Elix water as feed for Type I Milli-Q systems will help ensure optimal ultrapure water quality and also extend the lifetime of the Type I system(s).
Unlike resins used in service deionization that demand chemical regeneration or costly resin replacement, ion exchange resins in the Elix module are continually regenerated by a small electric current—a fact that gives the pure water produced by the Elix Advantage system an unprecedented level of consistent high quality with no need for external chemical regeneration.
The Elix Advantage system is designed to meet or exceed the highest standards, such as the requirements described by ISO® 3696 (Grade 2 water); ASTM® D1193 (Type II resistivity and TOC Table I specifications); and by the United States, European and Japanese Pharmacopeias for Purified Water.
"After discovering that the mouse brain cells we were using in our research appeared unhealthy due to poor RO water quality, we bought an Elix® Advantage system to supply feed water to our Milli-Q® Gradient system (with BioPak® final filter). When we started using the Elix system, ultrapure water TOC levels dropped from over 30 down to 3 ppb, and we now have constant-quality pure water that matches our needs."
Michael Beierlein, Ph. D.
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
University of Texas Medical School
Houston. Texas, U.S.A.
To read the full story, see www.millipore.com/labwater
For more information: Millipore R&D Notebook-RD004 "Impact of feedwater quality on the production of ultrapure water"
have small daily water volume requirements that can be met with individual point-of-use pure water systems. Other laboratories requiring larger volumes of pure water today have the option of choosing from centralized or stand-alone water purification systems. In some cases, both types of systems may be present in a facility in order to meet scientists' specific needs.
In situations where RO water is delivered to multiple laboratories in a central “loop” configuration, end-users sometimes find that it is preferable to change to an installation that provides them with greater control over the quality of the water produced for use with their applications. This can be done quite easily by discontinuing use of the RO centralized water supply, and introducing one or more Elix Advantage systems to produce pure water directly from tap water. The pure water produced by the Elix systems can then be used for all a lab's pure water needs, including the production of feed water for Milli-Q ultrapure water purification systems.
to see how Elix Advantage users gain better control over their pure water production:
the unique design of the Elix electrodeionization module is based in part on the continuous regeneration of ion exchange resins, no costly resin replacement or regeneration is necessary. The system requires a single Progard® pretreatment pack to remove the particles, free chlorine and colloids present in potable tap water. Otherwise, there is no need for polishing packs, anti-scaling or conditioning cartridges, or for extra softeners for pure water production. For many laboratories, this fact represents a substantial budgetary savings.
Electricity consumption for the system is also low-especially compared to conventional distillation equipment,
which uses up to 200 times more energy than the Elix Advantage system! Elix Advantage users save on tap water
use, as well. In fact, the system's RO-reject water recirculation loop allows a considerable volume of water
to be recovered and reused.
Additionally, there are no added costs for the purchase of the strong chemicals needed to regenerate resins
or clean still boilers, or for the transportation and storage of resin cartridges or bottled water.
appropriate maintenance is necessary to keep your Elix Advantage water purification system in optimal condition. Regular maintenance helps not only to ensure pure water of consistently high quality, but also to protect the lifespan of your system.
Maintenance procedures for the Elix Advantage are minimal and in line with the rest of the system's cutting-edge technology. They range from automatic self-cleaning functions that ensure the best operating conditions for the reverse osmosis membrane, to messages letting you know 15 days in advance that the pre-treatment packs will need to be changed.
In addition, RFID technology registers Progard data when the pack is inserted, providing traceability and protecting against the use of an inappropriate pack. And, as an option, the Elix Advantage system can self-manage its own service agenda.
"The system is very easy to use, and the pretreatment packs are also simple to replace."
Todd Lowings,
lab manager at Abcam,
manufacturer of monoclonal antibodies, Cambridge, UK
pure water dispensers at the point of use conveniently provide Elix Advantage system users with complete control over pressurized pure water with low bacteria levels*. With E-POD dispensers, there is no need to transport water with cumbersome carboys: users can choose manual or automatic dispensing, leaving them free to focus on their work—the system shuts off automatically once the requested volume had been dispensed. Up to three E-POD units can be installed per system, enabling Elix Advantage users to configure their installation to fit lab requirements. In addition, Application Pak final filters, such as the Millipak®, BioPak®, or EDS-Pak® units, are available and can be fitted to the E-POD dispenser to match specific applications. Last but not least, the absence of dead legs in the E-POD dispenser's design avoids bacterial contamination from stagnating water.
The E-POD dispenser display is integrated in the base of the unit, providing users with all the information needed for daily use at a glance: water quality data, system status, tank level, maintenance messages and water dispensing information.
*Bacteria levels of < 0.1 cfu/ml if Millipak® filter with Millipore Express® membrane or Biopak filter is used as Application Pak.
"What we like most is the ability to place the POD unit in another room. It's really very convenient. Plus, we can choose the volume that we need, program the POD and leave the room. It's an advantage over the older systems we had previously."
Monika Landeta,
lab technician working on DNA-chip hybridization,
Progenika Biopharma, S.A.,
Vizcaya,
Spain
of the Elix Advantage system makes it a perfect solution that can easily be adapted to changes in laboratory configurations. The system's compact water purification unit was designed with space constraints in mind, and can either be placed on or below the bench or wall-installed to fit the needs of today's laboratories.
Ergonomic E-POD dispensers can be placed in convenient locations in the lab (up to three per system!) to provide efficient, pressurized pure water where and when it is needed.
"Today, main benefits of the system are without a doubt ease-of-use, and especially the flexible, volumetric water delivery we get with the compact E-POD—no more carboys! I'd definitely recommend this system to other labs like us."
Mr. Sasportes,
biomedical lab co-owner,
Laboratoire du Vert Galant,
Paris area, France
and reliability of pure water quality are crucial in laboratory applications. Thanks to its unique design and use of combined purification technologies (Pretreatment, Elix electrodeionization, advanced reverse osmosis, pure water recirculation, UV lamp sanitization) the Elix Advantage system provides consistent water quality.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resistivity | > 5 MΩ.cm @ 25 °C, typically 10 to 15 MΩ.cm* @ 25 °C |
| TOC typically | < 30 ppb |
If pure water is sourced from an E-POD unit, the following water quality specifications are achieved:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | < 0.1 cfu/ml* |
| Particulates < 0.22 µm | < 1 particulate/ml* |
| Pyrogens (endotoxins) | < 0.001 EU/ml** |
| RNases | < 0.01 ng/ml** |
| DNases | < 4 pg/µl** |
* With Millipak® filter with Millipore Express® membrane or BioPak® ultrafilter as Application Pak.
** With BioPak ultrafilter as Application Pak
bactericidal UV lamp sanitizes the pure water produced by the Elix Advantage system as it leaves the system and enters the storage reservoir. During storage, bacterial levels remain low due to the fact that the water is recirculated at regular intervals from the tank back to the system's UV lamp. A second UV lamp in the reservoir's Automatic Sanitization Module (ASM) can provide up to 60 minutes a day of UV exposure, for an added germicidal effect on the stored water. Finally, the E POD dispenser is designed to prevent any dead legs and to allow water delivery through a 0.22 µm final filter.
All of these features enable the Elix Advantage system to produce pure water with bacteria counts of less than 0.1cfu/ml and provide optimum water quality for bacteria-sensitive applications.
"When my lab was being renovated recently, I took the opportunity to purchase three Elix Advantage systems. I didn't want a service DI system, because I had one in the past and I just don't trust this method. Before I could use it, it was necessary to run 40 liters of water through the system before the resistivity value stabilized—and then I still had bacteria counts of 10 cfu/ml !
In comparison, at 0.1 cfu/ml, the bacteria control of the Elix Advantage is impressive!"
Spencer Hiraki,
Chemistry Department manager,
Good Samaritan Hospital,
San Jose, California U.S.A.
takes pride in the quality of its products. Our objective of providing customers with the best products and services we can deliver begins in the design phase and extends throughout the lifetime of our systems.
Quality you can count on Elix Advantage systems are manufactured in an ISO® 90001 v. 2000 and ISO 14001-registered manufacturing site*, and are certified for safety and electromagnetic compatibility (CE, cUL, FCC).
The systems are delivered with several certificates that attest to our commitment to quality:
All system consumables benefits from Millipore's strict quality control procedures.
* ISO certificates available upon request
Application Pak point-of-use filters are validated for efficient removal of the specific contaminants
they target
"We chose the Elix Advantage system as a solution to our lab water needs today—and also to prepare for the future. We'll need to apply for accreditation in less than six years, so we want to be ready ahead of time. The fact that Millipore can assist us in the validation process was one of the reasons for our choice, as well as the quality control assurance we get with the Elix system."
Mr. Sasportes, biomedical lab co-owner, Laboratoire du Vert Galant, Paris area, France
Millipore's Service Program is designed to cover your all your service requirements ranging from installation and customized user training to preventive maintenance visits, verification/calibration of monitoring devices, validation support and pharmacopeia suitability tests.
If you work in a validated environment and need to qualify your Elix Advantage system, Millipore can assist you in complying with regulatory standards for your industry. Using qualification procedures developed specifically for our water purification systems, Millipore's trained Field Service Support Engineers provide the support you need, using calibrated equipment and Qualification Workbooks.
Advancing Life Science Together®
Research. Development. Production.
Millipore, Advancing Life Science Together, Elix, Progard, Milli-Q, BioPak, E-POD, Millipak and Millipore
Express are registered trademarks of Millipore Corporation. The M mark, ICW-3000, and Millitrack are
trademarks of Millipore Corporation.
ISO is a registered trademark of the International Organization for Standardization, ASTM is a registered
trademark of the American Society for Testing and Materials.
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