Filter housings

SaniFlow STU-X

316L multi-element filter housing

High-flow filtration for regulated pharmaceutical and biotech processes

316L stainless steel sanitary filter housing for 3 to 36 cartridges, interior Ra ≤ 0.4 µm, ASME BPE design, 3.1 certificate and SIP at 121–135 °C.

Line: SaniFlow · AISI 304 and 316L stainless steel
Lengths: 10″ · 20″ · 30″ · 40″
Series: STU-X
Manufacturing: Argentina · metal fabrication plant

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SaniFlow STU-X, 316L multi-element filter housing by Exova

Description

The SaniFlow STU-X is an AISI 316L stainless steel sanitary filter housing that holds multiple cartridges, designed for the requirements of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The standard code covers 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24 or 36 cartridges from 10″ to 40″, on a double O-ring seat plate that lets you scale up flow with the same sealing configuration.

The design follows ASME BPE guidelines: geometry without dead zones, generous internal radii, polished orbital welds and an interior polished to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm. The bowl bottom slopes toward the drain, with a vent at the high point and a drain at the low point, and the housing withstands repeated clean steam sterilization cycles at 121–135 °C.

Connections are clamp only, from 1 1/2″ to 4″: threaded and flanged joints are not offered, because they leave non-drainable crevices, and neither are DOE cartridges, which do not provide a positive seal between the dirty side and the clean side. Every unit is passivated and hydrostatically tested, and is supplied with a 3.1 heat certificate per EN 10204 and a passivation certificate.

Sanitary design per ASME BPE

No dead zones, with generous internal radii and polished orbital welds that make cleaning validation easier.

Interior polished to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm

Sanitary mechanical polish that reduces anchoring points for bioburden and limits biofilm formation.

Traceable 316L with 3.1 certificate

Product-contact parts in AISI 316L, with a 3.1 heat certificate per EN 10204 and traceability of materials and welds.

SIP with clean steam at 121–135 °C

Withstands repeated cleaning and sterilization cycles without compromising the sealing geometry.

Full drainability

Bottom sloped toward the drain and minimal residual volume; vent at the high point and drain at the low point.

Ready for qualification

Material, passivation and hydrostatic test certificates, with optional IQ/OQ protocols to qualify the equipment on site.

Technical specifications

Request the PDF catalog

Materials and finish

Product-contact parts	AISI 316L
Frame and legs	AISI 304 or 316L, per specification
Interior finish	Ra ≤ 0.4 µm (sanitary mechanical polish)
Exterior finish	Ra ≤ 0.8 µm
Gaskets and elastomers	Platinum-cured silicone, EPDM, Viton or PTFE-encapsulated Viton, compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177 and USP Class VI

Compatible cartridges

Quantity	3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24 or 36; more elements on request
Diameter	2 1/2″ (standard cartridge)
Configurations	B: 2 × 226 O-rings + fin · C: 2 × 222 O-rings + fin · D: 2 × 226 O-rings + flat end · E: 2 × 222 O-rings + flat end
Lengths	10″, 20″, 30″ and 40″
Seat	Double O-ring seat plate

Connections

Inlet and outlet	Clamp per ASME BPE: 1 1/2″, 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″ and 4″
Vent and drain	Diaphragm valve, clamp 1 1/2″ or clamp 2″

Operating conditions

Operating pressure	Up to 10 bar (150 psig); calculation per ASME Section VIII Div. 1 on request
Operating temperature	−10 °C to 150 °C (14 °F to 300 °F), depending on the elastomer
Sterilization	SIP cycles with clean steam at 121–135 °C

Testing and documentation

Tests	Chemical passivation and hydrostatic testing of 100 % of units
Certificates	3.1 heat certificate per EN 10204 and passivation certificate
Qualification	Optional IQ/OQ protocols

Design

Bottom support	With legs

Quality and compliance

Design per ASME BPE guidelines
3.1 heat certificate per EN 10204 for product-contact parts
Passivation certificate and hydrostatic test report with every unit
Chemical passivation and hydrostatic testing of 100 % of units
Elastomers with FDA 21 CFR 177 and USP Class VI declaration of conformity
IQ/OQ qualification protocols available
Calculation per ASME Section VIII Div. 1 available on request

Applications

Sterilizing filtration of parenteral solutions
Filtration of ophthalmic and large-volume solutions
Prefiltration and final filtration of PW and WFI loops
Buffers and cell culture media in biotechnology
Syrups, oral solutions and liquid dosage forms
CIP fluids and process solution recovery

Industries

Pharmaceutical and biotech

Frequently asked questions

Why is it not offered for DOE cartridges?

Because a double open end cartridge does not provide a positive seal between the dirty side and the clean side. The STU-X accepts only cartridges with a 226 or 222 double O-ring (configurations B, C, D and E).

Why clamp connections only?

Threaded and flanged joints leave non-drainable crevices. That is why the STU-X is offered with clamp connections per ASME BPE, in 1 1/2″, 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″ or 4″.

What documentation is supplied?

Every unit ships with a 3.1 heat certificate per EN 10204, a passivation certificate and a hydrostatic test report. The elastomers have an FDA 21 CFR 177 and USP Class VI declaration of conformity, and IQ/OQ protocols are available for on-site commissioning.

Can it be steam sterilized?

Yes. It is designed for repeated cleaning and sterilization cycles with clean steam at 121–135 °C without compromising the sealing geometry. The operating range is −10 °C to 150 °C, depending on the elastomer.

How many cartridges does it hold?

3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24 or 36 cartridges from 10″ to 40″, on a double O-ring seat plate. It can be customized for a larger number.

SaniFlow line