Working with the right partner
As the ENT workstation is a medical device the main priority is implementing a filtration solution that will not jeopardise the efficacy of the unit.
There are a number of key requirements for any potential filter supplier including :
1. Experience in supplying and manufacturing filters for the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industry with particular reference to compliant materials of construction and performance requirements
2. Ability to develop prototypes quickly and work closely and communicate effectively with the customers product development team
3. Expertise in filtration and filtration processes, i.e. not just the manufacturer of the filter. The supplier should be able to advise and guide the OEM customer on the best filtration solution
Implementing an Improved Solution
A change in filter supplier is also a great opportunity for the OEM to reflect on the current offering. Working with the right partner can result in some significant improvements.
Validated product performance for the ENT workstation is paramount but there are also a number of changes that can be implemented to improve other aspects, such as branding and the retention of consumable business for the OEM.
Product Development
Due to there being several variations of the housing designs a number of modifications where made to the endcap of our 0.2 micron SupaPore NP by machining and 3D printing prototypes to ensure the best fit.
Image : Final design sterile water filter
The performance of the filter in terms of microbial retention, flowrate and autoclave resistance were all readily available in the comprehensive Product Validation Guide that accompanies all our filters.
Nylon membrane was retained by the customer to eliminate potentially having to re-validate the performance of the equipment with a different membrane such as PES. If PES had been the preferred option we are well placed to advise and help on the validation process.
OEM Branding
Branding of the filter and associated support documentation helps to give the end user confidence that the critical filtration element of the equipment is to be trusted.
Branding also helps to retain valuable consumable business as well as ensuring the validated performance of the ENT workstation.
For this project, as well as the filter , we supplied the following branded collateral:
- Customer name, part number and description on the filter endcap via laser etch
- Branded certificate of conformance
- Branded bag and box labelling
In addition to the above, a 'service kit' comprising of the filter and a housing 'o'ring seal was created. This assures full integrity of the filter and housing on replacement. Over time, housing seals can be damaged or suffer from compression set that could potentially compromise integrity.
Conclusion / Takeaways
When developing a retrofit filtration solution or something completely new it is really important to work with the manufacturer of the filter rather than a third party filter supplier.
Developing your product in conjunction with knowledgeable filtration experts can save time and money as well as potentially highlighting areas of competitive advantage for your OEM product.
Amazon Filters have worked in close partnership with many OEM clients from Healthcare (Endoscopy), Food & Beverage (bespoke filters for coffee machines) to transport ( ADBLUE filtration for diesel engines). As such you are in capable hands when needing help to develop your equipment whatever the industry you are working in.
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