Category: Updates

Type 1 Water Parameters

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Type 1 Ultrapure Water Contaminant Removal

This table outlines the contaminants that must be removed to achieve Type 1 ultrapure water quality (HPLC, LC-MS, ICP-MS, molecular biology, cell culture), including the target parameter, filtration or purification media, method, and the logic for removal.

ContaminantTypical Type 1 Spec / RequirementFiltration / Purification MediaMethodLogic for Removal
Particulates< 1 µm (often 0.2 µm final), USP <788> compliantDepth filters, membrane filters (PES, PTFE, nylon)MicrofiltrationPrevents blockages in HPLC columns, avoids scattering in detectors, protects downstream equipment.
Bacteria< 1 CFU/100 mL (ideally non detectable)0.2 µm sterilizing-grade membranes, UV (254 nm)Microfiltration + UV killPrevents biofilm, endotoxin formation, and sample contamination.
Endotoxins< 0.25 EU/mL (cell culture grade)Positively charged membranes (nylon-66, PES)Adsorptive filtrationNegatively charged endotoxins bind to cationic surface; essential for cell culture to prevent immune reactions.
RNase< detection limit (molecular biology grade)Ultrafiltration (5–10 kDa MWCO), cationic membranesSize exclusion + electrostatic adsorptionEnzymes too large to pass UF pores; bound by positive charges to prevent RNA degradation.
DNase< detection limit (molecular biology grade)Ultrafiltration (5–10 kDa MWCO), cationic membranesSize exclusion + electrostatic adsorptionSame principle as RNase; protects DNA integrity in PCR/sequencing.
Ions (cations/anions)Resistivity 18.2 MΩ·cm at 25 °CMixed-bed ion exchange resins (H⁺/OH⁻)Ion exchangeRemoves dissolved salts and charged species, critical for low background conductivity and accurate analysis.
Silica< 0.01 mg/L for ICP-MSStrong-base anion exchange resinIon exchangeSilica interferes in trace metals analysis and damages some equipment.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)< 5 ppb (LC-MS grade)UV oxidation (185 nm) + activated carbon + C18 (optional)Oxidation + adsorptionUV converts organics to CO₂, which IX removes; carbon/C18 adsorb hydrophobic organics to prevent ghost peaks and noise.
Volatile Organics< detection for LC/GC applicationsActivated carbon, VOC-specific adsorbentsAdsorptionPrevents contamination in GC or headspace analysis.
Trace Metals< 0.01 ppb for ICP-MSChelating resins, ultrapure IX resinsIon exchange / chelationMetals cause false positives in ICP-MS and damage instruments.
Pyrogens< 0.25 EU/mLPositively charged UF membranesAdsorptive ultrafiltrationPyrogens cause fever/inflammation in biological systems; removal critical for in vivo/in vitro work.
ColloidsNon detectableUltrafiltration (10–50 nm)Size exclusionPrevents baseline drift and fouling of LC columns, optical detectors.

Purific = Lab water.

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For the Ones Who Can’t Afford to Wonder

Not every lab belongs here.
Only the ones who refuse to gamble with their results.

Some labs hope their water system will work.
These labs know they will.

They’re not here for excuses.
They’re here for results they can trust,
day and night, year after year.

These labs know that reliability isn’t a feature,
it’s the foundation.
It’s the difference between running an experiment
and finishing one.

They don’t brag about their water system.
They don’t have to.
It just works. Always.

In a world of variables, control what you can.

Purific Visits Aquatech Amsterdam 2025

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We had an incredible time at Aquatech Amsterdam, connecting with industry leaders, exploring cutting-edge water tech, and staying ahead of the curve of innovation in water purification! 💧✨

From breakthrough solutions to powerful partnerships, the event reinforced why sustainable, smart water management is the future. Thanks to everyone we connected with—let’s keep pushing the boundaries of pure water! 💙

Ultrapure Water Purity Requirements for Specific Applications

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ParameterASTM D1193 Type 1ISO 3696 Type 1CLSI-CLRW Type 1HPLCLC-MSICP-MS & MSMolecular Biology (PCR, RNA, DNA)Cell Culture & Clinical Chemistry
Resistivity18.2 MΩ·cm18.0 MΩ·cm18.2 MΩ·cm18.2 MΩ·cm18.2 MΩ·cm18.2 MΩ·cm18.2 MΩ·cm18.2 MΩ·cm
Conductivity≤ 0.055 µS/cm≤ 0.056 µS/cm≤ 0.055 µS/cm≤ 0.055 µS/cm≤ 0.055 µS/cm≤ 0.055 µS/cm≤ 0.055 µS/cm≤ 0.055 µS/cm
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)< 2 ppb< 10 ppb< 500 ppb< 5 ppb< 3 ppb< 2 ppb< 5 ppb< 3 ppb
Bacteria< 0.01 CFU/mL< 10 CFU/mL< 10 CFU/mL< 0.01 CFU/mL< 0.01 CFU/mL< 0.01 CFU/mL< 0.01 CFU/mL< 0.01 CFU/mL
EndotoxinsN/AN/A< 0.03 EU/mLN/AN/AN/A< 0.001 EU/mL< 0.001 EU/mL
Particulates (>0.2 µm)< 1 particle/mL< 1 particle/mLN/A< 1 particle/mL< 1 particle/mL< 1 particle/mL< 1 particle/mL< 1 particle/mL
Silica< 3 ppb< 500 ppbN/AN/AN/A< 3 ppbN/AN/A
Heavy Metals< 1 ppb< 10 ppbN/AN/A< 0.1 ppb< 1 ppbN/AN/A
Ionic Contaminants (Na⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, etc.)Ultra-low levelsUltra-low levelsUltra-low levelsUltra-low levels< 0.1 ppbUltra-low levelsUltra-low levelsUltra-low levels
RNase/DNaseN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ANot detectableN/A
ProteasesN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ANot detectableN/A
pH StabilityEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssential

Key Takeaways

Cell Culture & Clinical Chemistry → Prioritize bacteria & endotoxin removal.

HPLC & LC-MS → Require low TOC, ionic removal, and particulate filtration.

ICP-MS & Mass Spectrometry → Demand ultra-trace metal-free and silica-free water.

Molecular Biology & PCR → Must be RNase/DNase-free, endotoxin-free.

Source: Chat GTP

The Role of Absolute Filters in Producing Ultrapure Water

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In the world of laboratories and high-precision industries, ultrapure water (UPW) is a cornerstone for achieving reliable and reproducible results. Whether it’s in molecular biology, semiconductor manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals, the quality of ultrapure water must be uncompromised. This is where absolute filters come into play, acting as critical components in the water purification process.

What Are Absolute Filters?

Absolute filters are precision-engineered filtration media designed to remove particles, microorganisms, and impurities down to a specific, guaranteed pore size. Unlike nominal filters, which may allow small percentages of particles to pass, absolute filters guarantee retention of contaminants at or above their rated pore size, typically ranging from 0.2 microns to as small as 0.01 microns.

This performance is essential in ultrapure water systems, where even the smallest impurities can compromise results.

Key Purposes of Absolute Filters in Ultrapure Water Systems

  1. Removal of Fine Particles and Microorganisms
    Absolute filters are typically used as a final barrier in the water purification process. They efficiently remove fine particulates, bacteria, and even endotoxins, ensuring water meets the stringent purity requirements for laboratory and industrial applications.
    • Example: A 0.2-micron absolute filter can effectively eliminate bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common contaminant in water systems.
  2. Safeguarding Downstream Processes
    In ultrapure water systems, components like deionization resins and reverse osmosis membranes require protection from fouling and clogging caused by particulates. Absolute filters act as guardians, prolonging the life of these critical components and ensuring consistent performance.
  3. Critical for Sterile Applications
    Absolute filters are indispensable in applications requiring sterility, such as pharmaceutical water systems or lab environments for cell culture. Their reliability ensures that no microorganisms are introduced into sensitive experiments or manufacturing processes.
  4. Achieving Consistent Water Quality
    The removal of sub-micron particles ensures that ultrapure water meets the strict standards set by organizations like ASTM International, CLSI, and ISO. This consistency is vital for industries where deviations in water quality can lead to product defects or failed experiments.
  5. Supporting Environmental Responsibility
    By enabling the removal of contaminants at such fine levels, absolute filters help reduce the reliance on chemicals for water purification, supporting more sustainable practices in laboratories and industries.

Advancements in Absolute Filter Technology

Modern absolute filters are designed with high-flow, low-pressure-drop characteristics, allowing for efficient water movement without compromising on filtration quality. Some are even integrated with anti-biofouling coatings to reduce microbial growth and maintain filter longevity.

For ultrapure water systems, these advancements translate into cost savings, higher reliability, and reduced maintenance.

The Bigger Picture: A Clean and Reliable Future

Absolute filters are more than just a filtration medium; they are a crucial enabler for technological and scientific advancements. By providing a reliable barrier against contaminants, they empower laboratories and industries to push boundaries with confidence.

Whether you’re running sensitive chemical analyses, producing pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing semiconductors, absolute filters are at the heart of ultrapure water systems, ensuring the purity and reliability your operations demand.

If you’re considering upgrading or implementing ultrapure water systems, understanding how absolute filters fit into your process can make all the difference. Ready to explore solutions tailored to your needs? Let’s connect!

Why is ultrapure water corrosive?

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Ultrapure water is considered corrosive due to its extreme purity and lack of dissolved ions. Here’s why:

1. Ion Deficiency and Aggressiveness:

  • Deionization: Ultrapure water has been stripped of nearly all its dissolved ions and impurities, making it highly ion-deficient. This creates a strong chemical potential to absorb ions from any material it comes into contact with.
  • Aggressiveness: Because it lacks ions, ultrapure water is “hungry” for them. It will readily dissolve and absorb ions from surfaces, such as metals, plastics, and even glass, in an attempt to reach a more stable chemical state.

2. High Resistivity:

  • Electrical Properties: Ultrapure water has very high electrical resistivity (around 18.2 megohm-cm at 25°C). This means it does not conduct electricity well due to the absence of free ions. Materials that would normally resist corrosion in regular water can become vulnerable when exposed to ultrapure water because the water can more easily pull ions from the material.

3. Surface Reactions:

  • Surface Leaching: When ultrapure water comes into contact with a material, it can leach ions and molecules from the surface, leading to corrosion or degradation. For example, in metals, this can lead to pitting or general corrosion, and in plastics, it can lead to the leaching of additives or plasticizers.

4. Impact on Protective Layers:

  • Oxide Layers: Some metals, like stainless steel, rely on a thin oxide layer for corrosion resistance. Ultrapure water can dissolve or disrupt this protective layer, making the underlying metal more susceptible to corrosion.

5. Non-Buffering Nature:

  • Lack of Buffering Capacity: Ultrapure water has no buffering capacity, meaning it can easily become acidic or basic if exposed to contaminants or air. This shift in pH can further enhance its corrosive properties.

Conclusion:

Ultrapure water’s corrosive nature is not due to any chemical aggressiveness like that of acids or bases, but rather its extreme purity and strong tendency to equilibrate by absorbing ions and impurities from the materials it contacts. This makes it particularly challenging to handle and store without contamination or material degradation.

Is Ultrapure water corrosive?

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Type 1 ultrapure water is so pure that it is actually corrosive to some materials. This is because ultrapure water has an extremely high resistivity (typically 18.2 megohm-cm at 25°C) and lacks any dissolved ions, which means it has a strong tendency to absorb ions and impurities from any material it comes into contact with. This can cause corrosion or degradation in materials that aren’t specifically designed to handle such high-purity water, such as certain metals and even some types of glass or plastics. Because of its aggressive nature, ultrapure water is often used in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and other applications where even the slightest contamination can have significant consequences.

Some of the recommended materials that can be used for handling and processing ultrapure water include.

1. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

  • Properties: Excellent chemical resistance, low extractables, high purity, and non-reactive.
  • Applications: Tubing, seals, gaskets, and fittings.

2. Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane (PFA)

  • Properties: High purity, excellent chemical resistance, and maintains clarity and flexibility.
  • Applications: Tubing, fittings, and valves.

3. Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

  • Properties: Good chemical resistance, high purity, and mechanical strength.
  • Applications: Piping, fittings, and valve components.

4. Polypropylene (PP)

  • Properties: Good chemical resistance, low cost, and suitable for DI water at lower purity levels.
  • Applications: Piping, tanks, and valve bodies.

5. High-Purity Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Properties: Good chemical resistance and high purity.
  • Applications: Tubing, containers, and fittings.

6. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

  • Properties: Excellent chemical resistance, high strength, and low extractables.
  • Applications: Tubing, fittings, and pump components.

7. Quartz (Silica)

  • Properties: Extremely high purity and inertness.
  • Applications: Piping and containers, often in semiconductor processing.

8. Stainless Steel (316)

  • Properties: High corrosion resistance, often electropolished for ultra-high purity applications.
  • Applications: Piping, valves, and fittings, usually for non-corrosive DI water applications.
  • Avoid using 304 grade stainless and ensure all welds have been polished and passivated.

9. Borosilicate Glass

  • Properties: High resistance to chemical leaching, but less durable than plastic options.
  • Applications: Laboratory containers and some piping systems

Read the next article on ‘Why is ultrapure water corrosive?‘ to find out more.

Is Type 1 or Type 2 water higher quality?

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Short answer, type 1 water is purer than type 2, but there is a lot more to take into consideration before specifying one.

As the use of instruments requiring specific qualities of water increases, laboratories are moving away from the traditional Type 1, 2, and 3 specifications and toward a set of guidelines which are laid out in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) G40-A4-AMD guidelines.

These include:

  • Clinical Laboratory Reagent Water (CLRW)
  • Special Reagent Water (SRW)

There are three main bodies who have had influence in establishing water standards over the years, these are CLSI with the G40-A4-AMD guidelines (mentioned above), ISO with 3696:1987, and ASTM which uses D1193-06.

All of these standards vary in some way and can cause confusion when a grade is specified without directing which organisation’s standard is being referenced. This makes it essential to ensure that your laboratories unique requirements are accounted for when specifying what level of purification you require.

Clinical Laboratory Reagent Water (CLRW)

For reference a standard Purific purification system would fall into the CLRW range with the following properties and is comparable to a traditional Type 2 in water quality. This grade water comes from the regular specifications for blood chemistry analysers requiring this high purity water.

  • ≥10 MΩ/cm at 25 °C Resistivity
  • <10 CFU/mL
  • TOC <500 mg/g (ppb)
  • 0.22 µm absolute final filtration near or at the final output stage of the purification system.

Special Reagent Water (SRW)

Special reagent water is used when different quality water to CLRW s required. In essence it is similar to CLRW but may have more or less stringent parameters added to meet the requirements of the laboratories procedures.

Some applications include

  • Trace organic analysis.
  • DNA and RNA testing.
  • Trace metal analysis.
  • Cell/tissue/organ culture and florescent antibody detection of microorganisms.
  • Low CO2 water.

Feel free to call one of our friendly team to ask further questions should your laboratory require a specific grade water on 1800 573 316 or send an email to service@purific.com