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Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) Membrane Filters

The standard filter for most aerosol sampling in industrial hygiene applications, mixed cellulose ester (MCE or MEC) membrane filters are comprised of pure, biologically inert mixtures of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate. MCE membranes are naturally low in metal background and are compatible with dilute bases and acids and aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. MCE filters are hydrophilic and autoclavable.

  • Meet NIOSH and OSHA method specifications for monitoring airborne metals, and other fibres
  • Biologically inert
  • Complete dissolution and clearing
  • Purity — low artifacts
  • Minimal interference in fibre counting
  • Standard digestion procedures
  • Gridded filters for fibre counting
  • Ideal for air monitoring, AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy analysis), ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis) and transmitted light microscopy applications
  • NIOSH is using MCE membranes to study nanoparticle morphology and elemental makeup

Airborne Metals — NIOSH 7300, OSHA ID121, 125G

SKC MCE membranes meet NIOSH specifications for the collection and analysis of airborne metals. MCE is easily digested by dilute nitric acid which makes it ideal for atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. Specifically Part number 225-19 is most commonly used with the IOM and the specifications match those referenced in a significant number of MDHS's.

Asbestos Fibres — NIOSH 7400, OSHA ID160

MCE pore structure collapses when exposed to acetone vapour and offers minimal interferences in fibre counting. This makes it highly suitable for the collection and analysis of asbestos and other fibres. See Preloaded MCE filters for asbestos.

Additional applications include monitoring for some pesticides and fluorides. See the Sampling Solutions for further applications.

  • MCE Filters

    Diameter (mm) Pore Size (µm) Support Pad included    Notes Pack Size Part Number  
    13 5.0 No Use with Mini-Sampler 100 225-8050  225-8050 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 13mm, Pore Size 5.0 µm 
    25 0.45 No   100 225-1911  225-1911 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 25mm, Pore Size 0.45 µm 
    25 0.8 No Use with IOM Sampler 100 225-1930  225-1930 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 25mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    25 0.8 Yes Use with IOM Sampler 100 225-19  225-19 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 25mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    25 0.8 No Black grid, principally used for asbestos sampling in UK 100 225-1913  225-1913 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 25mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm, used for asbestos sampling in the UK 
    25 1.2 No Cellulose, ashless, recommended for use with the Button Sampler 100 225-1912  225-1912 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 25mm, Pore Size 1.2 µm 
    25 1.2 No Black grid, low asbestos fibre background 100 225-1917  225-1917 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 25mm, Pore Size 1.2 µm, Black grid, low asbestos fibre background 
    37 0.45 Yes   100 225-9  225-9 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.45 µm 
    37 0.45 No   100 225-1914  225-1914 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.45 µm 
    37 0.8 Yes   100 225-5  225-5 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    37 0.8 No   100 225-1939  225-1939 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    37 0.8 No Black grid 100 225-334  225-334 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    37 5.0 No   100 225-1938  225-1938 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 5.0 µm 
    47 0.45 No   100 225-506  225-506 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 47mm, Pore Size 0.45 µm 
    47 0.8 No   100 225-504  225-504 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters, diameter 47mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 

    Filter supports available

  • Matched-weight MCE Filters for Gravimetric Determination

    Matched-weight MCE filter pairs are certified as matched in weight to within 50 µg. Load the filters into a cassette; the top filter collects the contaminant, the bottom filter acts as a control. No preweighing or conditioning is required. After sampling, both filters are weighed and the difference between weights is the sample weight. Note these are not in preloaded cassettes.

    Diameter (mm) Filter Specifications Pack Size Part Number  
    37 MCE, 0.8 µm, matched-weight within 50 µg, filter pairs only.  50 Pairs 225-532  225-532 Matched-weight Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters for Gravimetric Determination, diameter 37mm 
    47 MCE, 0.8 µm, matched-weight within 50 µg, filter pairs only.  50 Pairs 225-531  225-531 Matched-weight Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters for Gravimetric Determination, diameter 47mm 
  • Pre-loaded MCE Filters

    All SKC preloaded filters include filter supports and are in SureSeal leak-free cassettes which require a SureSeal Cassette Opener.

    Diameter (mm) Pore Size (µm) Description Pack Size Part Number  
    25 0.8 3-piece clear styrene, banded 50 225-3100  225-3100 Pre-loaded Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters in 3-piece clear plastic cassette, diameter 25mm, Pore size 0.8 µm 
    25 1.2 3-piece black conductive polypropylene (goblet style with extension cowl), banded 50 225-507  225-507 Pre-loaded Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters in 3-piece black conductive cassette , diameter 25mm, Pore size 1.2 µm  
    37 0.45 3-piece black conductive, banded 50 225-1924  225-1924 Pre-loaded Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters in 3-piece black conductive cassette , diameter 37mm, Pore size 0.45 µm  
    37 0.45 4-piece clear styrene, banded, BestChek® quality tested for low asbestos fibre background; Certificate of Analysis included 50 225-1925 225-1925 4-piece clear styrene, banded, BestChek® quality tested for low asbestos fibre background; Certificate of Analysis included
    37 0.8 2-piece clear styrene, banded 50 225-508  225-508 Pre-loaded Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters in 2-piece clear plastic cassette, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    37 0.8 3-piece clear styrene, banded 50 225-3-01  225-3-01 Pre-loaded Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters in 3-piece clear plastic cassette, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    37 0.8 3-piece clear styrene, not banded 50 225-3-01NB  225-3-01NB Pre-loaded Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filters in 3-piece clear plastic cassette, diameter 37mm, Pore Size 0.8 µm 
    37 0.8 2-piece clear styrene; filter sealed to Solu-CAP cellulose acetate dome insert to eliminate sample loss for metal analysis 50 225-8517  225-8517 2-piece clear styrene; filter sealed to Solu-CAP cellulose acetate dome insert to eliminate sample loss for metal analysis 
    Cassette Opener, stainless steel, suitable for 25, 37, and 47-mm filter cassettes.
    Required for all SureSeal Cassettes.
    Each 225-13-5B  225-13-5B SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25 or 37 mm cassettes 
    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-3100

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-507

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-1924

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-1925

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-508

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-3-01/01NB

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-8517

    SureSeal Cassette Opener

    225-13-5B

  • Nano-Neat MCE Filter Cassettes

    Ultra-pure for sampling workplace chromium. Cassettes are tinted purple for easy identification. Each box contains a Certificate of Conformance. All SKC preloaded filters include supports and are in SureSeal leak-free cassettes that require a SureSeal Cassette Opener

    Diameter (mm) Cassette Description Filter Specifications Pack Size Part Number  
    25 2-piece purple styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat 50 225-8402  225-8402 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 2-piece Nano-Neat purple Cassettes, diameter 25mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    25 3-piece purple styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat 50 225-8404  225-8404 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 3-piece Nano-Neat purple Cassettes, diameter 25mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    37 2-piece purple styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat 50 225-8408  225-8408 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 2-piece Nano-Neat purple Cassettes, diameter 37mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    37 3-piece purple styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat 50 225-8410  225-8410 Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 3-piece Nano-Neat purple Cassettes, diameter 37mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25 or 37 mm SureSeal cassettes 225-13-5A  225-13-5A SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25 or 37 mm SureSeal cassettes 
    Nano-Neat MCE

    225-8402/8408

    Nano-Neat MCE

    225-8404/8410

  • Preloaded Matched-weight MCE Filter Cassettes

    All SKC preloaded filters include supports and are in SureSeal leak-free cassettes that require a SureSeal Cassette Opener.

    Diameter (mm) Cassette Description Filter Specifications Matched Weight Pack Size Part Number  
    25 2-piece clear styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE with support within 50 µg 50 225-525  225-525 Preloaded Matched-weight Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 2-piece clear Cassettes, diameter 25mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    37 3-piece clear styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE within 100 µg 50 225-3-02  225-3-02 Preloaded Matched-weight Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 3-piece clear Cassettes, diameter 37mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    37 2-piece clear styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE within 50 µg 50

    225-502  225-502 Preloaded Matched-weight Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 2-piece clear Cassettes, diameter 37mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    37 3-piece clear styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE within 50 µg 50
    10
    225-503
    225-528A
     225-503 Preloaded Matched-weight Mixed Cellulose Membrane (MCE) Filter in 3-piece clear Cassettes, diameter 37mm, Pore size 0.8µm 
    SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25 or 37 mm SureSeal cassettes Each 225-13-5B  225-13-5B SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25 or 37 mm cassettes 
    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-525

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-3-02

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-502/527

    Preloaded MCE Filters

    225-503/528

    SureSeal Cassette Open

    225-13-5B

Read more …Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) Membrane Filters

Coated (Treated) Filters

SKC offers coated filters to meet a variety of OSHA, NIOSH, ASTM, and international agency methods. 

Some chemicals are not effectively trapped by any solid sorbent without special preparation. Chemical coating is carried out on various sorbents to trap aldehydes, nitrogen dioxide, amines and many more compounds. Coated filters make sampling reactive compounds fast and easy. They are a convenient alternative to wet chemistry methods using impingers. Simply unplug the lightweight cassette, insert it into an SKC Filter Cassette Holder, clip holder to a worker’s collar, and attach to a personal sampling pump. Use coated filters to collect compounds that exist as an aerosol or mist or for some higher boiling vapours. Flow rates are typically greater than 1 L/min and sampling times range from 15 minutes to one hour. Most coated filter samples are extracted in solvents and analysed by gas or liquid chromatography.

  • Ready to use
  • Time-saving
  • Convenient alternative to impinger wet chemistry methods
  • Economical
  • No assembly required - preloaded into cassettes with end plugs and shrink bands
  • Meet agency method specifications
  • No cumbersome collection liquids or glass
  • Easy personal sampling
  • Small package size for short shelf-life product

The methods listed are the most widely used. Note also that coated filters have a limited shelf life and are supplied in 37 mm cassettes unless otherwise noted.

  • Coated Filters in Cassettes

    Click on the part  number to view the specific instruction sheet.

    Chemical Method Filter; Coating Pack Size Part Number
    Acetic anhydride OSHA 102 2 Glass fibre filters; veratrylamine and di-n-octyl phthalate 10 225-9010    
    4-Aminobiphenyl OSHA 93 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Aniline NIOSH 2017 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004 ¥  
    Arsenic, volatile compounds OSHA ID-1006 1 MCE filter and plastic pad; untreated and 1 cellulose support pad; sodium carbonate 10 225-9001
    Benzidine OSHA 65 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Bromine, chlorine NIOSH 6011 1 25 mm PTFE pre-filter and polypropylene support; 1 25 mm specially cleaned silver membrane and polypropylene support in 25 mm cassette 5 225-9006
    Crotonaldehyde OSHA 81 2 Glass fibre filters; 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and phosphoric acid 10 225-9019 §  
    o-Dianisidine OSHA 71 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    3,3-Dichlorobenzidine OSHA 65 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Diisocyanates &(HDI;2,6-TDI;2,4-TDI) ASTM D5836 Δ   1 Glass fibre filter and cellulose support; 1-(2-pyridyl) piperazine 10 225-9013 §     
    OSHA 5002 10 225-9002 §     
    Diphenylamine OSHA 78 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Fluorides OSHA ID-110
    NIOSH 7902
    ASTM D4765
    1 MCE filter and cellulose pad; sodium carbonate 10 225-9001 #  
    Fluorides, particulate NIOSH 7906 2 Nitrocellulose filters; 1 coated with sodium carbonate, 1 uncoated 10 225-9031
    Glutaraldehyde OSHA 64 2 Glass fibre filters; 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine and phosphoric acid 10 225-9003 §  
    Glyoxal For IFV 25 mm glass fibre filters; 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (filters only, in jar) 10 225-9036 §  
    Hexavalent Chromium in Chromium Plating Mist MDHS 52/4 25mm Polyvinylidine Fluoride Filter; sodium hydroxide (filters only) 24 225-9026
    Hydrazine OSHA 108 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9012
    Hydrofluoric acid NIOSH 7906 2 Nitrocellulose filters; 1 coated with sodium carbonate, 1 uncoated 10 225-9031
    Hydrogen bromide NIOSH 7907 2 Quartz filters and cellulose support; 1 coated with sodium carbonate, 1 uncoated 10 225-9032
    Hydrogen chloride NIOSH 7907 2 Quartz filters and cellulose support; 1 coated with sodium carbonate, 1 uncoated 10 225-9032
    Hydrogen Peroxide OSHA 1019 2 25 mm Quartz filters; titanium oxysulphate hydrate in 25 mm cassette 10 225-9030 (OSHA 1019)    
    NON 57 10 225-9030 (NON 57)    
    Isocyanates ASTM    1 PTFE filter, 1 Glass filter treated with MAMA

    (ISO-CHEK Sampling System)
    12 225-9022   
    36 225-9022A   
    Isocyanates (HDI;2,6-TDI;2,4-TDI) ASTM D5836 Δ   1 Glass fibre filter and cellulose support; 1-(2-pyridyl) piperazine 10 225-9013 §     
    OSHA 5002 10 225-9002 §     
    Isocyanates, organic MDHS 25/4 (UK) 1 25 mm A/E Glass filter; methoxyphenyl piperazine (filters only) 5 Special Order §  
    n-Isopropylaniline OSHA 78 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Maleic anhydride OSHA 86 2 Glass fibre filters; veratrylamine 10 225-9021 §  
    Maleic anhydride For IFV 1 25 mm Glass fibre filter; veratrylamine (filters only) 10 225-9028 §  
    Mercaptans
    (methyl-, ethyl-, n-butyl, and phenyl-)
    NIOSH 2542
    OSHA 26
    1 Glass fibre filter; mercuric acetate 10 225-9007 §  
    4,4'-Methylene bis (2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) OSHA 71 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Methylene bisphenyl (MDI) OSHA 47 1 Glass fibre filter and cellulose support; 1-(2-pyridyl) piperazine 10 225-9013 §     
    10 225-9002 §     
    4,4'-Methylenedianiline OSHA 57 Ω  
    NIOSH 5029
    2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    1-Naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine OSHA 93 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Nitric acid NIOSH 2017 2 Quartz filters and cellulose support; 1 coated with sodium carbonate, 1 uncoated 10 225-9032
    Nitrobenzene NIOSH 2017 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004 ¥  
    Ozone OSHA ID-214 2 Glass fibre filters; nitrite-impregnated 10 225-9014 §  
    Peracetic Acid OSHA PV2321 1 Quartz filters (R-100); titanium oxysulphate hydrate (TiOSO4) preloaded in 25 mm 2-piece clear cassette 10 225-9037    
    Phenylenediamine (o-, m-, p-) OSHA 87 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Phosphine OSHA 1003 1 Glass fibre filter; 1 polyester filter treated with mercuric chloride 10 225-9018 §     
    Phosphoric acid NIOSH 7908 1 Quartz filter 10 225-9033   
    Phthalic anhydride OSHA 90 2 Glass Fibre filters, veratrylamine 10 225-9034 §  
    Sulphur dioxide NIOSH 6004 (modified) 1 MCE pre-filter and support/1 cellulose filter and support; sodium carbonate 10 225-9005
    Sulphuric acid NIOSH 7908 1 Quartz filter 10 225-9033   
    2,4-Toluendiamine OSHA 65 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    2,6-Toluendiamine OSHA 65 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    o-Tolidine OSHA 71 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate and toluene-2,6-diisocyanate For IFV 1 25 mmGlass fibre filter and cellulose sopport; 1-(2-pyridl)piperazine (filters only) 10 225-9035 §  
    o-Toluidine NIOSH 2017 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004 ¥  
    Toluidine
    (o-, m-, p-)
    OSHA 73 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004
    1,3,5-triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGI) OSHA PV2055 1 Glass fibre filter; hydrobromic acid and cellulose support pad 10 225-9027 §     
    Trimellitic anhydride OSHA 98 2 Glass fibre filters; veratrylamine and di-n-octyl phthalate 10 225-9010    
    Valeraldehyde OSHA 85 3 Glass fibre filters; 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and phosphoric acid 10 225-9020 §  
    m-Xylenediamine (m-XDA, p-XDA) OSHA 105 2 Glass fibre filters; sulphuric acid 10 225-9004

    Notes

    § Storage below 4°C required

    Custom order due to very limited shelf-life

    While meeting the specifications of OSHA Methods 5002 and 47, Coated Filter Part Number. 225-9002 contains a higher than specified loading of reagent to increase stability and shelf-life. Coated Filter Part Number 225-9002 traps both vapour and aerosol phases. SKC also offers Coated Filter Part Number 225-9013 that contains the specified reagent loading for OSHA 47, but has a freezer shelf-life of only three months.

    Meets multiple ASTM methods, see ISO-CHEK Cassettes

    ¥ NIOSH Method 2017 also requires SKC Sorbent Tube Part No. 226-15.

    # Collects both vapour and aerosol phases of fluorides. The concept of sampling for fluorides in air using a double filter is patented in Canada by IRSST (Institut de recherche en santé et Robert-Suavé en sécurité du travail du Québec), Patent No. 1,299,114.

    Ω OSHA 57 is an update of NIOSH 5029 which called for a single filter

    Requires Impinger, Part No. 225-36-1

    Also requires Sorbent Tube Part Number 226-193-UC or 226-199-UC for simultaneous, separate sampling of peracetic acid

    Δ ASTM D5836 and D5932 for 2,4-TDI, 2,6-TDI only

    A coated filter is not needed for this method, as sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid are non-volatile acids and are present in the air as an aerosol.

    Requires impinger and sorbent trap for simultaneous sampling of PAA and Hydrogen Peroxide

  • Documentation

    Coated Filters instructions

    Coated Filters in Cassettes
    Instructions

Read more …Coated (Treated) Filters