Quote Originally Posted by JTH View Post
Other than using an autoclave or pressure cooker, what is the best way to sterilize filters?

The reason I ask is that I’ve been doing tons and tons of research regarding filters (both bottle top and 47mm filtering flask types) and I’ve found that most, if not all, of the plastics that are utilized for the reservoir on top of the bottle top filters are not compatible with BA or BB or both.

So, I’ve decided to utilize my filtering flask/300ml funnel vacuum setup.

By the way, I’ve decided to use Whatman Regenerated Cellulose (RC) membranes. I tried the polypropylene-backed PTFE membranes; however, the BB melted the polypropylene backing from off the membrane (this is what led to me discovering that Bb and/or BA or not compatible with most bottle top reservoir plastics!

i did consider PVDF; however, half of the compatibility charts said PVDF was compatible with BB with other charts saying either BB is not compatible or there was no data available. Regenerated cellulose, according to all charts I seen, is comapatible with BB and BA.

So, again, how would you guys sterilize the filter discs/membranes?
BA and alcohols in general are used as disinfectants. So the filter won't get sterilized. TBH they are clean enough to be used for filtering. I've never heard of anyone having any problems. I know some people soak it in alcohol before they use it (and let it dry).

PVDF filters are compatible with BB and BA, never had any issues while using these filters. I've even used PES, those filters can usually handle a small amount of BB (if you filter it fast) without starting to break down.

My advice about those membranes is you can either sterilize them for real, I can send a small summary/Article that I've written about sterilizing equipment if you PM me. Or you just use it as is, that's what I've done.
If you decide to use the membrane discs as is, brew small batches that you'll use up in a short time.