| Research
Areas - Continuous Flow Centrifugation (CFC)
SMI scientists
have conducted extensive studies of methods for the detection of waterborne pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and SMI is the only EPA-approved laboratory
that can offer both continuous flow centrifugation and capsule filtration for compliance monitoring
of these waterborne parasites. CFC
is an innovative, EPA-approved concentration technique that has been validated across a range of sample volumes and water matrices. CFC is unmatched in its capacity to accommodate high turbidity waters, as the technology is not subject to membrane fouling. Utilities relying upon CFC testing will be able to avoid the added expense associated with the use of multiple filters when sample turbidities would otherwise result in clogged membranes.
CFC
Receives EPA Approval for Use in Method 1623
CFC
has passed the USEPA
Tier 2 1623 screening process for new technologies for Cryptosporidium detection in water. Under
Method 1623, CFC concentrates are subjected to EPA-approved
analytic procedures used for confirming the presence and
numbers of protozoan parasites in water.
The Tier 2 approval extends the utility of CFC to all laboratories
interested in providing Cryptosporidium testing
in drinking water.
SMI
Documents Superior Method Performance on US EPA Proficiency
Testing Samples Using CFC
SMI
participates in the EPA's nationwide Performance Testing
Program for Cryptosporidium.
SMI scientists have employed CFC to produce some of the
highest average Giardia and Cryptosporidium recoveries in the country under the national PT program.
The average recoveries for Giardia and Cryptosporidium for SMI scientists were 63% and 74%, respectively,
during the February 2004 round of performance testing samples.
The Cryptosporidium recovery efficiencies exceeded the national average from participating laboratories by 20%.
CFC For Multi-Pathogen Concentration
SMI
scientists have successfully applied CFC towards the concentration of
bacteria, Giardia & Cryptosporidium from source and finished waters.
Additionally, CFC can be used as a sample pretreatment step
for capture of viruses in water. CFC removes larger
particles that may contribute to matrix inferferences, while
allowing for downstream capture of suspended viruses by innovative
electropositive virus filters (ViroCap™).
The ViroCap™
filter is an innovative charged filter membrane that is
now available both as a
disc-cut membrane as well as a cartridge format for large
volume sample processing. Contact
SMI if you are interested
in using this product.
Technical
Publications and Presentations
SMI
demonstrated CFC technologies at the 2004 and 2005 American
Water Works, Water
Quality Technology Conference. For a slide show on CFC, please check the following link: CFC
Presentation.
NEW!
VelPro CFC 200
For further information about SMI's services, please feel to contact a project manager at (574) 277-4078. |
