Scaling Up Filtration

In laboratories, environmental monitoring stations, and industrial research facilities, filtration quietly plays one of the most critical roles in sample preparation. It may not always draw attention like high-end analytical instruments, but without an effective filtration step, downstream processes can be slowed, compromised, or even rendered invalid. Filtration determines whether a sample is free from unwanted debris, whether particle sizes are separated with precision, and whether the material is ready for accurate analysis or further processing.

For many scientists, Lab Cell Strainers are an everyday tool — reliable for handling standard sample sizes with precision. But as research demands evolve, there’s often a need to process far more than the usual few milliliters. Large-scale environmental water testing, agricultural sample processing, or cell culture harvests can easily push sample volumes from hundreds of milliliters to several liters. In these scenarios, traditional strainers may slow down workflows, introduce variability, and require repeated handling steps that eat into valuable lab time.

The pluriStrainer Maxi was developed to meet this challenge head-on. Capable of handling volumes from 100 mL to over 10 liters, it delivers the same accuracy and reliability as smaller devices — but on a scale that supports high-throughput research without added complexity.

Understanding the Need for Scalable Filtration

Many filtration products work well for small sample volumes, but they can quickly become inefficient when scaled up. If you’ve ever tried to strain multiple liters of sample through a standard lab filter or small-volume cell strainer, you know the challenges:

– Time-consuming filtration due to limited surface area.

– Frequent clogging that interrupts workflow.

– Manual refilling that wastes valuable time.

– Inconsistent results because filtration parameters vary between batches.

In high-volume workflows — such as environmental water testing, agricultural product analysis, or large-scale cell isolation — these bottlenecks aren’t just inconvenient. They can delay projects, increase labor costs, and even introduce variability that affects data accuracy.

The pluriStrainer Maxi addresses these pain points by scaling the same precision filtration approach found in smaller PluriSelect products to a much larger capacity, all while maintaining consistency and ease of use.

What is the pluriStrainer Maxi?

The pluriStrainer Maxi is a bottle-top sieving device designed for sample volumes larger than 100 mL, all the way up to more than 10 liters. It’s available in 13 different mesh sizes ranging from 5 μm to 2,000 μm, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications.

Key features include:

1. Large-Volume Compatibility

Handles small batches and multi-liter samples with equal efficiency, allowing one device to cover both pilot studies and full-scale operations without switching equipment.

2. Versatile Mesh Size Range

With 13 mesh sizes (5 μm to 2,000 μm), it can be used for everything from fine microplastic isolation to filtering out coarse debris in agricultural or environmental samples.

3. Built-In Low-Pressure Connection Ports

These allow for gentle pressure-assisted filtration, speeding up processing and preventing slowdowns when working with viscous or particulate-rich samples.

4. Stackable Design

Multiple strainers can be stacked so samples pass through progressively finer meshes in one step, reducing handling and avoiding contamination risks.

5. Broad Bottle Compatibility

Fits any GL45 bottle and adapts easily to GL32 and GL80 bottles with a screw adapter, making integration into existing setups straightforward.

6. Optional Funnel Attachment

Accommodates very large volumes in a single pour, eliminating the need for constant manual refilling during filtration.

These design elements mean the pluriStrainer Maxi is not just a larger strainer — it’s a scalable filtration system that retains the precision of smaller Lab Cell Strainers but extends their capabilities to meet the needs of high-volume workflows.

How It Handles Large-Volume Samples

The real advantage of the pluriStrainer Maxi lies in its ability to handle big jobs without introducing the inefficiencies usually associated with large-scale filtration. Here’s how it manages that balance:

Increased Surface Area for Faster Throughput

One of the main reasons filtration slows down with higher volumes is the limited surface area of the filter membrane. The pluriStrainer Maxi offers a larger filtration surface, which allows more liquid to pass through at once and reduces the risk of clogging.

Pressure-Assisted Filtration Option

The built-in low-pressure connection ports give users the option to connect the strainer to a gentle pressure system. This not only speeds up the process but also ensures consistent flow rates for uniform results — especially important when processing multiple large batches.

Self-Refilling Capability

The self-refilling design eliminates downtime between pours. When used with a compatible funnel or pressure-assisted setup, you can run continuous filtration without the stop-and-start rhythm common in smaller devices.

Stackable for Multi-Step Filtration

In workflows that require multiple filtration steps (for example, removing large debris before fine particulate capture), stackable strainers can save hours. You simply place the strainers on top of one another, starting with the largest mesh size on top and working down to the finest mesh below. This means you can process in one pass what would otherwise require multiple separate filtration stages.

Application Areas

Because of its scalability and versatility, the pluriStrainer Maxi has found applications in a wide range of disciplines.

Environmental Analysis

In water quality studies, especially when collecting samples from lakes, rivers, or wastewater systems, large volumes are often necessary for accurate representation. The pluriStrainer Maxi can quickly remove debris, sediment, or specific particle sizes for further study.

Agricultural Sciences

Researchers studying soil suspensions, plant extracts, or agricultural runoff benefit from being able to process liters of sample without multiple small-volume runs.

Microplastic Analysis

The increasing global concern over microplastics has led to more studies that require large-scale water filtration. By offering mesh sizes down to 5 μm, the pluriStrainer Maxi supports precise particle size separation while maintaining high throughput.

Food and Beverage Testing

From juice pulp removal to brewing research, filtration plays a key role in quality control. The pluriStrainer Maxi allows these processes to be performed efficiently at scale.

Cell Separation in Large Cultures

For biotechnology labs that work with large-volume cell cultures, scaling up without losing cell viability or consistency is essential. When paired with the precision of smaller Lab Cell Strainers, the pluriStrainer Maxi can be part of an integrated large-to-small filtration workflow.

Benefits of Scaling Up with pluriStrainer Maxi

When moving from small-scale research to higher throughput operations, the pluriStrainer Maxi offers several important advantages that directly improve workflow efficiency and research quality.

– Time Efficiency

Large-volume filtration can easily become a bottleneck if performed with tools designed for small samples. The pluriStrainer Maxi’s expanded filtration surface and optional low-pressure ports enable researchers to process liters of sample in minutes rather than hours. This speed is especially valuable in time-sensitive experiments or when handling multiple large batches in a single day.

– Consistency

Using different filtration tools for small and large samples can introduce variability between batches. The pluriStrainer Maxi allows you to scale up while maintaining the same filtration parameters, ensuring consistent particle size separation and reproducibility across all experiments — a crucial factor in research accuracy and regulatory compliance.

– Adaptability

One device can accommodate a wide range of sample types, from environmental water samples rich in particulates to delicate cell suspensions. With 13 mesh sizes available, the pluriStrainer Maxi adapts easily to changing project needs without requiring multiple dedicated filtration systems.

– Ease of Integration

The device is compatible with standard GL45 laboratory bottles and can be adapted for GL32 and GL80 bottles with simple screw adapters. It also connects seamlessly to low-pressure systems, meaning most labs can integrate it into their existing setup without additional investment in new infrastructure.

– Cost Savings

By reducing filtration time, minimizing the need for multiple devices, and lowering consumable use, the pluriStrainer Maxi helps cut operational costs. Less manual handling also means fewer potential errors, which can prevent costly rework or sample loss.

Best Practices for Using the pluriStrainer Maxi

Even with a high-capacity system, following good practices will help you get the most out of the pluriStrainer Maxi and keep it performing at peak efficiency.

Select the Correct Mesh Size

Always match the mesh size to your filtration goal. If you’re just removing large debris, a coarse mesh like 100 μm will work and prevent clogging. If your aim is to capture fine particles, such as microplastics or small cell aggregates, a finer mesh like 10 μm is more suitable. Choosing the right mesh ensures you retain what you need while letting unwanted material pass through efficiently.

Pre-Rinse Before Use

Before filtering sensitive samples, especially in cell culture or molecular biology applications, give the strainer a quick rinse with sterile water or buffer. This step removes any residual manufacturing particles and reduces the risk of contamination that could affect results.

Use a Funnel for Large Batches

When working with liters of sample, a compatible funnel attachment allows you to pour continuously without pausing to refill small amounts. This speeds up processing and keeps your workflow uninterrupted.

Consider Pressure Assistance for Difficult Samples

If your sample is thick, viscous, or contains a high concentration of particulates, gentle low-pressure assistance can keep the filtration moving steadily. This prevents blockages and ensures you don’t waste time manually coaxing the liquid through.

Stack for Multi-Step Filtration

For samples that need multiple levels of separation, stack strainers starting with the largest mesh on top and the finest at the bottom. This setup lets you filter in one pass, protects the finer mesh from rapid clogging, and saves significant time compared to running each filtration step separately.

Why the pluriStrainer Maxi is a Strategic Investment

For laboratories and companies that regularly handle large-volume samples, the pluriStrainer Maxi isn’t just another piece of filtration equipment — it’s a long-term solution that grows with your research needs. Many teams try to manage bigger jobs by repurposing small-volume tools, but this often leads to inefficiency, inconsistent results, and wasted resources. The pluriStrainer Maxi is purpose-built for scale, allowing you to process from 100 mL to over 10 liters with the same precision you expect from smaller devices.

Its adaptability is a key advantage: the wide mesh size range and compatibility with multiple bottle types mean it can serve multiple projects across different disciplines. From environmental monitoring to agricultural testing and bioprocessing, it helps standardize workflows, reduce variability, and cut processing times. By integrating easily into existing setups, it eliminates the need for costly infrastructure changes — making it a practical, future-proof investment for high-throughput research.

Conclusion

Scaling up filtration doesn’t have to mean adding unnecessary complexity to your workflow. The pluriStrainer Maxi offers a simple yet highly effective way to handle large volumes — from 100 mL to over 10 liters — without compromising precision or speed. It takes the proven reliability of smaller Lab Cell Strainers and applies it to a format built for high-throughput needs, ensuring that even large-scale sample preparation can be done with consistency and ease.

Its range of 13 mesh sizes means it can adapt to everything from coarse debris removal to fine particle isolation. The built-in option for pressure-assisted filtration speeds up challenging runs, while the stackable design allows multi-step filtration in a single process. Compatibility with multiple bottle types ensures it can fit seamlessly into existing lab setups without expensive modifications.

For researchers and industries aiming to process more samples in less time — whether in environmental monitoring, agricultural testing, or large-scale bioprocessing — the pluriStrainer Maxi is more than just a filtration device. It’s a workflow enhancer, a time saver, and a tool that helps maintain the highest standards of quality and reproducibility. In short, it’s a smart investment for any lab serious about scaling up without slowing down.