Silicosen : What floorutions forthe sterile aeration, the gas diffusion and the venting of cultures?

Silicosen is the brand of porous components in sintered polyethylene from Hirschmann, engineered for sterile aeration, gas diffusion and controlled venting of laboratory devices. Used in cell culture, microbiology, fermentation and quality control, these filter elements ensure uniform flow, minimise contamination and integrate easily with glassware and standard vessels. Consistent porosity and clean finishes make Silicosen a safe choice for demanding environments. At Dutscher, the range is available in sizes and porosities tailored to your protocols.

A proven solution, backed by Hirschmann's laboratory expertise

Backed by the expertise of Hirschmann, the German benchmark for precision laboratory instruments, Silicosen has established itself as a straightforward, dependable answer to a critical need: getting air (or a gas) exactly where it’s needed, in the right way, while minimising the risk of contamination. Over the years, the brand has been adopted across the life sciences, bioprocessing and quality control for its uniform porosity, mechanical robustness and easy integration with bottles, jars, caps and culture devices. Designed and manufactured in Germany, Silicosen elements benefit from stringent control of materials and production cleanliness. Listening to users has guided the evolution of shapes (stoppers, tubes, discs) and porosity grades to optimise gas flow, bubble size and microbiological safety.

Expertise and areas of specialisation

Silicosen specialises in porous sintered polyethylene elements for sterile aeration, gas diffusion and controlled ventilation. The regular pore microstructure promotes homogeneous dispersion, generating fine bubbles that increase gas–liquid mass transfer while minimising shear — an advantage in cell culture and microbiology. In quality control and R&D, vented stoppers secure vessel venting and protect samples against particulate ingress.

Silicosen’s added value lies in controlled porosity, low particle retention and good resistance to aqueous media and many common solvents. Depending on the reference, sterile or autoclavable versions simplify integration into GMP-like protocols and hygiene-critical environments. Available shapes (conical stoppers, discs, rods and tubes) match standards for laboratory glassware and tubing, enabling compact assemblies on culture flasks, bottles, columns and caps with holes. Consistent European manufacturing (Germany) and technical support make Silicosen a robust, repeatable solution for life-science applications. Selected by Dutscher, the range spans needs from the bench to pilot scale, with selection advice based on gas flow rate, medium viscosity and the desired bubble size.

Silicosen products distributed by Dutscher.

Silicosen brand FAQs

What is Silicosen?
A range of porous elements in sintered polyethylene from Hirschmann, designed for sterile aeration, gas diffusion and controlled venting in the laboratory.

Are Silicosen elements autoclavable?
Several references support steam sterilisation. Check the data sheet for each model for the exact conditions (temperature, time, number of cycles).

What are the typical applications?
Cell culture, fermentation, shaken flasks, bottles, absorption columns, and safe venting for containers and perforated caps.

How do I choose porosity and shape?
Base your selection on gas flow rate, medium viscosity and the target bubble size. Available formats: conical plugs, discs, rods and tubes. Dutscher can advise you.

What about chemical compatibility?
Sintered PE withstands aqueous media and many common solvents. Avoid strong oxidising agents and always verify compatibility in the data sheet.

Where are Silicosen products made?
In Germany by Hirschmann, with manufacturer quality controls and batch traceability depending on the reference.