A filter holder for receiving filter cassettes (19) and a method for sterilizing the filter are provided. The filter holder has first and second parallel plates (3, 4). The first plate (3) is fixed and the second plate (4) is movable along at least one rail (2) by a drive (7, 9) so that the filter cassettes (19) can be clamped between the plates (3, 4) with a predefined clamping pressure. The drive (7, 9) is designed to be removable. The at least one rail (2) has at least one tension rod (5) with a spring clamping element (6) so that the first and second plates (3, 4) can be clamped with a pre-definable pressure against the filter cassettes (19).
