Filtration of Spirits, Distils and other Alcoholic Liquids
Spirits, distils and other alcoholic solutions are very complex liquids which differ greatly according to the raw material used, the alcoholic fermentation, the distilling method, the blending, and maturing technique employed.
Industrial alcohol ( 98% Vol.) is of a lower quality and is mass produced. Whereas in branded products, the production is rather limited, great care is taken at each processing step and attention is given to each detail. The production of such brands are more of an art than a science and is often a well-guarded secret.
To produce a clear and stable end-product the spirit/alcoholic solutions are often cooled to sub-zero temperatures and kept at these conditions for days. Depending on the product, fining or processing additives are added. Activated carbon (AC) may also be introduced at this stage.
FILTER-O-MAT® / SYNOX® - DE-Filtration (Precoat Filtration)
For the filtration of alcoholic liquids, good results are obtained when using a horizontal pressure leaf filter (FILTER-O-MAT 110) or a candle filter (SYNOX) whichever filter system is preferred. The filters are available either as hand-operated plants or fitted with pneumatic control systems, associated software and safety features. Depending of the product to be filtered, the filtration may be carried out at refrigerated temperatures. In cases where the product has an alcohol content in excess of 45 - 50% Vol. it is recommended to build the entire filtration plant (elec. motors, cables and the switch gear) in an explosion-proof finish.
NOVOX® - Plate and Frame Filter
This filter system can be recommended for all pre-filtered products. The filter can be used down-stream to the DE-Filter (precoat filtration), for medium or fine filtration purposes and/or for the filtration of final products prior to filling or packaging.
FIBRAFIX® - Depth Filter Sheets and Washable Sheets
A wide range of filter sheets with different pore sizes are available for the filtration of different products. The range covers coarse filtration, clarifying filtration to sterile filtration, whichever function is required. Filter sheets can be sterilized with hot water and thereafter be re-used for a period of days. Filtrox produces a "carbon impregnated filter sheet" specially designed for the filtration of spirits and distils.
PURAFIX® - Depth Filter Sheets and Lenticular Modules
This version of depth filter sheets was develloped for pharmaceutical applications. However escpecially this in terms of extractable ions very clean version of the FILBRAFIX® - Sheets is frequently used for high percentage alcoholic beverages.
DISCSTAR® - Lenticular Filtration
This type of filtration system can be recommended for all products with a high degree of clarity, prior to filtration. The filter can very snugly be built into any pipe system and according to the pore size of the lenticular cartridges (lenticular modules), it can be used as a police filter, polishing filter or for sterile filtration. Lenticular cartridge filters can be drained with ease, can be sterilized with hot water or steam and re-used.
CARBOFIL™ - Activated Carbon Impregnated Sheets and Modules
Filtrox produces a "carbon impregnated module" specially designed for the filtration of spirits and distils.