Filtration of Vinegar
Vinegar is made from the oxidation of ethanol in wine, cider, fermented fruit juices and/or other liquids containing alcohol. Traditional vinegar fermentation is a slow process and can take weeks or even months. However fast methods of vinegar making, using a bacteria culture at controlled temperature and forced introduction of air, improves the oxidation and fermentation process considerably, thus reducing the fermentation process to hours rather than days. "Balsamic vinegar" is an aromatic, aged type vinegar traditionally manufactured in Italy. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in colour, is sweet, rich in flavour and considered the finest vinegar money can buy. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a strong/corrosive acid and all machine parts which come into contact with the product, must be in stainless steel quality 316L or better.
CERINOX® - Ceramic cross micro-filtration (CMF)
Cross micro-filtration (CMF) with ceramic membranes (pore size 0.2 micron) works very well for the filtration of vinegar. Ceramic membranes are resistant to the strong acetic acid and have a long lifespan. These plants can be tailor-made to each client's needs and required flow rates and are available as hand-controlled and semi or fully automated mode. These plants are available in stainless steel quality 316L or better. CMF-filtration represents state-of-the-art filtration.
FILTER-O-MAT® - DE-Filtration
For the filtering of vinegar, good results are obtained when using a horizontal pressure leaf filter (FILTER-O-MAT 110). This filter is available in stainless steel quality 316L and is designed to withstand the corrosive acidities of vinegar. Filtration rates for wine -and apple vinegar are approx. 800 - 1'000 l/m2/h, however for special vinegar brands, which contain spices and/or herbs, the filtration rate is reduced. The filters are available as hand-operated or fitted with pneumatic control systems, associated software and safety features. An integrated CIP-system makes the filter efficient and user-friendly.
NOVOX® - Plate and Frame Filter
For fine or polishing filtration a plate and frame filter, with associated filter pads, may be used. This filter plant is also available in stainless steel quality 316L and can be designed for almost any flow rate.
FIBRAFIX® - Depth Filter Sheets and Washable Sheets
A wide range of depth filter sheets with different pore sizes are available. Filter sheets can be sterilized with hot water and then re-used for a period of days. Filtrox also produces a "carbon impregnated filter sheet" designed for special duties and products.
DISCSTAR® - Lenticular Filtration - Depth Filter Module 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 (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. Filtrox also produces a "carbon impregnated module" specially designed for the filtration of special products.