Thanks Lum and Tom, I really apreciate the info. Lum, Where could I
find filter plates for a pad filter? I already have a pump. Could I
get just the filter setup or could I build it myself to save some $$$
???? As I understand what I read Tom I can get pad filters treated
with DE. Is that correct?


Bob

"Tom S" > wrote in message .com>...
> "bob" > wrote in message
> om...
> > I assume a tight filter is .45 microns or less.
>
> That would be 0.45µ _absolute_ if your intention is to render the wine free
> of yeast and bacteria.
>
> Do you
> > have any recommendations for small scale wineries/large scale home
> > winemakers as far as a filtering system goes?? Any input would be
> > greatly appreciated.
>
> I recommend that you check out D.E.filtration, but something like a Buon
> Vino could be really useful for a barrel or two. Media is cheaper with a
> D.E. setup, but pads are not terribly expensive either.
>
> If you're considering future expansion of your operations, a plate & frame
> filter is the way to go. Remember this, though: To do _sterile_
> filtrations you need to run the wine through a _membrane_ filter, rated at
> 0.45µ _absolute_.
>
> There's a simple test you can perform on your filtration apparatus to be
> sure that it is sterile-tight. It's called a "bubble point". Basically,
> what you do is push water through the filter with gas - typically nitrogen -
> and measure the filter medium's breakdown pressure (after all the water's
> been pushed through), and gas bubbles start to pass through the membrane.
> IIRC, it's over 30 PSI for a 0.45µ membrane. (Ask the mfgr. They would
> have the data.) If the bubbles start to come sooner, the membrane's
> ruptured or there's a leak somewhere. It's up to you to figure out which.
> If the bubble point has been reached without "passing gas", or it just
> _barely_started_ to gas, you're good to go.
>
> Did I mention that filtration is a PIA?
>
> Tom S