"Kim" > wrote in message
om...
> I'm looking at buying a mini jet filtering system for my wines. I
> make a number of different small quantity fruit wines - normally
> anywhere from 1 gal to 5 gal batches. I don't anticipate filtering
> all the wines as most clear very well on their own. But I give away
> probably half of my wines as gifts, and I'm just as fussy about their
> appearance as I am their quality. This is one piece of equip that
> I've pondered purchasing for some time. My questions are these:
>
> 1. The unit offered for sale comes with two #2 filters, are those
> standard?

I don't know. I'll let someone else answer that.

> 2. Can a filter be re-used, or are they good for one application
> only?

If you were to filter two wines consecutively, you might be able to get away
with reuse. BTW, at the very beginning with new pads you should run
citric/sulfite through the filter first, then run water through to rinse
that out, then the wine. If you can arrange to "push" the water through
with inert gas (nitrogen or argon) that'll help prevent dilution of your
wine.

> 3. Can a large batch sometimes require more than 1 filter?

Unfortunately, yes. That's why you should always get the wine as clear as
possible by natural methods first. The best candidate for filtration is a
wine that doesn't look like it needs to be filtered.

> 4. Will filtering generally replace the act of fining a wine?

Apples and oranges. You should fine and settle the wine prior to
filtration. A light bentonite fining is the minimum.

> 5. Is the filtering system easy to clean and relatively maintenance
> free?

Most that I've seen are. Keep a good supply of extra pads on hand.

Tom S