Filtration process for new bottling line
The bottling plant had just set up a new bottling line for wine, which they had no prior experience with. The wine they receive for bottling is pre-treated by the wine maker and is relatively pure. Even so, various kinds of filters are needed to ensure the wine is as sterile as possible when it goes into the bottles. It was up to our experts to help our customer with the best advice.
Pre-filtration & Membrane filters.
We got everyone together, including the customer, to take stock of the complete process and designed an innovative solution. We developed a test to determine the level of filterability of the wine. Whenever the wine does not meet the specifications, it goes into pre-filtration before the bottling process. We use kieselguhr plates for this pre-filtration step. These pre-filters are an effective way to protect the membrane filters and extend their service life. After all, these membrane filters are used to filter the wine so that it is sterile when it is bottled.
When the customer starts bottling, the operators obviously first check the membrane filters for leaks. They do this by forcing air through the filters under high pressure – 600 mbar. During the process, they also discovered that it is essential for the filters to be wet, because when they are too dry, the air passes through the pores unobstructed.
To keep them wet, they are now rinsed with water for a considerable time. We have also optimised the cleaning process and changed cleaning agents. The ‘old’ cleaning agents left the filters too dry, while they need to be nice and moist for the best results.
These changes ended up saving the customer a lot of money, as their membrane filters now last longer and there is less downtime.
Overall, BÈTA industrie’s advice has helped this customer secure considerable cost savings. They now use far fewer expensive membrane filters. The bottling process is now also a lot more effective and includes more quality checks.
