Filtration of vodkas

Main applications of Technofilter products and processes in producing vodkas and non-alcoholic beverages

? A regulated patented technique for producing vodkas without using carbon columns - "Silver filtration" - EPSF.UAg0.4 (ЭПСФ.УAg0.4).

? New regulated filtration technologies to improve organoleptic properties of vodkas:

   "Platinum filtration" - EPSF.UPt (ЭПСФ.УPt);

   "Golden filtration" - EPV.Pau (ЭПВ.ПAu) (Golden Silk).

? Polishing filtration (afterfiltration) of vodkas before the automatic filling machine using "Absolute-quality" series automatic systems.

? Stabilization of coloured alcoholic beverages by cartridge membrane filtration.

? Filtration of wine blends.

? Filtration of ingredients (alcoholic tinctures, fruit drinks, aromatic alcohols, sugar syrups, colours, etc).

? Removal of mechanical impurities from alcohol consigned from transport tanks or alcohol storages.

? Improvement of organoleptic properties of water (after reverse osmosis before preparation of water-alcohol mixtures) using new sorptive filter elements incorporating special natural active carbons and mineral sorbents.

? Refiltration of process waste.

? Improvement of organoleptic properties of beverages using a unique product, natural modifier of taste and aroma "Lepestki Roz" ("Petals of Roses") at dosages of 7 to 10 ml per 1000 dal.

Various processing arrangements for the filtration of vodkas

At present, the polishing filtration of vodkas before automatic filling machines is carried out by most distillery enterprises using a two-stage filtration format on the basis of cartridge microfilters.

The "prefilter-final filter" combination increases reliability of the process, ensures maximum productivity, a long service life and cost-effectiveness of the whole system.

Technofilter offers several combinations of microfilters of high-tech materials for various grades of vodkas.

* the system is selected depending on the intended grading of the beverage
The Optimum system is composed of high-efficiency pleated depth filters made of polypropylene and glass microfibre and features low cost, an extended service life without reconditioning and a high retention capacity for microparticles 1 μm (99.5%), which is due to good adsorptive properties of glass microfibres. The filter elements display superior wettability and inertness with regard to alcohols. They can be operated at low differential pressures. They impart good transparency and brilliance to the beverages.

The "Premium" system incorporating high-efficiency pleated depth filters on the basis of polypropylene and glass fibre displays a high retention capacity with regard to microparticles (0.5 to 0.9 μm - 99 to 99.5%) owing to exceptionally high porosity of polypropylene and glass fibre, and a long service life (before reconditioning). Filter elements made of 100% chemically stable polypropylene EPVg.P (ЭПВг.П) and glass fibre EPV.S (ЭПВ.С) feature excellent wettability with water, vodka and other drinks, are neutral towards alcohol-containing liquids, have a large surface area, and operate at low differential pressures. The stable matrix of the filters rules out particle shedding and ensures stability to pressure jumps and multiple reconditioning cycles.

The Elite system is composed of the high-efficiency pleated glass fibre depth filter EPV.STs (ЭПВ.СЦ) and the inherently hydrophilic Nylon membrane EPM.K (ЭПМ.К) having 99.98% retention efficiency of 0.8 μm particles. The surface mechanism of particle retention used by the membrane filter elements fully rules out penetration of retained particles into the filtrate (media migration as a result of hydroblow). Highly selective membrane filters impart to vodkas a special brilliance and increase significantly transparency and post-filling stability. This system is especially efficient when used to process vodkas produced by "Silver filtration", because the concentration of finely dispersed carbon dust in such vodkas is by a factor of magnitude lower compared to that in vodkas produced using carbon columns, especially the Poltovchanka system.

Brief specification of Technofilter's filter elements used for prefiltration and final filtration of vodkas and alcoholic beverages

Configuration of filtration systems

Filtration assemblies

On customer's request, Technofilter produces manually or automatically controlled systems UPF.R or UPF.A (УПФ.Р or УПФ.А) on the basis of NEW series multicartridge filter holders, designed for various flow rates (0.5 to 16.0 m³/hour or more). Technofilter designs, fabricates and assembles the systems in accordance with individual requirements of the customer.

The systems are compact, mobile and easy to operate. They can be installed permanently on a specific position, on a frame or on a mobile carriage. The systems consist of several filtration units, are completely assembled (pumping unit, measuring equipment, control valves, piping, etc) and are ready for operation.

"Absolute-quality" automatically controlled systems for the filtration of vodkas and alcoholic beverages.

"Absolute-quality" automatically controlled systems (UPF.A/УПФ.А) intended for final filtration before filling enjoy special popularity with customers at distillery plants.

The standard system is based on a 2-stage filtration concept.

The systems vary in the set of components (selected options) and the degree of automation. Everything depends on the beverage to be filtered and individual requirements of the customer.

Advantages

? Steadily high quality of beverages

? Optimum set of options, compact size

? Smooth start-up, no hydraulic blows

? Full exhaustion of service life of filter elements

? Real-time control over all filtration parameters of filter elements

? Reliable component parts

"Absolute-quality" systems make the process of filtration extremely graphic, reliable and cost-efficient for the customer. The user can have complete control over the process of filtration and feel assured of the final product quality.

Functional capabilities:

? the automatic unit ensures adjustment of the filtration system to any filling line (having mechanical, electromagnetic or pneumatic valve)

? Operator's touchpad for real-time control over all filtration parameters

? Automatic control devices provide optimum conditions for operation of filter elements (smooth start-up, no hydroblows)

? Automatic control of differential pressure at each filtration stage rules out the possibility of mechanical destruction of the filter package in the course of its plugging

? Automatic devices make it possible to use a more powerful pump which ensures complete exhaustion of the service life of filter elements

? The automatic system having PI regulator maintains a preset pressure of the product at the output of the assembly

? The use of a bypass line in combination with a shock absorber makes it possible not only to suppress hydroblows, but also to rule out any sharp pressure surges in the filters and at the output of the assembly

? The filtration system makes it possible to clean filter elements of micronaps in a closed loop.

The assemblies can have the function of pulse regeneration of filter elements in a fully automatic mode.

Component parts of the system:

The UPF.A (УПФ.А) assembly is mounted on a frame and consists of:

? a pumping unit

? a filtration unit (two filter holders made of 12Kh18N10T (12Х18Н10Т) stainless steel

? piping

? stop valves

? shock absorbing vessel

? electric equipment (pressure sensors, control panel having a touchpad, electromagnetic valve)

Specifications of standard UPF.A (УПФ.А) assemblies

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