Frequently Asked Questions – Equipment
Q: How do I know what size plate and frame filter I need?
Generally speaking, for filter sheets ≥ 1.0 micron you can expect 35 gallons per sheet per hour and count on running for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (this will fluctuate depending on the percent solids). For filter sheets < 1.0 micron figure 20 gallons per sheet per hour and filtering for about the same amount of time as above.
Example:
2,000 gallons filtered through Seitz K200's (≈2 microns)
35 gallons/sheet/hour x 2 hours = 70 gallons/sheet.
2000 gallons/70 gallons/sheet ≈ 28 sheets.
Therefore, a 40 x 40 Velo filter with a 40 plate capacity would be recommended.
Q: How much room do I need for a bottling line?
For 25 bpm about 500 ft².
For 50 bpm about 900 ft².
For 75 bpm about 1200 ft².
For 100 bpm about 2000 ft².
For 150 bpm and above the space required varies significantly depending on the level of automation.
Q: Can I get a labeler for glue labels now and in the future put on pressure sensitive heads?
Absolutely, you can have a labeling machine pre-arranged for any future type of application.
Q: How do I decide if a lees filter is a good purchase?
Decisions should be made on the basis of how much can be retrieved through lees filtration and the cost of the filter.
Example #1:
100 tons of grapes purchased at $1400/ton = $140,000.
100 tons with a yield of 8% lees = 8 tons.
8 tons x $1,400/ton = $11,200. Payback in 1.5 seasons.
Example #2:
250 tons of grapes purchased at $800/ton = $200,000.
250 tons with a yield of 8% lees = 20 tons.
20 tons x $800/ton = $16,000. Payback in one season.
Q: On a filter, what's the difference between "Standard" and "Sanitary" execution?
Filters contain a collection of pipes, valves, sight glasses, pressure gauges and other gadgets which come into contact with the product. The easiest (and least expensive) way to assemble them all is with flanges and pipe thread connections. These types of connections are meant to be semi-permanent in that you only disassemble them when you have to replace something. This is called "Standard" execution. With "Sanitary" execution these devices are assembled in a manner which eliminates the pipe threads and flanges, and replaces them with stainless welds and sanitary connections which are designed to be broken down on a daily basis without damage. That way, you've minimized a lot of the nooks & crannies where stuff can get caught, and a fastidious worker can routinely disassemble it for cleaning without using a pipe wrench.
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