Cartridge vs Plate and Frame filter questions??

[Jahil Maplestone]

Hi everyone,

Looking to think out loud for a second and get some thoughts of others regarding a filter choice i'm about to make. Apologies for the novel length of this.

I'm looking to filter quantities of approx 1000 L per batch with the option for minimal 7 micron filtration through to .45 sterile filtration. For the sterile filtration i'm assuming a cartridge filter with a PES membrane cartridge is going to be needed.

I'm considering everything from plate and frame, lenticular to cartridge for my needs. Looking for most cost effective method where possible. Both initial outlay and ongoing media cost.

Here is where i'm at:

First was a thirty plate, 20 x 20 plate and frame (P&F). Cheaper unit cost and cheap media although single use. Then I would assume I still need a cartridge housing for sterile filtration as P&F is only nominal?

Second is a lenticular filter. Expensive unit cost and media although media can be re-used to an extent making it comparable to P&F. Then I assume again I would still need a cartridge housing for sterile filtration?

Third is a cartridge filter. Cheaper unit cost. Middle of the range media cost that is reusable to an extent. Can be used for sterile filtration also.

Now, here's my thinking out loud part. Depending on micron size a 10" PolyPropylene cartridge is generally comparable to four, 20 x 20 filter sheets. This is dirt holding capacity, not filter effectiveness. If I were to use a 30" triple cartridge filter, my comparable filter surface area would be thirty six, 20 x 20 P&F filter sheets.

So, I'm looking for anyone with experience with this to tell me if I'm missing something or if this is not going to be a good idea but couldn't I get by with that single 30" triple for all my filtration needs? 1 housing, cheaper media cost. What am I missing?

Thanks in advance!

Jahil

[Headelf]

Jahil

First off - how do you plan on sterilizing everything? Do you have a steam genny? Or 180 degree water for around 20 minutes. 

If not the sterile filter will not be sterile. 

We use a 20x20 plate filter divided in half. Half is generally 7 mu filter the other half is 1mu. Then we go into .45 mu cartridge filter. We dry steam all lines, filters and bottler.

Downside is the pf we usually collect 5-10 gal of drippings and the first case or two is suspect because of water dilution. The dripping we add back to the tank and refilter. The suspect cases the family drinks. 

We are considering replacing the PF with two more cartridge filters because of the issues with the PF. 

Regards

Tom

Elfs Farm

Sent from my iPhone

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[Jahil Maplestone]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the reply. I was going to look into steam but haven't got there yet. What are you using for your steam?

I like the option of the 2 stage with PF. A triple cartridge is all in parallel so it'd be a single depth per pass. I got a deal on a 20x20 PF so I think i'll go with that and then a cartridge for sterile.

Cheers

J

[Headelf]

J

We use a dry steam generator. It is a three phase boiler that makes hi temp  steam. 

Keep in mind even with a .45 sterile filter - your process is not sterile unless you sterilize the parts. 

Regards

Tom

Elfs Farm

Sent from my iPhone