P-43 - A Novel, Large Diameter, Pleated Polypropylene Filter for the Replacement of Diatomaceous Earth in Use at Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

Brewers rely on clarification to remove residual yeast/tannins/proteins to extend the shelf life and maintain a characteristic flavor of their product. Diatomaceous earth, the go-to clarification aid for breweries small and large mined from fossilized deposits of diatoms, provides exceptional microbial reduction performance with high solids loading. A novel, large diameter, pleated polypropylene filter provides similar microbial/yeast reduction via a meltblown microfiber media web in 1.0mm and 0.5mm absolute Beta-1000 ratings. The 3M™ High Flow compound radial pleat design packs substantial surface area in a smaller footprint. What the 3M High Flow filter media lacks in depth as compared to diatomaceous earth products is far overshadowed by the vast increase in surface area allowing for longer filtration life expectancy. This presentation covers how the High Flow filter can augment and/or replace diatomaceous earth filtration systems without impacting taste and maintaining exceptional shelf-life performance. Results show how the High Flow filter reduces Saccharomyces cerevisiae microorganisms in the laboratory setting and at a brewery customer in a high yeast/high alcohol clarification process. Results show how beverage manufacturers across multiple industries use High Flow filters to customize the desired level of haze/turbidity in their products. Results also show the results of blind taste tests and how High Flow polypropylene media does not impart flavor or change beverage taste profiles. The microbial reduction capabilities and ability to fine-tune haze levels without impacting the beverage character benefit the beverage market. Breweries/wineries/distilleries across the globe have come to appreciate the ease-of-use design, smaller footprint, and reproducible performance of the polypropylene High Flow filters, without relying on diminishing diatomaceous earth natural resources impacted by global constraints.