Among the many services BevZero offers to winemakers, one stands out for its ability to elevate wine quality while enhancing production efficiency: crossflow filtration.

Crossflow filtration is a technique widely used in the wine industry for the clarification and filtration of wine. It is a more advanced and efficient method compared to traditional filtration methods such as pad or diatomaceous earth filtration.

In crossflow filtration, wine is passed across a filtration membrane under pressure. Unlike other filtration methods where the liquid flows perpendicular to the filter media, in crossflow filtration, the liquid flows tangentially across the membrane surface. This creates a crossflow effect, where a portion of the wine passes through the membrane while the majority of the liquid and suspended solids flow tangentially along the membrane surface.

 

BevZero offers crossflow filtration services, down to 0.45 micron, to be used prior to reverse osmosis processing or bottling.

Crossflow filtration is an important step prior to reverse osmosis processing since it is an effective method for removing suspended solids, such as sediment and particles that can clog the RO membranes. Crossflow filtration acts as a pre-treatment step by effectively removing these solids, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient RO process. Additionally, crossflow filtration aids in the protection of the RO membranes by preventing harmful substances from reaching and damaging the sensitive membranes, as well as minimizing cleaning or replacement.

Prior to bottling crossflow filtration is an essential step to improve wine clarity, removing unwanted sediments, yeast cells, and bacteria to ensure a pristine appearance, enhancing the overall sensory experience.  Crossflow filtration also enables winemakers to streamline their production processes by minimizing the need for multiple filtration steps and reducing the time required for filtration.

Additionally, crossflow filtration prior to bottling helps to maintain overall wine quality and stability.  By removing unwanted particles, yeast, and bacteria that could cause contamination, shelf life can be extended allowing wines to retain their freshness and character over time.

Crossflow filtration is a powerful tool for winemakers to enhance wine quality and streamline production. BevZero’s crossflow service is available in the USA at its facility in Santa Rosa, or via mobile service at its South Africa facility in Wellington.

Contact BevZero today to learn more about our crossflow filtration service.