Monthly Archives: February 2018

Clarification & Prefiltration in Beverage Processing

food and beverage processingYou may already know that food and beverage processing creates complex liquids that require specialized steps for filtration. Typically, the first step is removing larger particles and sediment. Whether the beverage is raw juice, fermented wine, beer or even spring water, it carries sediment and particulates that must be removed in order to create products that are both flavorful and safe for consumption.

Nearly all clarification filtration applications are performed using depth filtration media. Cartridge filters, for example, use two forms of depth media. The standard depth filter is a self-supporting tube made with a polymer (usually polypropylene), and the tube is formed using the melt-blown or nano-spun process. The other form of cartridge depth filter uses pleated flat sheet media. These are typically made with polypropylene or fiberglass.

It’s not uncommon for custom filtration systems to be designed for new applications and to solve challenges in a manufacturer’s existing process(es). As one of the leading Donaldson filter distributors in VA, we will work with you to design, build and install a system that is cost-effective and meets your needs for excellent beverage filtration. Contact us or visit our page on industrial process filters or Donaldson’s new Lifetec® process filters for more information.

Oil Interceptors vs. Oil Water Separators

oil water separatorThe terms “oil interceptor” and “oil water separator” are often used interchangeably. However, these units are very different.

Oil Interceptors
Oil interceptors are designed for use in drain lines where oils, sediment and other liquids are intercepted. They are usually steel, fiberglass or poly boxes, and include a baffle plate (designed to restrain the flow of a fluid), a solids bucket, and a separation area. As the water enters the interceptor, the baffle plate then diffuses the flow, which reduces the turbulence of the incoming water. Depending on the flow of the water, some debris and sludge are stopped by the baffle plate and collected in the solids bucket.

A low flow rate and low turbulence allows the oils to rise to the surface of the water through the interceptor, thus producing water that is relatively oil-free for discharge.

Oil Water Separators
Oil water separators are used in applications where there is a potential for a higher volume of water and oil (industrial wash operations, military installations, etc.), as they have a much more sophisticated design. An oil water separator is a tank containing an inlet compartment, baffles system, sludge chamber, separation chamber, and clean water outlet chamber. When water enters the inlet compartment, the oil separation process begins and solids drop out. The water passes through coalescing media, removing essentially all free and dispersed emulsified oils to an effluent concentration of less than 5 ppm.

Due to this design, oil water separators in North Carolina are associated with enhanced efficiency. In comparison to oil interceptors, significantly smaller units are needed for higher volume applications.