Craft Beer Final Filtration

A final filtration step helps to ensure the product is free from spoilage microorganisms which can cause issues like further fermentation, off-target flavors, haze, gushing and pH drop.  While the clarification and pre-filtration steps remove particles and reduce yeast, final membrane filtration removes beer spoilage organisms and is key to ensuring a stable product is produced. Typical organisms this step helps to remove include all types of yeast, mold and bacteria e.g. Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus lindneri, Pectinatus type, Pediococcus damnosus.

Final membrane filtration, often referred to as "cold sterilization", removes the microorganisms through membrane filtration.

Unlike pasteurization, filtration doesn’t leave unwanted byproducts of lysing or destroying cells through the heating processes to deactivate bacteria.  The results of this include:

·       Higher microorganism retention than pasteurization

·       Reduce contamination

·       Longer shelf-life

Another advantage of membrane cartridge filtration is the non-destructive, easy way to integrity test the filter. This can be done with automated devices like the Palltronic®  Compact Touch which allow for documented evidence that the filters are integral and performing as they should.

PARE Cartridge Family

Pall is leading the development in beer final filtration, utilizing filters specific for beer filtration. The PARE cartridge family offers the most advanced, safe and economic solution for contamination control in beer.

The lead final filter within the PARE family is the PAREQII filter. PAREQII filter cartridges are hydrophilic membrane filters qualified for the removal of spoilage microorganisms.

The cartridges are suitable for exposure to repeated hot water sanitization and in situ steam sterilization cycles for longer service life. The laid-over pleat construction along with optimized support materials provide reliable and high throughput during operation. 

Final membrane filters are designed as filter cartridges available in a range of formats and sizes. 

To find out more, or to speak to one of our specialists, contact us on the form provided.