Page 21 - Beverage MasterAprMay 2021

Craft Brewery
Craft Brewery

erated and reused, but if there is any remaining Russell told Beverage Master Magazine that selt-
minerality in the pads, the chance of biological con- zers present a whole different situation because
tamination increases. Proper filtration starts with of regulations. Malt-based products must retain
awareness of detail and remaining consistent in a minimal amount of malt percentages. Seltzer
using quality filtration media rather than the cheap- makers want to create a malt base with as light of
est, which can be wrongly classified. This consistent a concentration as possible before flavor blending,
and constant attention to detail is the only way to and carbon absorption filters can neutralize the
make progress on and obtain the ultimate goal of base. Russell said there are other products and
balancing consistent flavor profiles with optimal ways to filter seltzers, but no matter the choice,
shelf-life.” brewers should neutralize before blending. Like
beer, the end goal is drinkability with no aftertaste,
Types of filtration include depth and surface. which is unachievable if using improper filtration
Depth filtration is a primary form and can be the methods or processes.
only type of filtration used for many smaller craft
brewers. Depth filtration includes frame, plate “The bottom line is that you want to preserve
and screen filters that trap particles for removal. drinkability and bring your product to the consumer
Surface filtration traps smaller particles on the sur- with no issues,” said Russell. “Within your brewery
face of the material while allowing clarified fluid to and specific situation, you have to consider capital
pass through. Lenticular filters work similar to plate costs versus consumable costs to help determine
and frame filters, but the modules are enclosed and the type of filtration equipment needed and to
purged with CO2, decreasing biological instability make sure you don’t under or oversize your filtra-
and oxygen exposure. Regular physical filtration tion systems.”
only gets particles that are in suspension. Russell
suggests cartridge and microfiltration for finishing Aftek Filtration Systems meets all filtration needs
and fine-tuning the beer just before packaging. from start to finish, from incoming water supply

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