Koch Membrane Systems Introduces New KMS WINEFILTER WF-6 Crossflow Microfiltration System

Wilmington, MA - Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. (KMS), a world-class developer and manufacturer of innovative membranes and filtration systems, introduced the KMS WINEFILTER WF-6 Crossflow Microfiltration Systems for small- to medium-sized wineries. These complete systems, designed to provide a single filtration step from fermentation to bottle, decrease the total cost of ownership with a lower capital expenditure, reduced energy consumption, more sustained filtration runs and longer membrane life.

The systems are available in two models, the WF-6A (automatic) system and the WF-6M (manual) system. Both WF-6 systems are equipped with KMS WINEFILTER cartridges that use the newly developed hollow fiber crossflow microfiltration membrane from KMS, a fiber that was specifically developed for wine filtration. This new fiber provides very high processing capacity and allows the microfiltered wine to retain color and flavor better than conventional filtration methods. Each model is equipped with six 6-inch diameter membrane cartridges that contain 50 percent more filtration area than cartridges previously available.

The WF-6 models offer filtration rates of 6 to 20 gallons-per-minute (13 to 45 hl/hr) dependent on the type of wine. The WF-6A is designed for unattended operation and includes automated flux maintenance via process flow reversal and permeate backpulsing. The WF-6M incorporates most of the features and valving of the WF-6A, but in a less expensive manual design.

Both systems incorporate a nitrogen blowdown feature that minimizes wine loss by recovering nearly all of the remaining filtrate at the end of each run. The WF-6 series includes a feed pump, recirculation pump, filtrate magmeter, integral cleaning tank and required safeties - all mounted on a mobile, caster-supported, stainless steel frame with PLC and NEMA-4 control panel.

The WF-6 systems can treat a wide variety of wines, allowing the winery to optimize utilization of its crossflow microfiltration technology to achieve a high return on investment. An ideal replacement for traditional sheet and DE equipment, the KMS WINEFILTER WF-6 systems are quiet, compact and sized to maneuver easily into tight spaces.

SOURCE: Koch Membrane Systems, Inc.