Filter Sheet Types and Technical Characteristics
The filter sheets used for the filtration of wine and other alcoholic or food-grade beverages can be classified according to their intended application into the following filtration stages:
I. Primary Coarse Filtration
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V0 – Heavy coarse filtration
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V4 – Medium coarse filtration
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V8 – Clarifying coarse filtration
II. Intermediate Filtration
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V12 – Light medium clarification
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V16 – Medium clarification
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V18 – Pre-sterilization / Polishing
III. Fine Filtration
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V20 – Fine filtration, sterilization and polishing
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V24 – Super-fine filtration, high-grade sterilization and polishing
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
For all types of filtration, good winemaking practice recommends removing coarse sediment beforehand (known in winemaking as racking) before carrying out the actual filtration process. This preliminary operation significantly reduces filter sheet consumption while improving the overall efficiency and quality of filtration.
The accompanying flow-rate chart illustrates the relationship between filtration capacity and retention efficiency for each filter sheet grade. The technical table provides the essential characteristics of each filter sheet, helping users select the most suitable filtration media according to the desired level of clarification and product quality.
FILTER SHEET TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
| Characteristic | Unit | V0 | V4 | V8 | V12 | V16 | V18 | V20 | V24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basis weight | g/m² | 790 | 1040 | 1050 | 1140 | 1260 | 1290 | 1320 | 1370 |
| Thickness | mm | 3.6 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 |
| Nominal filtration rating | μm | 18 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Water flow rate | L/min/m² | 620 | 220 | 160 | 45 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 4 |
FILTER SHEET APPLICATION GUIDE (3.4 mm Thickness)
| Type | Filtration Stage | Basis Weight | Max. Pressure | Flow Rate* | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| g/m² | kg/cm² | L/h (10 sheets) | |||
| KP V0 | COARSE CLEANING | 950 | 4.0 | 720 | Recommended for young, highly turbid wines that have not yet been settled or racked. Used for the initial removal of coarse suspended solids and sediment. Its high mechanical strength ensures reliable performance even under demanding filtration conditions. |
| KP V4 | COARSE FILTRATION | 1000 | 3.0 | 680 | Primarily used to remove turbidity from viscous liquids and wines after the first racking. |
| KP V8 | FINE COARSE FILTRATION | 1100 | 2.5 | 650 | Suitable for the pre-filtration of cloudy and viscous wines, providing effective clarification. It is also recommended for filtering coloured liqueurs with high sugar content, syrups, oils, and chemical-pharmaceutical preparations. |
| KP V12 | MEDIUM FILTRATION | 1200 | 2.5 | 500 | Recommended for stabilized wines after double racking or coarse filtration. Provides medium polishing for red wines, dry liqueurs, hydroalcoholic solutions and vinegar. |
| KP V16 | MEDIUM FILTRATION | 1250 | 2.0 | 350 | Suitable for stabilized wines after double racking or coarse filtration and as the final filtration stage for red wines. Reduces suspended particles and is recommended for white wines, distilled beverages, alcoholic extracts, herbal infusions, fruit juices, cosmetic products and pharmaceutical preparations. |
| KP V18 | PRE-STERILIZATION | 1300 | 2.0 | 300 | Recommended for polishing white wines. This semi-sterilizing filter sheet not only improves clarity but also reduces the microbial load. It is ideal as a safe pre-filtration stage before absolute filtration in both the wine and pharmaceutical industries. |
| KP V20 | STERILIZING FILTRATION | 1350 | 1.5 | 220 | Recommended for polishing and sterilizing wines containing residual unfermented sugars. Designed for the final cold filtration of wines and dry sparkling wines before bottling, ensuring complete microbiological stability. Also suitable for delicate cosmetic products and pharmaceutical solutions. Provides excellent protection thanks to its 0.45 μm retention rating. Must always be preceded by a medium filtration stage. |
| KP V24 | SUPER STERILIZING FILTRATION | 1400 | 1.0 | 120 | Intended for applications requiring absolute microbiological stability, including liqueurs, premium beverages and other critical products. Its maximum retention capacity completely removes bacterial contamination, making it ideal for bottling sweet wines, sweet sparkling wines and pharmaceutical products. Provides maximum protection with a 0.20 μm retention rating. Must always be preceded by a medium filtration stage. |