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addition, in a market where productivity is paramount, cleaning and replacing plates, frames and lters is an expensive interruption. As such, the need to be able to remove sediment from the spirit mid-process is a vital one. Overcoming ltration problems A creative and strategic approach is required to overcome ltration problems resulting from secondary maturation due to the variety of techniques and approaches employed. As each base infusion is matured in different casks and for different lengths of time, the unwanted sediment that needs ltering also differs. A ne, silt-like particulate will require a different ltration solution in terms of depth and location, compared to that of a thick, yeasty haze. Fine particulate removal Fine dust particles, such as those found in ex-sherry casks are negatively charged. With this in mind, a combi- nation of depth ltration and positive electro kinetic adsorption methodology offers a successful, rapid solution. This was the approach presented to the Irish distiller experiencing ne particu- late issues during secondary maturation by the Application Engineering team of the 3M Separation and Puri cation Sciences division (SPSD). 3M’s trials with sherry casks have shown that placing a modi ed depth Zeta Plus HT lter from 3M in a fully enclosed lter housing, upstream of the press, is able to reduce particulate matter by up to 42 per cent. This is because it relieves pressure on the system, reducing the risk of clog- ging and associated downtime, whilst increasing aesthetic clarity. Companies adopting this approach have reported greater con dence in experimenting with new spirit avours. By eliminating the high error rate and improving overall system productivity, attempting new infusions carries far less risk. Also, the Irish distiller was able to avoid the risk of unnecessary downtime and achieve the projected life of the plate and frame system. Larger particulate removal Removing larger particles and yeast, at pace, is a signi cant ltration challenge, as solutions need to be able to manage the heavy ow. As can be seen from the Scottish distillery experiencing heavy haze, traditional ltration techniques are generally inef cient at ltering high volumes of large particulates. However, some useful solutions have been emerg-
© Scotch Whisky Association A cleaner spirit arrived at the bottling halls, reducing the particulate load and associated costs
ing to address the problem and 3M’s Application Engineering team has found that the key lies in the position of the lter. When located upstream, depth lters with a high ow capacity have been shown to considerably reduce the pressure on downstream lters, making the whole process more ef cient. In the case of the Scottish distillery, a high solid loading capacity was required in order to protect the lters from early blinding due to the high yeast content and to drastically improve the clarity of the nished product. The dis- tillery used the small footprint High Flow Filter System from 3M (capable of deliv- ering ow rates up to 113 m³/hr per 60” length lter cartridge) to test the power of this type of ltration. The end results were impressive. All visible haze was completely removed from the whisky and the overall total particle count of the uid was signi cantly lowered. As a result of the initial lter success, a 40” High Flow Filter System from 3M (capable of delivering ow rates of up to 80m3/hr per cartridge) was later installed in the disgorgement plant. It proved effective at not only increasing the life of the distillery’s downstream ltration at lab scale, but a cleaner spirit arrived at the bottling halls, reducing the particulate load and associated costs. Pushing the boundaries Enabling distillation systems to operate at their highest ef ciency potential is key to any distillery’s success. Multiple depth ltration is a valuable solution in not only promoting operational
ef ciency, but in allowing distilleries to reduce the risks associated with experimental infusion product develop- ment. With the introduction of advanced solutions to complex ltration problems, a tantalising opportunity for experimen- tation has been opened up to the drinks industry that already has a historic legacy of creating unique blends. 1. The Guardian, January 2018 2. IBISWorld report, August 2019 - Spirit Production. 3. Scotch Whisky Association, The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 About 3M At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $33 billion in sales, our 93,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. The UK is home to one of the larg- est 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 2,800 people across 19 locations, including eight manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, personal safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products and drug delivery systems. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at 3M.co.uk or follow @3MUK on Twitter. 3M and Zeta Plus are trademarks of 3M Company © 3M 2019. All rights reserved.
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