MicroPure Introduces Manifolds for Culinary Steam Filtration in Food Processing
MicroPure Filtration announced the release of pre-packaged steam manifolds designed to reduce installation time and costs for steam filtration systems used in food and beverage processing.
The manifolds are delivered fully assembled and include MicroPure filters, housings, condensate traps, lockable isolation valves, and upstream and downstream pressure gauges. The systems are built to customer specifications and are intended to support rapid installation with minimal operational downtime.
Designed for Culinary Steam and Processing Applications
MicroPure stated that its steam manifolds are designed to filter steam used in applications such as mixing, cooking, packaging, bottling, and wort aeration. Models are available to meet 3-A culinary steam standards, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifications, or other customer-defined requirements.
Filtration of culinary steam is intended to reduce contaminants that could affect product quality attributes, including appearance, odor, and taste.
Filter Design and Performance
At the core of the system is the MicroPure filter, which uses a segmented stainless steel element design to capture submicron particles from steam supplies. The filters do not require disposable bags or traditional cartridges, which the company said may reduce maintenance and waste.
MicroPure reported that the filters can be backwashed in place up to 150 times without loss of performance, based on third-party verification. The filters use absolute-rated stainless steel media, with a reported efficiency of 99.9999997 percent, and are available in multiple micron ratings ranging from less than 1 micrometer (µm) to 100 µm.
The design includes modular segments supported by a stainless-steel retention rod, allowing for customization based on application pressure and flow rate. Filter media can be replaced independently of the full unit.
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Maintenance, Cleaning, and Operation
The filters can be sterilized using steam, autoclave, hydrogen peroxide, or other sanitizing agents. The company stated that, unlike some conventional pleated cartridges, the filters are designed to maintain performance through repeated sterilization cycles.
The system also supports backflushing for cleaning, and the filter media typically lasts up to one year under normal operating conditions, although performance may vary depending on application.
Scalability and Flexibility
MicroPure indicated that its filter design allows for scalability by adding additional media and support discs within the same housing, eliminating the need for new housings as capacity requirements increase. Multiple connection sizes and configurations are available.
The company offers custom housing designs based on application requirements.
