Filters 101

[HobKnobBrewery]

Hey guys. Trying to figure out what type of filtration unit I should use for a 3BBL system? I'm a total noob when it comes to filtration. The only thing I've done is push beer through a well sediment filtration system (but have gotten pretty decent results). We're looking at a few manufacturers of the system, and have yet to decide who to use.

We'll probably go with a separate whirlpool tank from our mash tun to make double batching faster, so I assume that will help get the big crud out? I was thinking about whirlpooling and chilling at the same time. Would that be a good or bad thing? At what point should I filter? I figured when transferring from the ferms to the brite. I just ordered 50 well cartridge filters and was planning on pushing the beer through a 5 micron down to a 1 micron sediment filter to begin with because the cost of a plate filter looks to be around $3-4k.

So school me on filters. Is my idea feasible? Should I just forgo filters altogether in the beginning even though we'll be just kegging? Should I bite the bullet and buy an expensive one...if so, what kind is the easiest to use and requires the least amount of maintenance? Maybe I should get a cheap one from china? Thanks for any input...I really appreciate it!

[HinduKush]

Hey guys. Trying to figure out what type of filtration unit I should use for a 3BBL system? I'm a total noob when it comes to filtration. The only thing I've done is push beer through a well sediment filtration system (but have gotten pretty decent results). We're looking at a few manufacturers of the system, and have yet to decide who to use.

We'll probably go with a separate whirlpool tank from our mash tun to make double batching faster, so I assume that will help get the big crud out? I was thinking about whirlpooling and chilling at the same time. Would that be a good or bad thing? At what point should I filter? I figured when transferring from the ferms to the brite. I just ordered 50 well cartridge filters and was planning on pushing the beer through a 5 micron down to a 1 micron sediment filter to begin with because the cost of a plate filter looks to be around $3-4k.

So school me on filters. Is my idea feasible? Should I just forgo filters altogether in the beginning even though we'll be just kegging? Should I bite the bullet and buy an expensive one...if so, what kind is the easiest to use and requires the least amount of maintenance? Maybe I should get a cheap one from china? Thanks for any input...I really appreciate it!

The short answer is: select a yeast strain that flocks hard and don't filter.

[LuskusDelph]

The short answer is: select a yeast strain that flocks hard and don't filter.

I agree. The right yeast and proper conditioning time will yield a beer as bright as any that's been filtered, and the result will taste much better besides.

[blueskybrwr]

I agree. The right yeast and proper conditioning time will yield a beer as bright as any that's been filtered, and the result will taste much better besides.

Works well for us too.

[gray31]

Well, you guys answered my question.

[is_wiz]

I have a follow up question. Can you recommend some good flocking yeasts. I realize that you don't want to choose a yeast on just this.

[ksmith]

For American Ales, I have found that Wyeast 1272 flocs very well. If you ferment it at a low temperature (65-68F) it is very neutral, and if you ferment at a warmer temp (70-72F) you get some citrusy and fruity notes

[FRO]

I used to get brilliant beer with no filter pitching White Labs 002 & fining with Biofine Clear.

[drewseslu]

For English & American Ales: WY1272/WL051, WY1318, WL007, WL002/WY1968, S-04, WY1084 or WY1728
For Lager: WL810/WY2112
Belgian Ales: WL530 (solo or in a blend)

[HinduKush]

For English & American Ales: WY1272/WL051, WY1318, WL007, WL002/WY1968, S-04, WY1084 or WY1728
For Lager: WL810/WY2112
Belgian Ales: WL530 (solo or in a blend)

WL090 Super (Whale Vag) San Diego