First time with WH filter

[rhoffart]

Well I just finished my first filtering process with the whole house filter. I am very pleased on how easy the process went including preparing and sanitizing, filtering and clean-up. The wine is very well polished, I used a 1 micron filter. It added 5ppm of SO2 to the finished wine.

The video is very out of focus, here it is anyway.

http://youtu.be/O3vw-j_6ScU

 

[ibglowin]

Looking good Rick!

You need a dedicated wine area soon!

 

[rhoffart]

Looking good Rick!

You need a dedicated wine area soon!

Yup ... it's not bad. It forces me to clean up after each process. Now that I have the second run in the barrel I got 30 days before next step.

 

[Wade E]

Looks awesome! These pumps just make life so much easier huh!!!!

 

[Runningwolf]

I agree these pumps are the only way to go. Are you guys saving the filters or tossing them. I rinse mine and store in a meta/citric solution.

 

[Rocky]

I agree these pumps are the only way to go. Are you guys saving the filters or tossing them. I rinse mine and store in a meta/citric solution.

That is interesting Dan. How many times do you use a filter? I assume you have a "red" and a "white" filter, right? I am just getting my WH filter system set up and I was wondering if they could be reused and how many times. Thanks.

 

[Runningwolf]

I am on year two for mine and you know how many gallons I do. I have a 1 micron and a .45 micron filter and use both for red and whites. I have done as much as 30 gallons without cleaning or changing filters. I start with whites then move onto the blush and reds. My wine is clear and sediment free before I filter. I use the next wine to push the first one through.

I run cold water through in the end until the water come out clear and then soak the filter in PBW for 30-60 minutes. Flush again with cold water then store filter. I do not store in the freezer nor do I recommend it.

 

[mxsteve625]

I have aslo reused filters on numerous occasions both with citric and with 5 star. This is what I do now...After filtering back wash through the OUT side of the filter for about ten minutes. Then I soak in PBW for 30 minutes - rinse again and emerse in a star san or K-meta solution for about thirty minutes. Allow to dry. So far I have had no issues.

I should clarify that my filter is used for both wine and beer.

 

[Runningwolf]

Steve, how do you store in between uses. I use to let mine dry and store back in the package it came in. The next time I went to use it, it was covered in mold and I had it setting out for two days to dry. At $45.00 a crack I no longer store mine dry. Now I keep them in an enclosed capsule with the sanitizing solution until next time.

 

[ffemt128]

I have done both reds and whites with my 1 micron filter. I start with the lightest white then move towards the reds. At then end I back flush with water then run water through the normal way. I then run sanitozer through in the and store in the tube that Dan showed me how to make until next use.

 

[Wade E]

I just give mine a quick rinse and freeze them myself. I dont make as much as you guys anymore because my supply doesnt diminish near as fast. I thaw them out in a sulfite solution before use. I keep a 1 micron for whites and a 5 for reds.

 

[Runningwolf]

I just give mine a quick rinse and freeze them myself. I dont make as much as you guys anymore because my supply doesnt diminish near as fast. I thaw them out in a sulfite solution before use. I keep a 1 micron for whites and a 5 for reds.

Wade the reason I don't freeze them is because ice crystals are forming on the filter in the freeezer and I feel the risk of compromising that filter is too great with a sharp chard of ice.

 

[ibglowin]

I have been freezing mine as well. I make sure to thaw them out in some warm water and then go through the normal sanitizing technique. So far seems to be working fine. YMMV.

 

[Wade E]

Mine arent pleated filters so there would be no worries about any damage being done. Mine are Poly. which give off much less fiber.

 

[Runningwolf]

Makes sense, mine are pleated.

 

[Wade E]

Check these out Dan.
http://www.filtersfast.com/Pentek-PD-1-934-Sediment-Filter.asp

 

[Runningwolf]

Check these out Dan.
http://www.filtersfast.com/Pentek-PD-1-934-Sediment-Filter.asp

Very cool but I am locked into the enolmatic. As long as the filters hold up for a year or two i don't mind. I would be paying a lot more using my mini jet filter, throwing the pads away after each use. Thanks for the link.

 

[rhoffart]

I agree these pumps are the only way to go. Are you guys saving the filters or tossing them. I rinse mine and store in a meta/citric solution.

I tossed it ... I got a 4 pack and that will do me for everything I got cooking.

 

[mxsteve625]

Dan, I may go a little overboard, but after allowing to dry, I put the filter cartridge back into the housing with a small amount sanitizing solution for storage. Then prior to use I go through the whole process again and let it dry before using.

This isn't a problem for my as I only filter when a may have issues.

Right or wrong this seems to work for me.

 

[Wade E]

Steve, make sure there is no metal parts like especially a screw under the cap which holds the pressure relief valve as sulfite solution will quickly corrode anything metal.