20cm x 20cm filter pads made for 20x20 plate filters. 6 micron pads are considered to be a "rough" filtration and are typically used to prepare the wine to be filtered by finer pads, usually either 2-3 micron or 1.5 micron depending on the winemaker's tastes and objectives. Please note that all pad filters are rated 'nominal', meaning that about 90-95% of all particulate matter at the micron rating will be filtered out. There will always be a little bit of smaller material that is also filtered out, as well as some larger material that will make it through.
The filters can be sterilized by in-line steam, auto-claving, dry heat, hot water or chemical methods. We choose to run Saniclean solution through the pads followed by sterile water or a small amount of wine that is then discarded. After the solution is run through the pads, and the pads have softened, the filter will need to be re-tightened.
Each pad has an entry side and an exit side, distinguishable by their different textures. The entry side is a billowy type texture, frequently called the "rough" side; and the exit side has a crosshatch pattern and is commonly called the "smooth" side. For more information on how to load filter sheets into your plate and frame filter, see our Guide to Plate Filtering.
Filtrox Group is a producer of filter sheets for applications in the food and beverage industry as well as in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. These filter sheets are manufactured of specially selected raw materials and conform to FDA and FCC regulations.