OIL FILTERS
Filtering the oil from the press
The oil that comes off the press must be filtered as it contains small pieces of shell and fine seed pulp called foots.
For smaller scale batch production (less than 2,000 or 3,000 litres per month) the cheapest option is to allow the oil to settle for a few days in a settling tank, this allows most of the solids to fall to the bottom of the tank. The oil above the sediment can then be pumped through a polishing filter to give crystal clear oil.
For larger scale production (with one or multiple presses running day and night) the oil can be continuously pumped through a special type of filter that will remove the suspended solids straight off the press, this then allows immediate polishing giving a constant stream of clear oil rather than oil in batches. Continuous filtering can be achieved using a depth filter or a self cleaning centrifuge.
40cm polishing filter
Culinary grade
With or without pump
This is a food grade 40cm square filter press that will take up to 20 filter cards (it is shown here with only 5 in place). The cards are clamped between plates using the screw you can see at the back. This filter will give you crystal clear oil, perfect for extra virgin cold pressed oils. Complete with valves, pressure guages and a site glass. This type of press is used after the oil has been left to settle. It can also be used as a final stage polishing filter for continuous production.
In front of the filter you can see a pump. This is a single phase stainless food grade mono type pump which can pump viscous liquids, with suspended solids, up to 4 bar pressure. It is fitted with an adjustable bypass valve and a speed controller allowing excellent control or the flow rate, we've used one for 3 years now and it has never given us a problem.
With this set-up we regularly manage to filter 300 litres in an hour or two without any problems. The cards cost about 75p each (with well settled oil that's less than1p/bottle). The capacity depends on how long the oil is left to settle (usually 5 days).
40cm 20 plate polishing filter with oil compatible plates and seals £2,930+VAT
Variable speed mono pump with bypass: £1,540+VAT
20cm polishing filter
Culinary grade
With or without pump.
Similar to the above but 1/4 of the filter surface. Single phase flex vane impeller pump. All stainless steel fittings.
Price for 20cm filter with flex vane pump £1,420 + VAT.
Filter for continuous filtration
This type of filter removes the need for sedimentation and is used where the press or presses will be run for long periods or continuously. The filter differs from those above in that it has a high solids holding capacity. Once full the filter is opened and the solids are manually scraped from the filter sheets using a simple clean hand tool like a plastering knife, alternatively clean new or washed sheets are fitted. The press is then closed and filtering continues. A filter aid powder may need to be used.
Prices from £6,500+VAT