Beer filtrating apparatus

Abstract: A filtrating apparatus is disclosed in which a filter unit (F) and a washing unit (C) for effecting a fluid washing are unified into one system. A plurality of filter elements (30b) of main filters (30-1 to N) provided in the filter unit (F) are made of sintered material containing metallic fiber. A nominal filtration rating of the filter elements (30b) is greater than 0.3 µm but smaller than 2 µm. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the smooth filtration of beer funguses without any necessity of interchanging filter elements (30b). It is therefore possible to reduce a running cost and filtration cost and to save a space for the apparatus.

Description: The present invention relates to a filtration apparatus for normally, continuously filtrating foreign matter such as yeast fungi which are contained in beer during beer production processes. It relates more particularly to a filtration apparatus which is capable of recycling a filter in an in-line manner. In the beer producing process, it is necessary to filtrate the beer, which has been subjected to a so-called post-fermentation, to remove fungi from the beer. In this case, after a preprocess filtration using a filter aid such as diatomaceous earth and the like has been effected, a finishing filtration is further effected. At this time, it is generally well known to use a cartridge filter of resin or synthetic resin as a filter medium for a direct filtration (hereinafter a "resin filter"). However, since the resin filter has a low mechanical strength, there is a fear that the filter would be damaged if the flow rate and pressure conditions would be worse. Also, it would be impossible to carry out a strong physical washing such as flushing. In view of the characteristics of the material and the structure, there is a fear of a damage to the filter or of residual chemicals, and hence, washing using chemicals is not normally performed. In general, the filtration resistance would be large so that a desired filtrated flow rate per unit area could not be attained. In view of damage at a high temperature, it would be impossible to sterilise the apparatus having the filter with steam kept at about 120°C or more. For these reasons it is in general difficult to recycle or regenerate the resin filter. Such a filter is thus considered disposable. It is thus necessary to carry out an interchanging step which is not susceptible to automation. At the same time, since the running cost would increase, it is desired to develop beer filters instead of the conventional filters. Also, as described before, it is impossible to increase the filtration flow rate per one unit area in such a resin filter. In order to increase the amount of processed beer, it is necessary to increase the filtration area, which will lead to an enlargement of the apparatus. On the other hand, in a method using assistant chemicals, it is necessary to provide extra equipment relating to the assistant chemical process. In this case, the apparatus would again be enlarged in size and it would be impossible to make the apparatus compact. A Ronningen-Petter brochure, Section E2-11 dated September 1978 discloses an insurance filter for use in filtering liquid food such as beer. The disclosed filters are of stainless steel wire mesh with a nominal particle retention of 1600 to 30 microns or stainless steel slotted screens with nominal particle retention from 230 to 25 microns. In view of the foregoing difficulties, the present invention seeks to provide a filtration apparatus provided with a filter element which has the following advantages: i) reliable filtration of the beer; ii) possibility of washing by using assistant chemicals; iii) a large mechanical strength; and iv) repeatedly usable or regeneratable, in which a filtration step and a recycle step are incorporated into a single system to form an in-line recycling system thereby to considerably reduce the filtration cost and to make the filtration apparatus itself compact. The present invention provides a beer filtration apparatus comprising a sintered filter element containing metallic fibre; a main filter for filtrating beer; a subfilter for filtering a washing fluid fed to the main filter; and a buffer tank connected to the main filter for temporarily reserving a predetermined amount of fluid in order to recycle clogging of the main filter, wherein the filter element provided in the main filter and containing the metallic fibre has a nominal filtration rating greater than 0.3 but smaller than 2.0 µm. In the beer filtration apparatus according to the invention, the filter element provided in the main filter contains metallic fibre and the nominal filtration rating of the filter element containing the metallic fibre is in the range greater than 0.3 but smaller than 2.0 µm, thereby to enable the beer filtration, to facilitate and ensure the filter recycles in an in-line manner, to enable the economic running operation of the apparatus, and to considerably reduce the cost and the space requirements of the apparatus. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a flow path of a beer filtration apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main filter used in the apparatus according to this embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a flow path of a beer filtration apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention. A beer filtration apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this apparatus, filtration of beer yeast fungi is effected during beer production. As shown in Figure 1, the filtration apparatus according to this embodiment is roughly separated into a filter unit F on the right hand side (surrounded by a two-dot chain line for the sake of explanation) and a washing unit C within the left hand side (surrounded by a two-dot chain line). In this embodiment, the filter unit F has the role of filtration of beer yeast fungi after post-fermentation. More specifically, an original liquid flow introduction pipe 10 is provided with a valve V1 and a pressurising pump P as shown on the lower right-hand side of Figure 1. The pipe is branched upon the passage of the pressurising pump P into N branches corresponding to a number of main filters 30-1 through 30-N to be described later. The branched pipes are connected to first connection ports on one side (on a lower side) of the main filters 30-1 through 30-N, respectively. Prior to the connection, valves V2-1 through V2-N are provided, respectively. Further, drain pipes 31-1 to 31-N with associated valves V3-1 to V3-N are provided on this first connection port side, respectively. The main filter 30-1 has a cylindrical housing 30a and a plurality of filter elements 30b disposed within the housing 30a as shown in Figure 2. The filter elements 30b are made of sintered filter material. The filter element is made of sintered material containing at least metallic fibre. A nominal filtration rating of the filter element containing the metallic fibre is in the range greater than 0.3 µm but smaller than 2.0 µm, more preferably in the range not smaller than 0.6 µm but not greater than 1.5 µm. If this value be equal to or greater than 2.0 µm, it would be impossible to collect the beer fungi, so that the so-called fungus removing effect would be reduced. On the other hand, if the value is equal to or smaller than 0.3 µm, the filter element would become clogged, so that it would be impossible to effect so-called reverse washing and it would be impossible to recycle the filter element. The "nominal filtration rating" means herein a particle diameter (in µm) of experimental powder at which the system exhibits a collection efficiency of 95% in a collection efficiency curve. The above-described metallic fibre has a diameter of 50 µm or less over a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction. The fibre means a long fibre obtained by cutting metallic fibrous tow into sliver form or a short fibre obtained by applying a crystal grain adjusting treatment to the tow and by cutting the tow by the granular corrosion in an acid solution so as to have an aspect ratio (length/diameter) of about 3 to 50. The diameter of the metallic fibre is in the range of 2 to 20 µm, more preferably, in the range of 4 to 12 µm, and most preferably in the range of 4 to 8 µm. The aspect ratio of the metallic fibre used in the invention is in the range of 3 to 50, more preferably in the range of 3 to 20, and most preferably in the range of 5 to 10. If the diameter and the aspect ratio would exceed the upper limits, the void rate of the filter element would be reduced and the short fibre itself would be likely to be entangled, so that the porosity rate would be non-uniform and the width of the pore diameter distribution would be increased, disadvantageously. Conversely, if the diameter and the aspect ratio fall outside the lower limits, the mechanical strength becomes inferior and granulated, so that it is impossible to obtain a sintered element having stable fine voids, disadvantageously. The material for such a fibre is selected from the group essentially consisting of materials, which are superior in thermal resistance and corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, inconel (Registered Trade Mark), and hastelloy (Registered Trade Mark). The metallic fibre is sintered into the filter element independently or mixed with fine metallic powder made of the same material as the fibre or different material from the fibre, for example, atomised powder, in accordance with a specific use. In particular, the sintered element made of mixed material of the metallic short fibre and the metallic atomised powder has an advantage that it is possible to suppress the pressure loss to a decreased level while keeping a void diameter at a high level. Also for the use in which a large filtration pressure is applied to the filter surface, it is particularly preferable to use sintered material of a long metallic fibre. In this case, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect with the mixture of the long fibre and the short fibre. It should be noted that atomised powder of stainless steel having a diameter of 10 to 100 µm, more preferably 10 to 80 µm, and most preferably 20 to 70 µm can be used as the fine metallic powder. The mixture ratio between the above-described metallic fibre and the fine metallic powder is between 4:1 and 1:4, and more preferably, 7:3 to 3:7. Such a filter element containing metallic fibre and the like can be produced in a variety of conventional methods, such as sintering. The porosity rate of the sintered filter element is in the range of 30 to 55%, more preferably in the range of 45 to 50%, and most preferably in the range of 48 to 50%. If this value is not greater than 30%, disadvantages can arise in that the pressure loss increases and the service life of the filter element is shortened. If this value exceeds 55%, disadvantages can arise in that the mechanical strength of the filter element is reduced and the width of the void diameter distribution is increased. Since the filter element containing the metallic fibre and the like has sufficient mechanical strength, it is unnecessary to increase the thickness of the element and the pressure loss of the fluid passage may be suppressed. The thickness thereof is in the range of 1 to 3 mm, more preferably at approximately 2 mm. The region (or width) of the void diameter distribution of the filter element used in the present invention is narrow, with a uniform void diameter. As shown in Figure 2, such a filter element is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. Normally, a plurality of filter elements are uniformly arranged within the housing. For example, a single or plurality (three or seven) of cylindrical filter elements each having a size of 70 mm (in diameter) x 750 mm (length) are disposed within the housing. By using such a filter element, it is possible to ensure the removal of beer yeast fungi, and it is also possible to reuse or recycle the filter element. It is also possible to renew the filter using chemicals, and to effect sterilisation. It is to be noted that the shape of the filter element is not limited to the cylindrical shape as shown in Figure 2. It is therefore possible to take a disc shape for the filter element, for example, to ensure substantially the same effect. The other main filters 30-2 through 30-N may generally be manufactured in the same way as in the filter 30-1. Each pipe provided at the other end of the main filter 30-1 on the second connection port side (i.e. the upper side) is branched into a first pipe 15a and a second pipe 15b, and the first pipe 15a is further branched into a third pipe 16a and a fourth pipe 16b. The first pipe 15a and the second pipe 15b are provided with valves V4-1 and V5-1, respectively. The third pipe 16a and the fourth pipe 16b are provided with valves V6 and V15. The second pipe 15b is connected to the main pipe 17 which leads to the washing unit C side to be described later and as shown in Figure 1. The fourth pipe 16b is connected to a pipe 61 on the washing unit C side and is further connected to a buffer tank 70 through valves V15 and V9. With respect to the other main filters 30-2 to 30-N, these filters are also arranged in parallel as shown in Figure 1 in the same way as the main filter 30-1. Two main filters are shown for the sake of explanation, but the number is not limited to 2. In the embodiment shown, the washing unit C is provided with a utility filter 40 and a chemical filter 60 as subfilters, shown on the left side in Figure 1. The unit C includes the buffer tank 70, shown on the right-hand side thereof in Figure 1. The nominal filtration rating of the subfilters must be the same extent as that of the main filters. The filter elements of the subfilters may be resin filters or sintered filter elements containing metallic fibre. The basic structures of the utility filter 40 and the chemical filter 60 are the same as those of the main filters 30-1 through 30-N. A fluid introducing pipe 41 for introducing water, hot water, steam and the like for washing, and a drain pipe 42, are provided at one end of the utility filter 40, i.e. the first connection port side (the lower side). A branched first pipe 45 and a second pipe 46 are provided at the other end of the utility filter 40, ie. the second connection port side (the upper side). The first pipe 45 is further branched into a third pipe 47a and a fourth pipe 47b, and the second pipe 46 is connected to the buffer tank 70 through a branched pipe 48 as shown. The third pipe 47a is connected to the lower portion of the buffer tank 70. The fourth pipe 47b is connected to the original liquid introducing pipe 10 of the above-described filter unit F. The fluid introducing pipe 41 and the drain pipe 42 are provided with a valve V17 and a valve V18, respectively. The first pipe 45 and the second pipe 46 in the vicinity of the upper portion of the utility filter 40 are provided with a valve V19 and a valve V20, respectively. A parallel piping is effected in the chemical filter 60 in the same manner as the utility filter 40. Chemicals and the like are mainly introduced into the chemical filter 60. The buffer tank 70 is used for the steps of water or hot water washing, flushing, chemical washing and the like. The third pipe 47a and the pipe 48 at the lower portion and upper portion of the tank 70 are provided with a valve V12 and a valve V7, respectively. A drain pipe 51 provided through a valve V13 at the lower portion of the tank 70. An air introducing pipe 53 is provided through a valve V8 at the upper portion of the tank 70. A pipe 61 is provided through a valve V9 at a barrel portion of the tank 70. A pair of bypass pipes 55 are provided so as to embrace the valve V9 in the pipe 61 through valves V10 and V11. A heat exchanger HE is arranged in a part of the bypass pipe 55 for heat exchange as occasion demands. The pipe 61 is in fluid communication with the pipes 16a and 16b of the filter unit F through the valve V15. An operation of the filtration apparatus will be explained. (1) Filtration Process Using Filter Unit F (Step for passing beer through main filters) i) By closing the valves V14, V15 and V16, the filter unit F and the washing unit C are separated. ii) By opening the valves V2-1 to V2-N and the valves V4-1 through V4-N and operating the pressurising pump P, the original liquid (beer) is introduced into the apparatus. The liquid is passed through the main filters and thereafter is discharged from the system as filtered liquid. By opening/closing the valve V1 and the valve V6 as desired, it is possible to perform intermittent operation. Flow can thus be controlled as occasion demands. (2) Washing Process - 1 The washing process is used to recycle, refresh, or unclog the main filters by water or hot water washing, flushing and chemical-washing. 1) First, the valves V1 and V6 are closed, and the valves V15 and V16 are opened. 2) Subsequently, the water or hot water washing is carried out in the following order. i) The valves V17 and V19, the valves V2-1 to V2-N, and the valves V4-1 to V4-N are opened, and the valves V9 and V13 are opened to form a discharge line. ii) The washing is effected by feeding water or hot water and operating the pressurising pump while discharging the washing water to the outside of the system. iii) Each part of the pipings is blow-washed. 3) Flushing is effected. The order of the flushing is as follows (but the order of the steps ii) and iii) may be reversed as desired). i) The valves V17, V19 and V12 are opened to feed a predetermined amount of water in the buffer tank 70, and the valve V12 is closed. Thereafter, the valve V8 is opened to feed air up to a predetermined pressure (in some cases, only air is fed). ii) After closing the valve V8, the valves V7, V14, V3-i and V5-i (where i is representative of any number selected from 1 to N) are opened to perform flushing. iii) The step ii) is repeated from i=1 to i=N (repeating a suitable set number). iv) After the steps i) to iii), water and air are fed in accordance with the step i), and the valve V12 is closed. Thereafter, the valves V7, V22 and V24 are opened to perform the flushing of the chemical filter (repeating a suitable set number). v) The water and air are fed in accordance with the step i), and the valve V12 is closed. Thereafter, the valves V7, V18 and V20 are opened to perform the flushing of the utility filter (repeating a suitable set number). According to the embodiment, the chemical filter and the utility filter are reused. However, these filters may be of the disposal type such as the resin filter, to omit the flashing operation. 4) The chemical liquid washing is performed in the following order. It is carried out as desired, perhaps on a periodic basis or when clogging is a problem. i) The valves V21, V23 and V12 are opened to feed chemical liquid in the buffer tank 70. ii) After closing the valves V21 and V23, the valves V17 and V19 are opened to feed the water or hot water to a suitable level to dilute the chemical liquid. iii) The valves V17 and V19 are closed, the valves V16, V2-1 to V2-N, V4-1 to V4-N and V15 are opened. If the temperature should be kept at a high level, the valves V10 and V11 are opened. Otherwise, the valve V9 is opened. iv) The pressurising pump P is operated to thereby operate the buffer tank as a buffer to effect circulation for a predetermined period of time. v) After the circulation, the pressurising pump P is stopped, and the overall blow is effected, or the valve V12 is closed and the valves V17, V19 and V13 are opened to perform the extrusion washing with water or hot water. vi) The foregoing steps are performed with a combination of predetermined kinds of chemical liquids having predetermined concentration. The examples for this are shown below: 0.5 to 5%, NaOH, 60 to 95°C, 30 minutes 0.5 to 3%, HNO 3 , room temperature to 85°C, 30 minutes (3) Washing Process - 2 This step is performed for sterilising fungi with hot water, chemicals and steam. 1) Sterilisation with hot water is effected. This step corresponds to the case of the step (2)-4) but no chemicals are used (for example, 80 to 95°C, 30 minutes, only with hot water). 2) Chemical sterilisation is effected (NaC10 or the like). The step corresponds to the case of (2)-4) but the steriliser is used as a chemical liquid (for example, 20 to 50 ppm, NaC10, a room temperature, 30 minutes). The chemical is circulated or allowed to sit in the filter as necessary. 3) The sterilisation with steam is effected. The operation of the filtration apparatus shown in Figure 1 has been described above. In another embodiment of the invention, the filter unit F of the filtration apparatus is replaced by a filter unit F 0 having another structure as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the filtration apparatus has a plurality of main filters 30-1 to 30-N in parallel with the pipe system. Among these filters, the main filter 30-1 will be particularly explained as follows. An original liquid introducing pipe 91 provided with a pressurising pump P1 for introducing original liquid (beer), a washing pipe 92 provided with a circulating pump and connected to a washing unit, and a drain pipe 93 are branched from a first connection port (lower side) at one end of the main filter 30-1. As shown in Figure 3, the original liquid introducing pipe 91 is provided with valves V90 and V88-1, the washing pipe 92 is provided with valves V82 and V86-1, and the drain pipe 93 is provided with a valve V87-1. Three pipes, ie a first pipe 95, a second pipe 96 and a third pipe 97 are branched from a second connection port (upper side) at the other end of the main filter 30-1. These pipes are provided with valves V83-1, V84-1 and V85-1 in the vicinity of the filter 30-1. The pipe 95 is connected to the pipe 46 (Figure 1) on the washing unit through a valve V80, the pipe 96 is connected to the pipe 61 (Figure 1) on the washing unit side through a valve V81, and the pipe 97 is connected to the filtered liquid pipe through a valve V89. The pipes are arranged in parallel in the same way with respect to the other main filters 30-2 to 30-N as shown in figure 3. Thus, the filtration operation and the washing operation of the filters may be carried out at the same time. The operational steps are as follows. 1) The valves V85-X and V88-X are opened for the main filters to perform the filtration (simultaneously using the number of the main filters N-1), and the valves V89 and V90 are opened. Under this condition, the pressurising pump P1 is operated. 2) In the case of the filtration 1) simultaneously with the washing, the valves V85-i and V88-i are closed for a predetermined main filter (No. i), the valves V83-i, V84-i and V86-i are opened, and the valves V80, V81 and V82 are opened and closed in a desired manner, to perform the steps (2) and (3) described above. The following specific experimental examples are shown in order to ensure the effect of the invention. Example 1 (Nominal filtration rating and beer filtration performance test) Five test pieces of filter elements with a nominal filtration rating of 0.3 µm, 0.6 µm, 1.0 pm, 1.5 µm and 2.0 µm were produced as shown in Table 1 below (filter element samples 1-5). The filter area of the test pieces was 10 cm 2 , respectively. These filter element samples Nos: 1 to 5 were installed in an experimental size apparatus, and the fungus removing or sterilisation tests and in-line recycle property tests were repeatedly conducted. The fungus removing ability was measured by measuring the concentration of the fungus contained in the processed beer liquid passed through the filter element samples. The concentration of the fungus contained in the beer liquid before filtration was 5 x 10 4 cells/ml. It was ascertained whether the filter elements could be recycled by reverse washing (flushing) with respect to the in-line recycling property. The experimental results are shown in Table 2 below: Sample No. Fungus Removing Property In-line Recycle Property Total Evaluation Concentration of Beer Fungus Type A Before Filtration (cells/ml) Concentration After Filtration (cells/100ml) 1 5 x 10 4 Not detected Difficult Not Good 2 Ditto Not detected Acceptable Good 3 Ditto Not detected Acceptable Good 4 Ditto Not detected Acceptable Good 5 Ditto 1 x 10 2 Acceptable Not Good The following fact is understood from the results of Table 2. Namely, in the filter element having a nominal filtration rating of 0.3 µm, its fungus removing ability is excellent but it is difficult to perform in-line recycling. Also, in the filter element having a nominal filtration rating of 2.0 µm, its in-line recycling ability is excellent but its fungus removing ability is insufficient, so that beer fungus is detected in the filtrated beer liquid. In the filter element having a nominal filtration rating of 0.6 to 1.5 µm, both the fungus removing ability and the in-line recycle property are extremely excellent. Example 2 (Beer fungus filtration test) Three kinds of beer fungus liquid filtration tests were conducted by using the test piece (of filter area 10cm 2 ) of the filter element sample No: 3 (nominal filtration rating of 1.0 µm) listed in Table 1. The results are shown in Table 3 continued. No. Kind of Fungus Fungus Concentration Before Filter (cells/ml) After Filter (in 100ml) 1 Beer Fungus Type A 3.1 x 10 4 Not detected 2 Beer Fungus Type B 4.2 x 10 4 Not detected 3 Beer Fungus Type B 5.0 x 10 4 Not detected 4 Beer Fungus Type C 1.3 x 10 5 Not detected The results confirm that the filter element has a sufficient fungus removing ability for a variety of beer fungi. Example 3 (Beer Fungus filtration test) Filter element sample No: 3, which were the same as those used in the foregoing tests, were made in cylindrical form as shown in Figure 2 (with the rated filtration precision of 1.0 pm). Seven samples were installed in the housing to form a main filter (having a filter area of 1 m 2 ). Beer containing beer fungus was passed under conditions very similar to actual filtration condition by using the apparatus shown in Figure 1. The fungus concentrations of the original liquid and the filtered liquid were measured. Also, to ascertain the relative ability of the filter, the beer was passed through a cartridge filter (having a nominal filtration rating of 1.2 µm) made of polypropylene and recently used for fungus removal filtration under the same conditions. Then, a comparison was made. The results are shown in Table 4 continued: Test No. Number of Detected Fungi (cells/1) (Number of Detections) Original Liquid Filtrated Liquid Metallic Fibre Sintered Filter Cartridge Filter 1 56 on Average Not detected (in seven tests) Not detected (in seven tests) 2 230 on Average Not detected (in seven tests) Not detected (in seven tests) 3 1,100 on Average 11 (one test) Not detected (six tests) 11 (one test) Not detected (six tests) Experimental Condition: Each test was continuously conducted for four hours through filtration for beer fungus (same as the beer fungus type C in Table 3) having a constant concentration. Each test was conducted through continuous sampling (2 litres x 7 times). From the results, it is confirmed that the apparatus according to the invention has the same beer removing ability as that of a conventional cartridge filter under actual operational conditions. Example 4 (Test of recyclability of beer fungus filtration) The beer fungus filtration and repeated recycle test were conducted by using the filtration apparatus shown in Figure 1. Also, the results thereof were compared with the results of the above-described cartridge filter made of resin. As a result, in the case of the filtration apparatus according to the invention, flushing and alkaline washing (2% NaOH) were effected after filtration of 940 kl/m 2 (flushing every about 67 kl/m 2 ), and the differential filtration pressure increased initially from 1.0 kg/cm 2 to 1.6 kg/cm 2 but this recovered to 1.2 kg/cm 2 . In contrast, in the case of the resin made cartridge filter, there was almost no recovery after washing. Also, since the filter element according to the invention may be recyclably used through the washing, it is possible to use the filter unit for a long period of time with the filter elements being mounted in the filter unit. The more detailed numerical comparison was made between the filter according to the invention and the conventional resin made cartridge filter. The filter specifications and the results of the filter service life are shown in Table 5. Filter Line Structure Two-Stage Filter One-Stage Filter Prefilter Final Filter Filtration Rating 3.5 µm (nominal) 1.2 µm (nominal) 1.0 µm (nominal) Filter Area (m 2 ) 127 to 253 127 to 253 4.26 Filtration Rate (kl/hr.m 2 ) 0.16 to 0.32 0.16 to 0.32 9.4 Service Life of filter (kl/m 2 ) 11.9 to 47.2 11.9 to 47.2 6,030 or more In order to prolong the filter service life as much as possible, the resin made cartridge filter was of the two-filtration system in which the prefilter and the final filter were connected in series. The recycle step of flushing (reverse washing) was applied to the filter according to the present invention, whereas the resin filter was orderly (not reversely) washed by using hot water. According to the results shown in Table 5, the filter service life per unit area of the resin made cartridge filter was 11.9 to 47.2 kl/m 2 , whereas the service life according to the invention was still usable as a filter even exceeding 6,030 kl/m 2 . It is apparent for those skilled in the art that, although the invention has been explained with respect to the fungus removing filtration of beer fungus during the beer production process as described above, it is not limited thereto or thereby but may be applied to the filtration of any other liquid. As described above, in the filtration apparatus according to the invention, the filter unit and the liquid washing unit for performing the liquid washing and the like are unified, and the filter elements for the main filter unit are made of sintered material containing metallic fibre with a nominal filtration rating greater than 0.3 pm but smaller than 2 µm. Therefore, it is possible to perform smooth filtration of beer fungi without the need to change filters. It is therefore possible to operate the apparatus in an economic manner to reduce the filtration cost and save space. It is also possible to perform chemical washing and heat sterilisation. Furthermore, it is possible to perform filtration and washing of the filter simultaneously.

Claims: A beer filtration apparatus having: a main filter means (30-1 to N) having at least one filter element (30b) containing sintered metallic fibre for filtering beer; a subfilter means (40, 60) for filtering washing fluid supplied to said main filter means (30-1 to N); and a buffer tank means (70) connected to said main filter means (30-1 to N) for temporarily reserving therein a predetermined amount of fluid for flushing said main filter means, thereby eliminating clogging of said main filter means for re-use, wherein a nominal filtration rating of said filter element (30b) containing the metallic fibre, provided in said main filter means (30-1 to N) is greater than 0.3 µm but smaller that 2.0 µm. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said nominal filtration rating of said filter element (30b) containing the metallic fibre, provided in said main filter means (30-1 to N) is in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 µm. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metallic fibre contained in said filter element (30b) provided in said main filter means (30-1 to N) has a diameter of 2 to 20 µm, an aspect ratio of 3 to 50, and a porosity rate of 30 to 55%. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said metallic fibre is made of at least stainless steel, inconel (RTM) or hastelloy (RTM). The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filter element (30b) is in the form of a bottomed cylinder, and a thickness of the filter element (30b) is in the range of 1 to 3 mm. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filter element (30b) further contains metallic fine powder, the mixture ratio between said metallic fibre and the metallic fine powder is in the range of 4 : 1 to 1 : 4. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said metallic fine powder is made of at least one kind of metallic atomised powder of stainless steel, inconel (RTM) or hastelloy (RTM). The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said main filter means includes at least two main filters arranged in parallel, said apparatus further comprising a switching means for piping systems for washing one main filter during a period of filtration of beer through the other main filter. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said main filter means (30-1 to N), said subfilter means (40, 60) and said buffer tank (70) are connected to each other, for flowing the beer to said main filter means (30-1 to N) to thereby discharge the filtrated liquid, for temporarily reserving the washing fluid in said buffer tank (70) to flush the main filter means (30-1 to N) by the temporarily reserved washing fluid to eliminate the clogging of said main filter means (30-1 to N) for re-use, and for temporarily reserving the washing fluid in said buffer tank to continuously circulate the temporarily reserved fluid between said buffer tank (70) and said main filter means (30-1 to N) for washing. A beer filtrating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the buffer tank means (70) communicates directly with said subfilter means (40, 60). The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said main filter means (30-1 to N), said subfilter means (40, 60) and said buffer tank (70) are connected to each other , for flowing the beer to said main filter means to thereby discharge the filtrated liquid, for temporarily reserving the washing fluid in said buffer tank (70) to flush said main filter means (30-1 to N) and said subfilter means (40, 60) by the temporarily reserved washing fluid to eliminate the clogging of said main filter means and said subfilter means for recyclic use, and for temporarily reserving the washing fluid in said buffer tank to continuously circulate the temporarily reserved fluid between said buffer tank and said main filter means for washing.

Inventors: HIBI NOBORU, INOUE NAOKI, KITAMURA YOSHIYUKI, MIZUKI MASAMITSU, MORI JUNICHIRO, SAKAI YUUICHIRO, YOSHIDA ATSUSHI, HIBI, NOBORU, INOUE, NAOKI, KITAMURA, YOSHIYUKI, MIZUKI, MASAMITSU, MORI, JUNICHIRO, SAKAI, YUUICHIRO, YOSHIDA, ATSUSHI, HIBI, NOBORU C/O KIRIN BEER K.K., Inoue, Naoki, c/o Kirin Beer K.K., KITAMURA, YOSHIYUKI C/O KIRIN BEER K.K., Mizuki, Masamitsu, c/o Nippon Seisen K.K., Mori, Junichiro, c/o Kirin Beer K.K., Sakai, Yuuichiro, c/o Kirin Beer K.K., Yoshida, Atsushi, c/o Nippon Seisen K.K.
Applicants: KIRIN BREWERY, KIRIN BEER KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Application year: 1991
Main classification: C12H1
IPC codes: B01D29, B01D39, C12H1, B01D37