Chemically inert, insoluble substances that support filtration in a physical-mechanical way in order to remove unwanted turbidity, yeast, bacteria or other solid particles from liquids. The most important filter aids include mineral materials such as diatomaceous earth and perlite, organic substances such as cellulose and synthetic or natural resins.
In winemaking, filter aids are mainly used for depth and layer filtration. They are used to build up the filter cake, which enables an even flow and ensures the effective separation of the finest particles. Depending on the process - for example in drum vacuum, precoat or layer filtration - they are added as a pre-coating of the filter carrier or as a continuously dosed suspension.
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The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena