20cm x 20cm filter pads made for 20x20 plate filters. 5-7 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 .