A BMF makes use of proprietary membrane technology. A membrane is a thin polymer layer with pores working like a sieve in the shape of a fiber. Turbidities like yeast and proteins are retained while beer flows through the pores. The membrane is used for many filter run-cycles, which is possible because of an optimized cleaning protocol. The membrane is made from polyethersulfone (PES) which is known for its great compatibility with food and beverages and can withstand cleaning agents and high temperatures. Thousands of membrane fibers form a module.

Typically, Pentair’s BMF system consists of an unfiltered beer tank, the membrane filter system, and a filtered beer tank, along with a designated cleaning agent cabinet. In existing breweries, reuse of the current tanks in the filter line is possible, which helps minimize capital expenditures.

BMF systems offer unique features with the PES membranes, the optimized filtration process, and the ideal cleaning procedure. The optimized filtration process withstands large amounts of yeast, and yeast even has a positive effect on the run volumes. Because of this, pre-clarification of beer with a centrifuge is not necessary. These features help breweries save on Capex and energy use, plus help avoid expensive maintenance costs. As a result, the brewery benefits in the areas of sustainability, quality, operation, and expenditures.