Filtering Frustration

[deadlift666]

I am getting frustrated with the filtering process of the homebrew. For example, I typically brew with 2% BA, 18% BB, and unfiltered GSO. I have been getting Autofil filtration units, and have tried both .22 micron and .45 micron filters. The problem is they both get clogged after filtering about 50ml. Is this normal? ****ing things cost $10 each and I am blowing right through them trying to make a decent sized batch. Is my brew really that dirty that it is clogging them up so quickly, or is this normal output for one of these filtration units?

 

[DocDePanda187123]

I've never used on of their filters but even so it shouldn't be clogging at 50ml. I have used whatman filters and found them to work great but I know others on here prefer other filters. You're using the bottle top filters correct? If so are you making sure the vacuum isn't being lost? Is the solution warm or cold when filtering? Are you making sure all the hormone dissolves into solution before filtering?

 

[deadlift666]

Yes, bottle top. Hormone is totally dissolved, no doubt about it. Vacuum is not being lost. My hand vacuum pump has a gauge on it, so I watch it closely. Warm or cold doesn't really matter, still clogs around the same volume. Maybe I will try another brand. Just really surprised that they are clogging so quickly.

 

[TriniJuice]

Side question;
Did you warm the oil before attempting to filter bcuz if not that could be your problem.....

 

[DocDePanda187123]

Yes, bottle top. Hormone is totally dissolved, no doubt about it. Vacuum is not being lost. My hand vacuum pump has a gauge on it, so I watch it closely. Warm or cold doesn't really matter, still clogs around the same volume. Maybe I will try another brand. Just really surprised that they are clogging so quickly.

Your filter has what kind of membrane? PES membrane? If I'm not mistaken PES membranes work for aqueous solutions and suck for oil based solutions. Try a nylon filter

 

[deadlift666]

They do have PES membrane. Maybe that is the issue. First I have heard of that. I'll have to research on that.

 

[TriniJuice]

Misread; thought u were using syringe filters
Still, can't go wrong with a Whatman...

 

[PillarofBalance]

Is there maybe just a ton of shit in the powder and oil?

50ml is way too soon to be clogging up even if there is though.

Not sure what to make of that. Time to switch brands

 

[SFGiants]

Your filter has what kind of membrane? PES membrane? If I'm not mistaken PES membranes work for aqueous solutions and suck for oil based solutions. Try a nylon filter

PES is one of the fastest I think but not for our use we should be using PVDF or Nylon filters.

 

[SFGiants]

PVDF for anything with Guaiacol in it.

 

[deadlift666]

No, typical concentration for long esters. Test E and EQ @ 250mg/ml. Nothing crazy. I guess I'll have to try different brand and PVDF.

 

[deadlift666]

Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[TriniJuice]

You do know Whatman is an unsterilized unit leaving you with an unsterilized process?

You will filter out all the garbage but you will do it in a sterile manner.

Not following this at all,
The whatman syringe filters I've used said sterile and came individually packaged/sealed
What do you mean by it's an unsterilized unit, tis' confusion

 

[SFGiants]

Not following this at all,
The whatman syringe filters I've used said sterile and came individually packaged/sealed
What do you mean by it's an unsterilized unit, tis' confusion

Sorry bro was thinking you use the bottle tops they are not sterile.

 

[Mooobaby]

Get glass equipment and use two large glass prefilters. It depends on how clear the gso is. Even coffee filters before mixing in the hormones helps.

 

[Paolos]

No expert but sounds like your using the incorrect filter media. I can get 100ml thru a PVDF syringe filter before it gets tough to filter.

 

[Zipsteak]

Id try the PVDF Fiilter .2um tops fitted with a glass sterilized receiver flask. Attach the tops using a vacuum pump with multiple hookups so you can vacuum multiple tops at once. Displace the total amount of your batch into smaller filtration batches. Then use the stericup lids with the pore interface that allows for easy drawing using a needle. Essentially turning the glass bottom receiver into a giant sterilized vial. Then toss the tops.

Tops of filtration units such as PVDF filter tops are cheaper than the whole unit, and can also be found in bulk order sizes on amazon for nearly half the price of a single unit.