As the seasons change throughout the year, so do our taste buds and interests. For example, you can associate a beverage with every season of the year.
When thinking of summer, you think of lemonade. When thinking of winter, you think of hot chocolate.
Having said this, apple cider is undeniably the drink of choice when autumn is upon us. Dating back to ancient roman times, the inclusion of state-of-the-art materials and technology has made the process of creating cider nearly seamless.
Knowing that, how does woven wire mesh fit into this process?
W.S. Tyler has been prominent in the wire mesh industry for over 150 years. We strive to learn your operation inside and out so we can help your cider become the go-to brand.
For that reason, we wrote the following article to help you understand how woven wire mesh can be used when producing quality apple cider. It will cover:
- What it looks like to make apple cider
- How woven wire mesh is defined
- How woven wire mesh fits into the apple cider production process
- How you can integrate woven wire mesh into an existing operation
How Is Apple Cider Made?
To make apple cider, manufacturers must first formulate the right mixture of apples, washing them thoroughly once selected. The freshly cleaned apples are now transported to a grinder that grinds the apples in their entirety, forming a pulp referred to as pomace.
The pomace is then transported to a press system where a conveyor belt system forces the apple pulp through several rollers. This conveyor belt system uses porous belts that allow the juices of the pulp to flow through while most of the solid pulp is retained.
The now goes through a cylindrical filter. This filter is outfitted with a filter media designed to remove any leftover solids from the pulp.
In the final step, the cider is heated to eliminate bacteria and pathogens that may be present. The resulting effect is a batch of apple cider that is safe to consume and non-alcoholic.
The cider can now be bottled and prepped for shipment. At this point, manufacturers will take the retained pomace, cook it for several hours, and convert it into apple butter.
What Is Woven Wire Mesh?
Woven wire mesh is a network of interwoven metallic wires that undergo a centuries-old weaving process, forming a durable yet pliable metal cloth. As this weaving process is heavily monitored, woven wire mesh features pore openings that deliver the precision needed for reliable screening and filtration.
Several specifications, all of which can be customized, are calculated before being woven. Wire mesh users can have things such as the wire diameter, opening size, mesh count, and alloy tailored to their exact needs.
That said, you can apply additional value-added services after the weaving process to ensure optimal performance. This includes techniques such as calendaring, forming, welding, and heat treatment.
How Does Woven Wire Mesh Fit Into Apple Cider Production?
As stated above, the juices from the apple pulp go through a cylindrical filter to remove residual pulp solids. These filters are referred to as drum filters and are often installed at a subtle incline, using a rotating motion to help separate the liquid from the solids.
Now, these filters are often outfitted with woven wire mesh as it delivers the precision needed to efficiently remove the solid matter from the cider and the durability to last. As the pulp makes its way through the filter, the precise pore opening of the mesh catches the solid pulp while its open profile allows the maximum amount of juice to be extracted.
That said, this wire mesh will typically be mounted onto a supportive layer, such as welded wire, expanded wire, or perforated plate. This is to ensure the wire mesh maintains its shape while simultaneously working to extend the life of the filter.
Can I Integrate Woven Wire Mesh Into an Existing Apple Cider Production Line?
Apple cider is one of the oldest drinks consumed today. Naturally, this means that there are dozens of operations that have been up and running for decades.
So, what should you do if your drum filter utilizes perforated plate or another filter media and you decide woven wire mesh will better suit your needs?
Well, the answer is simple: retrofit your drum filter with woven wire mesh. This involves removing the filter media that was initially mounted onto the drum filter and replacing it with a mesh specification that can separate the cider from the pulp adequately.
To find out more about retrofitting a drum filter with woven wire mesh, read the following article:
Developing the Perfect Wire Mesh Solution Starts With Understanding the Material
Standing as one of the oldest beverages in existence, apple cider has become synonymous with autumn. During the production process, drum filters outfitted with woven wire mesh are used to separate the raw juice from the solid apple pulp.
To develop a wire mesh solution that produces ideal results, you must work with a reliable wire mesh supplier to work the various wire mesh specifications. To ensure you are fully prepared for these conversations, you should take the time to understand the key terms you will encounter.
Having helped customers navigate the world of woven wire mesh for 150 years, W.S. Tyler is here to help you gain the know-how needed to feel confident in your ability to produce apple cider efficiently.
To the key terms surrounding the wire mesh industry, read the article linked below: