What is ConoClear® Microfiltration Filter Media?

ConoClear® Microfiltration Filter Media is a filtering medium that was developed for the clarification of cooking oils.  There are currently eleven (11) patents for technology developed for this area.  We recognized the need for a more efficient and functional filter media for the foodservice industry due to the shortcomings of existing filter media available today.  ConoClear® provides the necessary technology to affect cooking oil quality, convenience and economy.

How is ConoClear® filters different from other filters?

The standard filter types available for shortening filtration in the foodservice industry are paper, cellulose or stainless steel.  Paper filters are inexpensive but have several shortcomings.  They can only remove particulate down to about 30 micron and have limited ability for filtering volume.  Paper filters also tear easily eliminating extended use.  Cellulose filters are more efficient, removing particulate down to about 10 micron, but as with paper filters are easily damaged and are not conducive to extended use. 
ConoClear filters are highly efficient removing 99.9% of the particulate down to 0.5 micron.  They are very durable which allows for frequent and aggressive scraping and cleaning without being damaged.  The unique construction provide these improvements over traditional filter types  which also enables them to be reused for an extended period of time.

How are the ConoClear® filters used and are they handled differently? 

ConoClear filters are used the same way as any traditional filter.  They are designed to install and fit as any other filter type.  The most prominent feature is that they can be used for an extended period of time before changing.  They must be cleaned periodically to maintain optimal performance.  But unlike paper or cellulose filters, they are extremely durable and can be scraped, without the likelihood of damage. The most effective means of cleaning is to simply scrape the filter surface of debris and discard debris or remove the filter unit after adequate cooling and bang it over a disposal container to clear debris from the filter surface, and then reinstall.  Once the filter surface is clear of debris, the filter is ready for the next filter cycle.  If the flow slows due to excessive debris buildup, simply turn off the pump and using a spatula, putty knife or similar tool, scrape the debris from the filter surface to the sides of the filter tank.  Turn the pump back on and resume filtering.

How long can the ConoClear®filter be used before it needs to be changed?

The ConoClear filter has been designed to provide the end user the option to reuse through multiple filtration cycles.  The specific period of time for effective use will vary from operation to operation due to several variables.  One variable is frying volume.  A restaurant with an extensive fried product menu will obviously need larger and more fryers to produce the required amount of product.  In this case a larger volume of shortening will need to be filtered, consequently demanding more of the filter media.  The makeup, consistency and amount of breading used on the product will affect the filter media.  Filtering frequency is another.  Filtering one, two, or three times per day will have an affect on the wear and tear of the media.  A good rule of thumb is to change the filter when the shortening is changed.  This period will range from two weeks to a month.

What should be expected by using theConoClear®filter media?

There will be numerous improvements noticed after installing a ConoClear filter.  The following are improvements that have been recorded through extensive field operation and evaluation.

• Increased flow rate – The flow from the return will be much faster and stronger than traditional filter medias.
• Instant clarity of the shortening – Due to the inherent efficiency of the filter media, the cooking oil will reach 99% clarity on the first pass through the media.  This eliminates the need for re-circulation which will in turn cut the time required for filtration.
• Resists blinding and clogging – Due to the technical construction of the filter media, it will maintain higher flows under heavier dirt load conditions and filter a much larger volume of cooking oil.
• Durability – Cleaning, scraping and handling will be easier and quicker.  Damage to the filter media from any of these methods is remote.
• Reduced daily top-off  - There will be a significant reduction in the amount of shortening required to bring the oil back to the proper level.
• Extended shortening life – The functional life of the shortening will be extended from 25% to 150%.
• Reduction of filter powder required – Filter powder if used can be eliminated or reduced by as much as 50%.