Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
For industries ranging from botanical extraction to pharmaceuticals, the efficiency of the filtration process defines the quality of the final product. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the evolution of depth filtration technology, combining the superior retention capabilities of plate and frame filter presses with the user-friendly, enclosed design of a cartridge system. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater provides these high-performance modules to address complex solid and liquid separation challenges.
What are Lenticular Filters?
Lenticular filters, often referred to as stacked disc modules, utilize specific depth filter media sheets sealed into a robust polypropylene core. The term “lenticular” comes from the shape of the stacked cells, which resemble a double convex lens. This design allows for a large surface area to be compacted into a small footprint, offering high dirt-holding capacity and flow rates without the leakage and maintenance usage associated with traditional filter presses.
Product Configurations and Media Types
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is versatile, available in multiple formulations to suit specific compatibility and retention requirements (from 0.25 to 15 microns). The modules typically come in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters and can be stacked designed to fit largely any standard lenticular housing.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the most popular configuration, manufactured with Micro-Media®. This media contains cellulose, high-purity Diatomaceous Earth (DE), and a wet strength resin. It exhibits a positive Zeta Potential, which attracts negatively charged contaminants (like bacteria or haze-forming particles) that are smaller than the physical pore size.
- Best For: Botanical extracts (dewaxing/winterization), food & beverage haze removal, and general fine particulate reduction.
- Key Feature: High solids loading capacity due to the internal void volume of the DE matrix.
2. Bio-Pak® (Pharmaceutical Grade)
Designed for critical applications, the Bio-Pak® utilizes pharmaceutical-grade media and was the first domestic double O-ring filter element. It ensures zero bypass, which is critical for biologics and injectables.
3. Disc-Pak® (100% Cellulose)
Utilizing AlphaMedia™, the Disc-Pak® is composed of pure cellulose with no resins or inorganic filter aids. It is ideal for applications sensitive to extractables or where simple mechanical retention is required.
4. Water Removal Variants (ZetaDri-Pak® & AquaKv-Pak®)
These specialized cartridges entrap free and emulsified water from oils and solvents. They are widely use in transformer oils and silicone purification.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the specs is crucial for selecting the right module for your housing and process loop.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12 inch (30.5 cm), 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm – 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222, 226 styles available) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM (Standard), Viton, Buna-N, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel straps (Optional) |
| Number of Cells per Stack | Typically 5 to 18 cells (depending on height requirements) |
| Max Operating Temperature | 176°F (80°C) for Polypropylene core |
Key Benefits for Industrial Operations
- Scalability: The same media grades used in lab-scale discs are used in full-scale 16-inch modules, making scale-up from R&D to production predictable and seamless.
- Ease of Changeout: Unlike plate and frame presses which require manual cleaning of plates and messy disposal of cake, Pak modules are easily lifted out of the housing and disposed of as a single unit. This reduces labor costs and downtime.
- Closed System: Lenticular housings ensure the product is not exposed to the environment, protecting both the operator from solvents and the product from airborne contamination.
- Chemical Compatibility: With polypropylene cores and various gasket options, these filters handle aggressive solvents, alcohols (ethanol/methanol), and varying pH levels commonly found in extraction processes.
Common Applications
| Industry | Application Use Case |
|---|---|
| Botanical Extraction | Removal of waxes, lipids, and precipitations (Winterization). Zeta-Pak is highly effective here due to DE impregnation. |
| Distilled Spirits | Polishing filtration to remove haze and activated carbon fines. |
| Chemicals & Solvents | Particulate removal from bulk chemicals; Catalyst recovery. |
| Cosmetics | Clarification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils. |
| Life Sciences | Clarification of cell culture media and fermentation broths using Bio-Pak variants. |
Why Choose Purecowater for Filtration Solutions?
Selecting the correct depth filter requires understanding fluid viscosity, particle load, and chemical compatibility. As a distributor for ErtelAlsop and other leading brands, Purecowater provides the technical expertise to size your housing and select the correct micron rating for your process.
Need assistance selecting the right Pak Lenticular Filter?
We can help you determine the optimal media grade and configuration for your specific application.