For industries requiring rigorous solid-liquid separation, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent a significant evolution in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for premier filtration solutions, Purecowater provides these high-performance lenticular cartridges (modules) designed to offer the superior retention of traditional plate and frame filters within a convenient, enclosed, and operator-friendly format.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Cartridges?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, often referred to as lenticular modules, are depth filter units constructed from stacked filtration cells. Manufactured in standard 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters, these modules typically contain anywhere from 5 to 18 stacked cells. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene process.
The resulting structure resembles a stack of double convex lenses—giving rise to the name “lenticular.” This design provides a high surface area in a compact footprint and serves as a modern alternative to open plate and frame filter presses.
Key Advantages
- Enclosed System: Unlike plate and frame filters which can drip or expose the product to the environment, lenticular Paks operate inside sealed stainless steel housings, ensuring sanitary processing and zero product loss.
- Rapid Change-Out: The modular design allows for quick installation and removal, significantly reducing downtime and labor compared to manually dressing filter presses.
- Scalability: Over 300 precision dies ensure these cartridges fit virtually any filter press or housing configuration.
- High Solids Loading: The complex fiber matrix allows for exceptional retention capacity for both rigid and deformable particles.
Technical Specifications
ErtelAlsop cartridges are versatile and can be tailored to specific process requirements, including pharmaceutical-grade options and various chemical compatibilities.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Standard Diameters | 12″ (30.5 cm) and 16″ (40.6 cm) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 style equivalent) |
| Media Technologies | MicroMedia® (Cellulose/DE), AlphaMedia® (Pure Cellulose), MicroClear® (Activated Carbon) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Silicone, Viton, Teflon Encapsulated |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
Media Technologies & Performance
The retention efficiency of the Pak® cartridges is driven by the specific media utilized in the stack. Purecowater offers several variations to match your specific filtration goals:
Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry standard for general industrial and pharmaceutical applications. It utilizes MicroMedia®, which incorporates Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter aid. This creates a rigid, porous cake capable of sieving out ultra-fine particulate.
Zeta Potential: One of the critical features of the Zeta-Pak series is its positive electro-kinetic charge (Zeta Potential). This property attracts and holds negatively charged particles (like endotoxins, certain bacteria, and colloids) that are smaller than the physical pore size of the media, enhancing filtration efficiency beyond simple mechanical sieving.
AlphaMedia®
For applications where mineral-free filtration is required, AlphaMedia® is composed of 100% cellulose without inorganic filter aids. This is ideal for sensitive applications where extractables must be minimized.
MicroClear®
These modules incorporate activated carbon directly into the filter matrix, allowing for simultaneous filtration and adsorption. This is excellent for color removal, odor reduction, and dechlorination in spirits and pharmaceutical processing.
Typical Applications
Due to their robust design and variety of media grades, ErtelAlsop Pak Filters are utilized across a wide spectrum of industries.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of cell cultures, removal of protein hazes, and sterile filtration pre-treatment.
- Distilled Spirits: Chill haze removal, activated carbon treatment for vodka/gin, and barrel char removal.
- Botanical Extracts: Effective removal of waxes and lipids while maintaining high flow rates in ethanol extraction processes.
- Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for syrups, juices, and edible oils.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Insulating oil reconditioning and bulk chemical clarification.
Lenticular Filter Housings
To maximize the performance of these cartridges, they are best paired with ErtelAlsop’s line of sanitary and industrial housings. These are available in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
The Horizontal Filter Housing is particularly notable for its “Lock and Load” system, which simplifies cartridge loading and allows for single-person operation without the need for overhead hoists. This orientation reduces product loss and ensures ergonomic handling during change-outs.
Whether you are upgrading from a manual filter press or designing a new process line, the ErtelAlsop Pak® series offers a reliable, scalable, and high-purity solution for your depth filtration needs.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?
Contact Purecowater Today