Advanced Depth Filtration for Critical Applications
For industries requiring high-efficiency particle retention and superior solids loading capacity, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration manufacturers, Purecowater provides these advanced modules to replace traditional plate and frame filter presses with a more user-friendly, enclosed system.
These lenticular cartridges—often referred to as modules—are designed to streamline the filtration process in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, and utility applications. By combining the filtration area of depth filter sheets with the convenience of a cartridge format, the Pak® system reduces downtime and loss of product.
What is a Pak® Lenticular Cartridge?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge consists of stacked lenticular filter cells. Each cell contains a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®) where the edges are sealed using a patented polypropylene process. The resulting stack resembles a series of double convex lenses.
This design allows the fluid to flow through a complex matrix of fibers, creating a “tortuous path” that effectively traps particles. Unlike surface filters, these depth filters retain contaminants throughout the entire thickness of the media, offering significantly higher dirt-holding capacity.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enclosed System: The totally enclosed design eliminates leakage and external contamination, a common issue with traditional plate and frame presses.
- Rapid Change-Out: Pre-assembled modules allow for quick installation and removal, drastically reducing labor costs and downtime.
- Scalability: Existing process specifications from plate and frame filtration can be easily translated to the lenticular format without changing media grades.
- Versatility: Available in multiple media grades to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals.
Media Configurations
ErtelAlsop offers several distinct media series within the Pak® cartridge line to address specific filtration challenges:
| Series Name | Primary Composition | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | Cellulose & Diatomaceous Earth (DE) | The “workhorse” series. Ideal for general clarification, haze removal, and polishing in F&B and Pharma. |
| Disc-Pak® | 100% Cellulose | Applications sensitive to silica (DE) or where dielectric oils and natural extracts are filtered. |
| Bio-Pak® | High-Purity Cellulose & Filter Aids | Biologicals, vaccines, and high-value pharmaceutical liquids. |
| MicroClear® | Activated Carbon & Cellulose | Decolorization, odor removal, and organic contaminant reduction. |
Technical Specifications
Understanding the physical parameters of these filters is crucial for selecting the right housing and pump/system configuration.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Counts | Available in stacks of 5 to 18 cells (9 to 16 is standard for many housings) |
| Micron Retention | Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm up to 15 µm |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel optional on select models |
| Gasket Options | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Teflon, Silicone |
| Max Operating Temp | Typically 176°F (80°C) for standard polypropylene components |
Primary Applications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is deployed across a wide spectrum of industries where fluid purity is non-negotiable.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of broths, vaccines, and removal of fractured cells.
- Food & Beverage: Haze removal in distilled spirits, syrups, wines, and soft drinks.
- Cosmetics: Purification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils.
- Electric Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils and insulating fluids.
- Botanical Extraction: Removal of waxes and lipids from cannabis on hemp extracts (Winterization).
Integration with Purecowater Solutions
At Purecowater, we understand that selecting the specific grade of depth filtration requires analysis of your liquid’s viscosity, solid load, and chemical characteristics. Whether you require a single housing unit or a complex multi-stage skid, we can supply the correct ErtelAlsop configurations to meet your throughput requirements.
For assistance with sizing, compatibility checks, or ordering these lenticular modules, please reach out to our engineering team.
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