For industries requiring superior liquid clarification and solids removal, Pureco Water provides the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter Cartridges. Known for their versatility and high solids loading capacity, these depth filter modules are an industry standard for applications ranging from botanical extraction to pharmaceutical processing.
As a distributor and OEM for top-tier filtration manufacturers, Pureco Water offers these lenticular modules to help facilities upgrade from traditional plate and frame filters to a more enclosed, leak-free, and user-friendly system.
What is the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® (often referred to as a lenticular module or stack) is a depth filtration cartridge comprised of individual filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is made of premium depth filter media—such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®—encased in a polypropylene internal core.
The unique design resembles a stack of double convex lenses (hence “lenticular”). The edges of the media are sealed using a patented process, ensuring zero bypass and structural integrity even under pressure. This design allows the fluid to pass through the media matrix, trapping particles not just on the surface, but throughout the depth of the filter sheet.
Key Technologies
- Zeta-Pak® Technology: Many of these modules utilize media with a positive Zeta Potential. This electrokinetic charge attracts and holds negatively charged particles (like haze, bacteria, and endotoxins) that are smaller than the filter’s physical pore size.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of cellulose fibers and filter aids (such as Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite) creates a tortuous path for fluid, maximizing the retention of deformable particles and gels.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters, these filters scale easily from pilot testing to full industrial production.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are designed to fit into standard lenticular housings. Below are the standard technical parameters available through Pureco Water.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Diameters Available | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (Standard), others available upon request |
| Media Options | Cellulose, Cellulose + DE/Perlite, Cellulose + Activated Carbon |
| Standard Cell Count | Typically 16 cells per module (options from 5 to 18) |
Note: Specs may vary based on specific media grade selected.
Features and Benefits
Why choose ErtelAlsop Pak® over traditional methods or competitor cartridges?
- Leak-Free Assurance: The patented sealing process eliminates the edge leakage often associated with plate and frame filters.
- Safe & Clean Changeouts: Unlike loose filter sheets, the lenticular module is a self-contained unit. Operators can load and unload filters quickly without handling wet, contaminated filter cake directly.
- Chemical Compatibility: The polypropylene construction and EPDM gaskets make these filters compatible with a wide range of solvents, alcohols, and sanitizing agents.
- Cost-Effective: High surface area in a compact footprint reduces the frequency of changeouts and minimizes product holdup volume.
Common Applications
The versatility of the MicroMedia® matrix makes the Pak® cartridge suitable for diverse industries:
🌿 Botanical Extraction
Ideal for winterization and dewaxing. The Diatomaceous Earth (DE) impregnated media efficiently sieves out waxes, lipids, and fine particulates from ethanol or CO2 extracts without stripping desirable compounds.
🍷 Food & Beverage
Used for the polishing and clarification of distilled spirits, wines, syrups, and fragrances. The filters effectively remove haze and sediment to ensure a bright, clear final product.
💊 Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics
Provides critical filtration for API processing, cosmetics, and large-volume parenterals where high purity and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.
Get the Right Fit for Your System
Choosing between a Flat Gasket and Double O-Ring configuration, or selecting the correct micron rating (0.25µm vs 5µm), depends entirely on your specific fluid stream and housing type. Pureco Water’s engineering team can assist you in selecting the optimal ErtelAlsop configuration to maximize your throughput and filtrate quality.
Need help sizing a lenticular housing or selecting filter media?