ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent a significant evolution in depth filtration technology. Designed to provide a totally enclosed, operator-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses, these cartridges offer scalability, high solids loading capacity, and superior particle retention. Whether for pharmaceutical applications requiring sanitary compliance or industrial chemical processing, the Pak® series provides a versatile solution for solid-liquid separation.
At Purecowater, we distribute high-performance filtration solutions including the ErtelAlsop Pak® series to tackle your most challenging liquid filtration problems.
What are Pak® Lenticular Filters?
The Pak® depth filter cartridges (also known as lenticular modules) consist of stacked depth filter cells. Each cell is constructed from a pair of filter sheets—such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®—sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene process. This assembly resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving rise to the name “lenticular.”
This design allows for the rigorous filtration capabilities of a plate and frame press but packaged within a sealed, easy-to-change cartridge format. The result is a system that eliminates leakage, simplifies maintenance, and protects operators from exposure to the process fluid.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enclosed System: Prevents fluid loss and protects product purity by eliminating external contamination.
- Scalability: Over 300 precision dies allow these filters to fit virtually any press or housing configuration.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix—composed of fibers and filter aids like diatomaceous earth—traps particles throughout the thickness of the media, not just on the surface.
- Efficiency: Nominal retention ratings range from 0.25 to 15 microns, suitable for sub-micron filtration tasks.
- Chemical Compatibility: Available with polypropylene supports and various gasket materials (EPDM, Viton, etc.) to withstand diverse solvents and process conditions.
Technical Specifications
The Pak® cartridges are designed to accommodate a wide range of flow rates and viscosities. Below are the standard specifications for the ErtelAlsop Pak® series.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Count | Typically 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm, 0.45 µm, 1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 5.0 µm, 10 µm, 15 µm |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Plug-in) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated |
| Filter Media Options | MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, MicroClear® (Activated Carbon) |
Cartridge Series and Configurations
ErtelAlsop offers distinct series within the Pak® family to address specific industry requirements.
Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the standard industrial lenticular module. It utilizes Micro-Media® containing diatomaceous earth (DE) to form a rigid, porous structure that efficiently sieves out particulate matter. It maintains a high zeta potential for adsorbing ultra-fine particles and is ideal for general industrial, chemical, and food and beverage applications.
Bio-Pak® (Sanitary / Pharmaceutical)
Designed for critical applications, the Bio-Pak® features a Double O-Ring plug-in style connector rather than a flat gasket. This design ensures positive sealing between cartridges and the housing, which is critical for pharmaceutical and biotech processes. It eliminates the need for stainless steel straps or center posts found in older designs, reducing potential contamination points.
Specialty Media
- AlphaMedia™: A cellulose-only media for applications requiring low extractables or where silica (DE) is not permitted.
- MicroClear®: Incorporates activated carbon for decolorization and odor removal without handling loose carbon dust.
Common Applications
Due to their versatility and enclosed design, Pak® Lenticular Filters are used across various high-value sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of excipients, API processing, and sterile pre-filtration.
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids from solvent-based extractions (ethanol, hydrocarbons). The high surface area allows for high flow rates while maintaining clarity.
- Food & Beverage: Haze removal in distilled spirits, wine polishing, and syrup clarification.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Insulating oil reconditioning and bulk chemical filtration.
| Industry | Typical Usage |
|---|---|
| Distilled Spirits | Chill haze removal, particulate removal (1.0 – 5.0 micron) |
| Botanical Extraction | Lipid/Wax removal, winterization polishing |
| Cosmetics | Perfume clarification, oil processing |
| Life Sciences | Cell harvest, buffer filtration |
Housing Compatibility
Pak® cartridges are designed to fit into Lenticular Filter Housings, which are available in vertical or horizontal orientations.
- Sanitary Housings: Featuring 316L stainless steel, high polish finishes, and sanitary fittings for easy cleaning and steaming (CIP/SIP). Ideally paired with Bio-Pak® modules.
- Industrial Housings: Rugged designs in carbon steel or stainless steel for chemical and utility applications, often using Zeta-Pak® modules with flat gaskets.
Solving Filtration Problems with Purecowater
Transitioning from plate and frame presses to lenticular cartridges can significantly reduce downtime and labor costs while improving filtrate quality. Whether you need to remove lipids from a botanical extract or ensure the purity of a pharmaceutical product, the ErtelAlsop Pak® series offers a reliable solution.
Purecowater is here to assist with sizing, media selection, and housing integration for your specific process needs.
Ready to upgrade your filtration process?