Advanced Depth Filtration Solutions
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex liquid filtration challenges. Among our premier offerings are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. These depth filter cartridges (modules) are designed to provide the superior retention and solids loading capabilities of traditional plate and frame filters, but in a convenient, enclosed, and easy-to-use cartridge format.
Whether you are operating in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, or botanical extraction industries, the Pak® Lenticular Cartridges offer a robust solution for clarification, polishing, and sterilization applications.
What are Pak® Lenticular Filters?
The term “lenticular” refers to the shape of the filter cells, which resemble a double convex lens. A Pak® cartridge is constructed by stacking these lenticular cells on a central core. Each cell is comprised of two sheets of depth filter media, edge-sealed usually with polypropylene to prevent bypass.
This design creates a complex matrix of fibers and particles that effectively traps contaminants throughout the depth of the media, not just on the surface. The result is high efficient particle retention and significant solids holding capacity.
Key Features and Benefits
Operators prefer Lenticular Pak® cartridges over traditional methods for several reasons, primarily due to the enclosed design which eliminates leakage and exposure.
| Feature | Operational Benefit |
|---|---|
| Depth Media Matrix | High solids loading capacity and wide range of particle retention (0.25 to 15 microns). |
| Totally Enclosed System | Prevents product contamination, eliminates leakage/drip pans, and protects operators from hazardous fluids. |
| Scalable Design | Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with usually 5 to 18 cells per stack, fitting various flow rate requirements. |
| Quick Change-Out | Significantly reduces downtime compared to dressing a plate and frame filter press. |
Technical Specifications
The adaptability of the ErtelAlsop Pak® allows it to be configured for a variety of housing types and process fluids.
- Diameters: 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm)
- Micron Ratings: Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm
- Core Material: Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel options available in specific configurations
- End Cap Configurations: Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Plug-in)
- Gasket Materials: EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N
Media Formulations
Purecowater provides various media grades to suit your specific filtration goals:
- Micro-Media®: Cellulose blended with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and Perlite. Ideal for haze removal and polishing.
- Alpha-Media®: 100% pure cellulose. Perfect for applications where low extractables are critical.
- Micro-Clear®: Activated carbon immobilized within a cellulose matrix. Used for decolorization and odor removal without the mess of bulk carbon.
Common Applications
Lenticular filtration is a “workhorse” technology used across many sectors:
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes, lipids, and fine particulates in winterized ethanol extracts.
- Distilled Spirits: Polishing filtration for whiskey, vodka, and gin to ensure clarity and stability.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of broths, syrups, and API filtration (using Bio-Pak® grades).
- Food & Beverage: Filtration of syrups, juices, and frying oils.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
Lenticular vs. Plate & Frame
While plate and frame filters have been the standard for decades, modern manufacturing environments are shifting toward lenticular cartridges. The Bio-Pak® and Zeta-Pak® modules utilize the exact same filter media sheets found in filter presses but package them in a pre-assembled, sealed unit. This means you can transfer your validated process from a press to a lenticular housing without changing the filtration performance, gaining the benefits of a sanitary, leak-free, and user-friendly system.
Contact Purecowater
Are you looking to upgrade your current filtration system or replace existing modules? Purecowater is your trusted partner for ErtelAlsop products and filtration engineering.