For industries requiring high-purity filtration with efficient solids loading, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a robust solution. As a scalable alternative to traditional plate and frame filters, these depth filter modules are designed to handle applications ranging from pharmaceutical processing to distilled spirits and essential oils. Purecowater, as a distributor/OEM, offers these advanced filtration technologies to help optimize your liquid processing streams.
What Are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, also known as depth lenticular filter modules, are depth filtration units constructed from stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®) with edges sealed using a patented polypropylene process. The assembled unit resembles a stack of double convex lenses, creating a “lenticular” shape that maximizes surface area within a compact footprint [ertelalsop.com].
This totally enclosed design eliminates the leakage and external contamination often associated with open plate and frame filter presses, making it an ideal choice for critical applications where product hygiene and operator safety are paramount.
Key Features and Benefits
The Pak® design offers several operational advantages over competitive filtration methods:
- Structure: Available in 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters.
- Scalability: Modules contain between 5 to 18 stacked cells, allowing users to adjust filtration surface area based on batch impact.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix efficiently retains particles while maintaining high throughput.
- User-Friendly: The “Lock and Load” design facilitates quick cartridge change-outs, significantly reducing downtime compared to manual plate and frame cleaning.
- Zero Leakage: Enclosed housings utilize flat gaskets or double O-rings to ensure a tight seal and prevent product loss.
Technical Specifications
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are highly customizable to fit specific process requirements. Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications available via Purecowater.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 to 15 microns (Nominal) |
| Standard Diameters | 12 inch and 16 inch |
| End Configurations | Double O-Ring, Flat Gasket |
| Media Types | MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, MicroClear® (Activated Carbon) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, etc. |
Available Media Configurations
The versatility of the Pak® system lies in its media options. Depending on the fluid chemistry and target contaminants, different media compositions are deployed:
- Zeta-Pak®: The “workhorse” of the line, providing high zeta potential for retaining ultra-fine particles and haze. Effective for botanical extracts and general industrial liquids [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Bio-Pak®: Designed for biological and pharmaceutical applications requiring strict validation.
- MicroClear®: Incorporates immobilized activated carbon for decolorization and odor removal without the mess of loose carbon powder.
- AlphaMedia®: A cellulose-based media ideal for economical clarification.
Common Applications
Due to their enclosed nature and high retention efficiency, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters are utilized across various heavy industries and life sciences sectors.
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Distilled spirits filtration, haze removal in syrups, wine clarification. |
| Pharmaceuticals | API processing, sterile filtration pre-treatment, bulk liquid clarification. |
| Botanical Extraction | Removal of waxes and lipids (dewaxing) using media impregnated with Diatomaceous Earth (DE). |
| Chemicals & Utilities | Insulating oil filtration, solvent cleaning, and process water purification. |
Why Switch from Plate and Frame?
While plate and frame filters have been the standard for decades, they present significant challenges regarding labor and product yield. The lenticular format was invented to tackle these issues directly. By translating the same high-quality filter media spec into a lenticular cartridge, operators gain a system that is:
- Cleaner: Fully enclosed housing prevents dripping and exposure to fumes.
- Faster: Cartridges are changed in minutes rather than hours.
- Efficient: Minimal hold-up volume ensures maximum product recovery [ertelalsop.com].
For more information on sizing a lenticular depth filtration system for your specific facility, or to request a quote on ErtelAlsop media,