The Gold Standard in Depth Filtration Modules
At Purecowater, we understand that achieving superior purity in liquids often requires more than just surface filtration. For industries dealing with high solid loads, haze, or ultra-fine particulates, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters offer a robust, scalable solution. As a premier distributor for top-tier filtration engineers, Purecowater provides these advanced lenticular cartridges to tackle rigorous solid and liquid filtration problems across the industrial, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage sectors.
This guide explores the engineering behind ErtelAlsop’s Pak® cartridges, their specific media configurations, and why they remain a preferred choice for critical applications.
What Are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges—often referred to as lenticular filter modules—are depth filtration units designed to replace traditional plate and frame filters while providing a closed, leak-free system. The design consists of stacked filter cells (discs) that resemble double-convex lenses, hence the name “lenticular.”
These modules are engineered for use in enclosed housings, ensuring that the product remains isolated from the environment and the operator is protected from the fluids. They are available in standard 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters to fit most standard industry housings.
Product Configurations and Media Types
Not all filtration challenges are the same. ErtelAlsop offers distinct media formulations within the Pak® format to target specific contaminants, from waxes in botanical extracts to moisture in transformer oils.
| Series Media | Composition | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite, Wet Strength Resin | The Workhorse. Ideal for haze removal, botanical extraction (dewaxing), and fluids requiring high positive zeta potential for ultra-fine particle retention. |
| Disc-Pak® | 100% Cellulose (AlphaMedia™) | Used for dielectric oils, lubricating oils, syrups, and cosmetics where DE or Perlite is not desired. |
| AquaKv-Pak® | Specialized absorptive media | Designed specifically for water and moisture removal in insulating oils and dielectric fluids. |
| Bio-Pak® | High-purity Pharmaceutical Grade | Critical applications in biotech and pharma requiring low extractables. |
Technical Specifications
When selecting a lenticular module, compatibility with your existing housing and process flow rate is essential. Below are the general specifications for the Pak® cartridges supplied by Purecowater.
- Micron Retention (Nominal): 0.25 µm to 15 µm
- Module Diameters: 12″ and 16″
- End Cap Configurations: Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Code 222/226 styles typically available to fit various housings)
- Core Material: Polypropylene (Standard)
- Number of Cells: Typically 5 to 16 cells per module depending on surface area requirements.
- Gaskets: EPDM, Silicone, Viton, etc.
Applications and Industries
The versatility of the Pak® system allows it to serve as a primary clarifier or a pre-filter protection step for downstream membrane filters.
1. Botanical Extracts & Hemp Processing
The Zeta-Pak® is particularly famous in the extraction industry for winterization and dewaxing. Its high solids loading capacity allows it to capture waxes and lipids effectively without clogging immediately, ensuring a clear, polished oil or distillate.
2. Food & Beverage
From polishing distilled spirits to clarifying filtration of syrups and edible oils, the lenticular format provides the throughput of a filter press with the hygiene and ease of a cartridge system.
3. Power Generation & Utilities
Maintaining the dielectric strength of transformer oils is critical. The Disc-Pak® and AquaKv-Pak® are utilized to remove carbon fines and dissolved water from insulating oils, extending the life of high-voltage equipment.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak® Filter Modules?
- Leak-Free Operation: Unlike open filter presses, lenticular housings are enclosed, eliminating dripping and evaporation losses.
- Scalability: The same media used in lab-scale discs is used in full-scale 16″ modules, making scale-up predictable and easy.
- Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a module takes minutes compared to the hours often required to dress a plate and frame filter.
- High Zeta Potential: The inclusion of wet strength resins and DE modifies the charge of the media, allowing it to attract negatively charged particles smaller than the physical pore size.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?
Whether you need to remove haze from a botanical extract or purify industrial oils, Purecowater has the technical expertise to size and supply the right ErtelAlsop solution for you.