Product Overview: ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Cartridges
ErtelAlsop Pak® lenticular filters—often referred to as depth filter modules—represent a significant evolution in industrial liquid filtration. Designed to provide the high-performance retention of traditional plate and frame filter presses, these cartridges offer the added benefit of a totally enclosed, user-friendly format.
As a distributor for premium filtration solutions, Purecowater provides ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges to industries requiring rigorous contamination control, from pharmaceutical processing to botanical extraction. These modules are compatible with a wide range of housings and are engineered to minimize downtime during change-outs while maximizing solids loading capacity.
Technology and Design
The Lenticular “Disc” Configuration
The term “lenticular” refers to the lens-like shape of the individual filter cells. A standard Pak® cartridge is constructed from 5 to 18 of these stacked cells. Each cell consists of two sheets of depth filter media sealed around a polypropylene internal core and support structure.
This design creates a complex, tortuous path for liquid flow, capturing particles both on the surface and deep within the media structure. The edges of the media are sealed using a patented process (typically polypropylene), ensuring that the module acts as a cohesive unit that eliminates bypass.
Zeta-Potential Mechanism
Many ErtelAlsop media grades, such as the Zeta-Pak®, utilize Electrokinetic Adsorption (Zeta Potential). The media typically exhibits a positive charge, which acts like a magnet to attract and hold negatively charged contaminants (such as bacteria, endotoxins, and colloidal hazes) that are smaller than the physical pore size of the media. This dual-mechanism of mechanical sieving and electrokinetic adsorption results in superior clarification.
Product Variations
While the physical format remains consistent (12-inch or 16-inch diameters), the performance characteristics change based on the media composition.
1. Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry workhorse. It incorporates Micro-Media®, which is composed of cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and wet-strength resins. The DE provides an intricate internal structure for high-efficiency depth filtration.
- Best For: Haze removal, microbial reduction, and general clarification.
- Key Feature: High positive Zeta Potential for capturing sub-micron particles.
- Applications: Biopharmaceuticals, beverages, botanical extracts.
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is a 100% cellulose formulation. It contains no inorganic filter aids like diatomaceous earth or perlite and uses no wet-strength resins.
- Best For: Applications sensitive to mineral extractables or where active ingredients must be preserved (e.g., essential oils).
- Key Feature: Pure cellulose construction; low extractables.
- Applications: Dielectric oils, perfumes, flavored syrups, cosmetic oils.
Technical Specifications
Below are the general specifications for the ErtelAlsop Pak® series available through Purecowater. These modules are designed to fit into standard lenticular housings, including those with flat gasket or double O-ring mounts.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12-inch (30.5 cm) 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (varies by media grade) |
| Connection Types | Flat Gasket (DOE equivalent) Double O-Ring (Code 222/226 style) |
| Standard Gasket Material | EPDM (Others available upon request) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Sterilization | Steam-in-place (SIP) capable / Autoclavable (varies by specific grade) |
| Cell Count | Typically 16 cells (Configurable from 5 to 18) |
Micron Retention Guide
Different applications require specific retention ratings. The table below illustrates common grades and their target retention.
| Grade | Target Retention | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Grade | 0.25 µm – 0.45 µm | Microbial reduction, sterile filtration pre-filter, endotoxin removal. |
| Medium Grade | 1.0 µm – 2.5 µm | Haze removal, yeast removal, polishing filtration. |
| Coarse Grade | 5.0 µm – 15.0 µm | Particulate removal, pre-filtration for finer steps. |
Key Applications
The versatility of the Pak® lenticular design makes it suitable for a diverse array of industrial sectors:
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of syrups, distilled spirits, and wines; removal of haze-causing proteins.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology: Clarification of cell cultures, removal of carbon fines, and processing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Botanical Extraction: Clean Solutions notes that Pak filters are highly effective for removing waxes and lipids from botanical extracts due to the high surface area and DE content.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils for transformers (using Disc-Pak) and polishing of chemical solvents.
- Cosmetics: Filtration of perfumes and essential oils where purity is paramount.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak?
1. Scalability
Because the media used in Pak® cartridges is identical to that used in laboratory discs and large-scale filter presses, processes developed in the lab can be linearly scaled to full production. ErtelAlsop highlights that over 300 precision dies are available, ensuring a fit for virtually any press or housing configuration.
2. Operational Efficiency
Unlike traditional plate and frame presses, which can be labor-intensive to clean and reassemble, lenticular modules can be changed out in minutes. The totally enclosed housing design also protects operators from exposure to process fluids and prevents external contamination.
3. High Solids Loading
The depth filter structure serves as a three-dimensional matrix. Unlike surface filters that blind over quickly, depth filters trap particles throughout the thickness of the media, significantly extending the service life before a pressure drop occurs.
Purecowater is equipped to assist you in selecting the correct lenticular configurations for your specific liquid stream. Whether you need the high zeta potential of the Zeta-Pak® or the pure cellulose profile of the Disc-Pak®, we can guide you effectively.
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