Advanced Depth Filtration for Critical Applications
For industries requiring high-purity filtration with efficient solids loading, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a premium solution. Available through Purecowater, these lenticular modules combine the superior retention capabilities of depth filter sheets with the convenience and enclosed safety of a cartridge system. Whether for pharmaceutical processing, food and beverage production, or chemical filtering, the Pak® system is designed to optimize clarity and throughput.
Purecowater is proud to act as a distributor and solution provider, helping you integrate these high-performance modules into your existing process streams.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The “lenticular” design utilizes a stacked-disc configuration. Unlike traditional pleated cartridges that use surface filtration, the ErtelAlsop Pak® utilizes depth filtration. The module consists of individual filter cells—typically 5 to 18 per stack—assembled from pairs of MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear® filter sheets.
These edges are sealed using a patented process (often polypropylene) to create a robust, leak-free unit. The result resembles a stack of double convex lenses. This design allows fluid to flow from the outside of the module, through the depth media, and into the central core, trapping contaminants within the torture-path of the media matrix.
Key Benefits of ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges
- Enclosed System: Unlike open Plate & Frame filter presses, lenticular modules operate inside a sealed housing. This eliminates leakage, prevents atmospheric exposure, and ensures a cleaner working environment—crucial for pharmaceutical and hazardous chemical applications.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix can retain a significant amount of particulate (high turbidity capability) before blinding, superior to surface membrane filters.
- Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a module is significantly faster than re-dressing a filter press, reducing downtime and labor costs.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts, allowing for easy scale-up from pilot to production.
Product Configurations: Disc-Pak® vs. Zeta-Pak®
ErtelAlsop offers specific media formulations to target different contaminants. Two of the most common configurations include:
1. Disc-Pak® (Clean Cellulose)
The Disc-Pak® is the original lenticular cartridge constructed from 100% cellulose AlphaMedia. It contains no resins, binders, or inorganic filter aids.
- Best For: Dielectric oils, lubricating oils, syrups, perfumes, and applications where active ingredients must be preserved without interaction with DE (Diatomaceous Earth).
- Viscosity Range: Light to Medium.
2. Zeta-Pak® (High Efficiency with Zeta Potential)
The Zeta-Pak® incorporates MicroMedia® which includes cellulose, filter aids (such as DE or Perlite), and a wet-strength resin. This composition provides a positive zeta potential (electrokinetic charge) to attract and hold ultra-fine negatively charged particles, such as haze, colloids, and bacteria.
- Best For: Haze removal in spirits, biopharmaceuticals, botanical extracts, and removing sub-micron particulate.
- Micron Ratings: 0.25 to 15 microns.
Technical Specifications
The Pak® cartridges are designed to fit standard lenticular housings. Below are the standard specifications available for integration.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Counts | 5, 9, 12, 16, up to 18 cells (Variable Surface Area) |
| Micron Retention | 0.25 µm – 15 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Styles | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, etc. |
| Filtration Mechanism | Depth Filtration / Adsorption (Zeta Potential) |
Common Applications
Purecowater implements ErtelAlsop Pak® filters across a variety of sectors:
Clarification of proteins, removal of carbon fines, and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) purification.
Polishing filtration for distilled spirits, wine haze removal, syrup clarification, and botanical extract dewaxing.
Filtration of perfumes, colognes, essential oils, and process coolants where high clarity is required visually.
Integrating Lenticular Filters into Your Process
Whether you are replacing an old plate and frame press or designing a new filtration skid, Purecowater provides the housings, media calculations, and system integration required to ensure optimal performance. The ErtelAlsop Pak® provides a seamless transition for facilities looking to upgrade their solids management capabilities.
For sizing, compatibility checks, or to request a quote on ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters, please reach out to our engineering team.