For industries requiring high-efficiency particle retention and substantial solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a superior depth filtration solution. As a versatile alternative to traditional plate and frame filters, these lenticular modules combine the proven separation capabilities of depth media with the enclosed, user-friendly design of a cartridge system.
At Purecowater, we supply high-performance filtration technologies to tackle complex solid and liquid separation challenges. This guide details the specifications, applications, and operating principles of the ErtelAlsop Lenticular Pak® series.
What Are Lenticular Pak® Cartridges?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, commonly referred to as lenticular filter modules, are stacked disc filters encased in a totally enclosed housing. This design was originally invented by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s and has been refined to meet modern pharmaceutical, chemical, and food and beverage standards.
Each module consists of multiple “cells”—pairs of depth filter sheets (such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®) sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process. These cells are stacked on a central core, resembling a series of double convex lenses (“lenticular”).
Key Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
- Leak-Free Operation: The totally enclosed housing eliminates edge leakage and external contamination, crucial for sanitary and hazardous applications.
- Rapid Change-Out: Modules can be replaced in minutes compared to the labor-intensive cleaning required for filter presses.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts to match flow rate requirements.
Technical Specifications
The Pak® cartridges are designed to fit a wide range of housings and process conditions. The tables below outline the standard configurations and performance metrics.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | Typically 5 to 18 stacked cells per module (16 is common) |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Code 3, Code 8 styles) |
Media Formulations & Applications
The performance of the lenticular module is dictated by the depth media utilized. ErtelAlsop offers several proprietary media series to target specific contaminants.
| Media Series | Composition | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®) | Cellulose, Perlite/DE, Resin | The Workhorse: High solids loading, haze removal, and polishing (e.g., spirits, chemicals). Features positive Zeta Potential for electrokinetic adsorption. |
| AlphaMedia® | 100% Cellulose | Applications requiring minimal extractables or where silica/DE is prohibited. |
| MicroClear® | Activated Carbon & Cellulose | Adsorption of organics, color correction, and odor removal without handling loose carbon powder. |
| AquaKv-Pak® | Specialized Absorptive Media | Removal of water and moisture from dielectric fluids (transformer oils). |
| Bio-Pak® | Pharmaceutical Grade | Biologics and pharmaceutical applications requiring low endotoxins. |
Filtration Mechanism: Zeta Potential
A distinct feature of the Zeta-Pak® series is the electrokinetic effect, known as Zeta Potential. The depth media matrix creates a positive charge that attracts negatively charged sub-micron particles (such as bacteria, endotoxins, and colloidal haze). This allows the filter to retain particles smaller than its physical pore size, significantly improving clarification efficiency.
Industry Applications
ErtelAlsop Lenticular Filters are utilized across diverse sectors due to their robust construction and media flexibility:
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of cell cultures, removal of carbon fines, and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) filtration.
- Food & Beverage: Polishing distilled spirits, haze removal in wine/beer, and syrup clarification.
- Botanical Extracts: Efficient wax and lipid removal in ethanol extraction processes (e.g., winterization).
- Chemicals & Utilities: Insulating oil purification and solvent recovery.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak®?
Implementing a lenticular filtration system reduces downtime and improves product quality. The modules are engineered to withstand the rigors of industrial processing while providing the finesse required for laboratory-grade filtration.
Benefits Summary:
- Cost Efficiency: High sludge holding capacity extends filter life.
- Product Integrity: Minimal drip/loss design ensures valuable product is recovered.
- Global Compatibility: Over 300 precision dies ensure fitment into virtually any existing lenticular housing.
Purecowater is equipped to help you select the precise configuration of ErtelAlsop Pak® filters for your process stream, whether you need water removal, carbon treatment, or sub-micron particulate retention.
Ready to upgrade your filtration process?