High-Performance Depth Filtration Solutions
For industrial applications requiring superior clarity, particle retention, and ease of use, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter series stands as a premier solution. As a leading distributor for advanced filtration technologies, Purecowater is proud to offer these versatile depth filter modules designed to tackle complex solid-liquid separation challenges across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical industries.
Combining the high-capacity solids loading of depth filter sheets with the convenience of a modular cartridge design, Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a leak-tight, efficient, and scalable alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge is a lenticular depth filter. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the outer layer, depth filters utilize a thick, porous matrix to trap contaminants throughout the entire medium. The “lenticular” design consists of stacked, disc-like cells (appearing like double convex lenses) surrounding a central core.
This configuration offers distinct advantages:
- High Surface Area: Packing a large filtration area into a compact footprint.
- Zeta Potential: The media often carries a positive electrokinetic charge (Zeta Potential) that attracts and holds negatively charged contaminants (like bacteria, haze, and endotoxins) smaller than the physical pore size.
- Zero Leakage: The patented sealing process used on the edges of the cells ensures that all liquid must pass through the media, preventing bypass.
Key Features and Technologies
The Pak® filters maintain the industry-standard for depth filtration due to their robust construction and media versatility. The modules are available with various media grades, including the renowned Zeta-Pak® and Micro-Media® series.
The “Tortuous Path” Advantage:
As liquid passes through the cellulose and diatomaceous earth matrix, it navigates a complex network of channels. This tortuous path ensures high solids loading capacity and exceptional clarification, even for viscous fluids or high-particulate streams.
Media Composition
The filter media is typically composed of:
- Cellulose Fibers: Provide the structural matrix.
- Filter Aids (Diatomaceous Earth/Perlite): Create the porous structure for mechanical sieving.
- Wet Strength Resins: Impart the positive Zeta Potential for electrokinetic adsorption.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the correct configuration is vital for optimizing process flow and retention. Below are the standard specifications for ErtelAlsop Pak® modules available through Purecowater.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Standard Cell Count | Typically 16 cells per module (Custom counts 5-18 available) |
| Gasket Types | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Code 0) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Max Operating Temperature | Up to 176°F (80°C) depending on gasket selection |
Primary Applications
Because of their ability to separate fine hazes and protect downstream sterile filters, ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are utilized widely:
1. Botanical Extracts & Cannabis
Essential for winterization and wax removal. The depth media efficiently removes lipids and waxes from ethanol extractions while maintaining high flow rates, ensuring a clear, golden oil product.
2. Distilled Spirits & Beverages
Used for haze removal in whiskey, vodka, and cognac without stripping flavor. Also standard for wine clarification and beer filtration to remove yeast and spoilage organisms prior to bottling.
3. Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
Ideal for clarifying syrups, fragrances, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where product purity and material safety (low extractables) are critical.
4. Industrial Chemicals
Filtration of varnishes, resins, inks, and silicones where high viscosity requires a rigid depth media structure.
Why Choose Pak® Filters Over Plate & Frame?
While plate and frame presses are effective, the Lenticular Pak® offers significant operational benefits:
- Faster Changeouts: Modules can be swapped in minutes rather than hours.
- Enclosed System: Prevents product exposure to the atmosphere and eliminates leakage/drip pans associated with filter presses.
- Operator Safety: Reduces exposure to hazardous fluids and eliminates handling of loose filter sheets.
- Sterilization: Easier to CIP (Clean-in-Place) or steam sterilize within the housing.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Sizing
Selecting the right micron rating and media grade is critical for your process efficiency. Whether you need the fine retention of the Zeta-Pak® or the high capacity of Micro-Media®, Purecowater can assist in specifying the correct ErtelAlsop solution for your facility.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?