For industrial applications requiring high-efficiency solids removal and superior particle retention, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter stands out as a premier solution. As a distributor and OEM for top-tier filtration technologies, Purecowater is proud to offer these advanced depth filtration modules to solve complex liquid filtration challenges. This guide explores the specifications, operational benefits, and applications of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, commonly referred to as lenticular filter modules, are depth filtration units designed to combine the high solids loading capacity of plate and frame filter presses with the convenience and enclosed safety of cartridge filtration.
The “lens-shaped” (lenticular) design is achieved by stacking filter cells comprised of premium depth filter media. These cells are sealed using a patented process with polypropylene, eliminating the risk of bypass and ensuring total fluid containment. This makes the Pak® series an ideal alternative to open plate and frame systems, particularly for applications involving volatile liquids, pharmaceutical grades, or high-value botanical extracts.
Did You Know? The lenticular format was originally invented by Alsop Engineering (now ErtelAlsop) in the 1940s. The Pak® design continues to set the industry standard for depth filtration reliability.
Key Features and Technologies
- Zeta Potential: Many ErtelAlsop media grades, such as the Zeta-Pak®, exhibit a positive Zeta potential. This electrokinetic charge attracts and holds negatively charged particles (like haze, bacteria, and endotoxins) that are smaller than the physical pore size of the media, significantly increasing filtration efficiency.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of cellulose fibers and filter aids (Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite) creates a tortuous path for fluid, allowing the filter to trap a vast amount of deformable and non-deformable solids before clogging.
- Enclosed System: Unlike plate and frame presses which can leak or expose fluids to the environment, lenticular cartridges fit inside sealed housings. This prevents loss of product and protects operators from exposure to process fluids.
Product Configurations: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
ErtelAlsop offers different media compositions to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals. The two most prominent configurations available through Purecowater include:
1. Zeta-Pak® (General Purpose & Heavy Duty)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry workhorse. It incorporates Micro-Media® containing Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite filter aids. The DE forms a rigid, porous structure that excels at mechanical sieving and haze removal.
- Best For: Botanical extracts (wax/lipid removal), distilled spirits, pharmaceuticals, and bio-reduction.
- Mechanism: Mechanical straining + Electrokinetic adsorption.
2. Disc-Pak® (High Purity & Oils)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% pure cellulose validation-grade media. It contains no inorganic filter aids (no DE or Perlite), making it perfect for applications where media migration or mineral extractables are a concern.
- Best For: Dielectric oils, fragrances, essential oils, and pharmaceutical applications requiring low extractables.
- Mechanism: Mechanical straining (Depth filtration) without mineral additives.
Technical Specifications
Below is a summary of the typical operating specifications for the Pak® Lenticular series.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Code 8/222 style) |
| Seal Material | Polypropylene (Edge Seal), EPDM (Gaskets) |
| Cells Per Module | Variable (Standard is often 16 cells for max surface area) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Stainless steel options available for specific housings) |
Applications
ErtelAlsop Pak cartridges are versatile and used across a wide spectrum of industries. Purecowater can help size these fitlers for:
- Food & Beverage: Filtration of syrups, flavorings, wine, beer, and distilled spirits. Excellent for removing haze and polishing the final product.
- Pharmaceuticals: API processing, large volume parenterals (LVP), and removal of activated carbon fines.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils.
- Chemical & Industrial: Processing of resins, inks, paints, polymeric products, and dielectric oils.
- Botanical Extraction: Efficient removal of plant waxes, lipids, and biomass fines in ethanol extraction systems.
Why Partner with Purecowater?
Navigating the options between cellulose-only media, DE-impregnated media, and activated carbon-impregnated modules can be challenging. As experts in engineered solutions and liquid filtration, Purecowater ensures you select the correct micron rating and media chemistry for your specific process stream.
Whether you are replacing an existing lenticular module or designing a new filtration skid, we can support your project requirements.