For industries requiring high-purity filtration with effective solids retention, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor and OEM partner, Purecowater offers these advanced lenticular cartridges to tackle complex liquid filtration challenges across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical applications.
What Are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, also known as lenticular filter modules, are depth filter systems designed to function as a more convenient, enclosed alternative to traditional plate and frame filters. Originally invented by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s, this format stacks individual circular filter cells—resembling double convex lenses—around a central polypropylene core [ertelalsop.com].
These modules utilize premium depth filter media, such as MicroMedia® and AlphaMedia®, to provide a dense matrix of fibers that trap particles throughout the thickness of the media, not just on the surface. This design offers high solids loading capacity and superior protection for downstream equipment, such as membrane pre-filtration.
Key Benefits
- Enclosed System: Eliminates leakage and external contamination common in open plate & frame presses.
- Quick Change-Out: Modular cartridge design significantly reduces downtime during filter changes.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with virtually unlimited stacking options.
- High Retention: Nominal micron ratings ranging from 0.25 to 15 microns.
Technical Specifications
The flexibility of the Pak® system lies in its varied configurations. Whether you require pharmaceutical-grade purity or robust industrial clarification, these filters can be customized to fit specific housing requirements.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm – 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Filtering Surface Area | High surface area due to stacked cell design (5 to 18 cells per module) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Flat Gasket, or Double O-Ring options |
| Operating Mode | Depth Filtration (adsorption and mechanical sieving) |
Media Configurations and Applications
ErtelAlsop manufactures different “Pak” formulations to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals. Choosing the right media is critical for optimal performance.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® incorporates MicroMedia®, which contains cellulose, a filter aid (Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite), and a wet-strength resin. It creates a positive Zeta potential that electrokinetically attracts negatively charged contaminants like bacteria and hazes [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Best For: Botanical extracts (dewaxing), pharmaceutical intermediates, distilled spirits, and haze removal.
- Micron Range: 0.25 to 15 microns.
2. Disc-Pak® (Purity Focused)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% cellulose without resins, binders, or inorganic filter aids [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Best For: Essential oils, syrups, perfumes, and dielectric oils where preserving active ingredients is crucial.
- Feature: Zero ash content; does not alter taste or odor.
3. Bio-Pak® and MicroClear®
Specialized grades are available for biological reduction (Bio-Pak) or activated carbon treatment (MicroClear), allowing for color and odor removal without handling loose carbon powder.
Why Upgrade to Lenticular Filtration?
For facilities relying on manual filter presses, upgrading to Lenticular Pak® cartridges offers a significant operational advantage. The modules are easy to load and unload into vertical or horizontal housings, drastically reducing the labor required for maintenance. Furthermore, the sealed environment ensures that expensive products (like spirits or serums) are not lost to leakage.
Common Industry Use Cases:
- Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for wines, spirits, and sugar syrups.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes and essential oils.
- Life Sciences: Pre-filtration for separation of proteins and removal of lipids/waxes.
- Chemicals: Removal of catalyst fines and carbon treatment.
Are you looking to optimize your filtration skid with ErtelAlsop Pak technology? Purecowater provides comprehensive sizing, housing selection, and media compatibility guidance.