Advanced Depth Filtration for Industrial Applications
For industries requiring high-purity filtration with efficient solids holding capacity, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter Cartridges offer a premier solution. As a scalable, user-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame filtration, these lenticular modules are designed to handle complex filtration challenges across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical sectors.
At Purecowater, we understand that selecting the right filtration technology is critical for process optimization. This guide profiles the ErtelAlsop Pak® series, detailing its specifications, operational benefits, and suitability for critical liquid processing.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The concept of the lenticular filter module was originally invented by Alsop Engineering (now ErtelAlsop) in the 1940s. A “Pak” or module consists of a stack of depth filter cells. Each cell is formed by a pair of depth filter sheets—such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear® (Activated Carbon)—sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process.
The resulting shape resembles a double convex lens, which gives the “lenticular” format its name. These modules are stacked on a central core and compressed within a totally enclosed housing. This design eliminates the dripping and leakage often associated with plate and frame filters, making it ideal for maintaining a clean and hygienic production environment.
Key Features
- Totally Enclosed System: Prevents fluid loss and protects the product from external contamination.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix captures particles throughout its thickness, not just on the surface.
- Rapid Changeout: Modules can be replaced significantly faster than changing sheets in a filter press, reducing downtime.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts to match batch sizes.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is highly versatile, offering over 300 precision configurations to fit virtually any housing. Below are the standard specifications for these modules.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Module Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Buna-N, Silicone |
| End Cap Configuration | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Media Options | Cellulose (AlphaMedia), Diatomaceous Earth/Perlite (MicroMedia), Activated Carbon (MicroClear) |
Performance Technology: Zeta Potential
One of the standout features of the Zeta-Pak® series is the incorporation of electrokinetic potential, or “zeta potential,” into the filter media. The media is formulated with wet-strength resins that create a positive charge within the filter matrix. This allows the filter to attract and adsorb negatively charged contaminants—such as bacteria, endotoxins, and colloidal haze—that are smaller than the physical pore size of the media.
This adsorption capability makes the Zeta-Pak® exceptionally effective for:
- Haze removal in distilled spirits.
- Protection of downstream membrane filters.
- Removal of ultra-fine particles in pharmaceutical processing.
Target Applications
ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters are engineered for industries where product quality and purity are non-negotiable.
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Botanical Extraction | Removal of waxes, lipids, and suspended solids from extracts; rapid dewaxing. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Clarification of syrups, LVPs, and SVPs; pre-filtration for reverse osmosis. |
| Food & Beverage | Polishing filtration for juices, wines, oils, and distilled spirits. |
| Chemicals | Purification of solvents, inks, paints, and specialty chemicals. |
| Cosmetics | Clarification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils. |
Why Choose Lenticular over Plate & Frame?
While plate and frame filters use the same high-quality media, the lenticular format offers significant operational advantages. The enclosed housing ensures that no product is lost to leakage, a critical factor when filtering high-value liquids like essential oils or spirits. Furthermore, the changeout process is streamlined. Whereas a plate and frame press requires manually stripping and cleaning individual plates, a lenticular housing can be opened, and the spent module replaced in minutes, reducing labor costs and exposure to the process fluid.
Get the Right Solution for Your Process
Whether you are scaling up a botanical extraction facility or optimizing a pharmaceutical water line, the ErtelAlsop Pak® series provides reliable, high-efficiency depth filtration.
Contact Us to see how Purecowater can help tackle hard solid & liquid filtration problems.