Advanced Depth Filtration Solutions for Industrial & Sanitary Applications
For industries dependent on high-purity liquid filtration, the challenge often lies in balancing throughput, retention efficiency, and operational safety. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the evolution of depth filtration technology, offering a user-friendly, enclosed alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses.
As a distributor for premium filtration technologies, Purecowater provides these versatile lenticular modules to tackle complex solid-liquid separation problems in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical applications.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The “Pak” concept (Lenticular Filter) originated in the 1940s to solve the leakage and exposure issues associated with open filter presses. A lenticular cartridge consists of multiple depth filter cells stacked vertically.
Each cell is comprised of two die-cut sheets of filter media, sealed around the edges to form a double convex “lens” shape. These cells are stacked on a central core and compressed to form a single, cohesive module. This design allows the module to be housed in a sealed vessel, ensuring zero fluid leakage and a sanitary processing environment.
Key Design Feature: The totally enclosed design prevents fluid loss and protects operators from exposure to process fluids, making it ideal for hazardous chemicals or high-value pharmaceutical products.
Product Series & Media Configurations
ErtelAlsop Pak cartridges are fully scalable and available in various media formulations to match specific chemical compatibility and retention needs. The two most prominent series include:
1. Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®)
The Zeta-Pak is the workhorse of the lenticular line. It utilizes Micro-Media®, a formulation of cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and wet-strength resins.
- Mechanism: Combines mechanical sieving with electrokinetic adsorption (Delta Potential).
- Zeta Potential: Possesses a net positive charge to capture negatively charged sub-micron particles (like bacteria and haze).
- Applications: Bio-tech reduction, haze removal in spirits, colloidal retention.
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)
Designed for applications requiring high purity without additives. It utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% pure cellulose.
- Mechanism: Mechanical depth filtration.
- Purity: Contains no resins, binders, or inorganic fillers (no DE).
- Applications: Dielectric oils, gelatin, perfumes, essential oils, and fluids sensitive to DE.
Technical Specifications
The Pak series is designed to fit varying housing sizes and flow rate requirements. Below are the standard specifications for industrial and sanitary modules.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Number of Cells per Stack | Standard: 9, 12, 16 cells (Customizable from 5 to 18) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (standard), Stainless Steel options available |
| Gasket Options | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 style) |
| Seal Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
| Surface Area | Up to 1.8 m² per 16″ module (16-cell) |
Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
While plate and frame filters use the same high-quality media, the lenticular format offers distinct operational advantages.
| Feature | Plate & Frame | Pak® Lenticular |
|---|---|---|
| System Sealing | Open edges (potential leakage) | Totally Enclosed Housing |
| Change-out Time | High (manual sheet loading) | Rapid (Drop-in modules) |
| Product Loss | Moderate (drip trays required) | Minimal / Zero |
| Maintenance | Labor intensive cleaning | Low labor |
Primary Applications
Due to the versatility of the media, ErtelAlsop Pak cartridges are deployed across a wide spectrum of industries:
- Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, sterile pre-filtration, and WFI systems.
- Food & Beverage: Polishing distilled spirits, haze removal in wine/beer, and syrup clarification.
- Botanical Extraction: Winterization, dewaxing, and lipid removal from ethanol extracts.
- Chemical & Utility: Filtration of dielectric oils, transformer oils, and specialty chemicals.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
Selecting the Right Module
Choosing between flat gasket and double O-ring configurations, or selecting the correct micron rating, depends on your specific vessel and fluid characteristics. Purecowater specializes in configuring these systems to maximize flow rates while ensuring target filtrate quality.
Need Assistance with Filtration Sizing?
Whether you are upgrading from a filter press to a lenticular housing or need replacement modules for your current skid, our team is ready to assist.