For industries requiring high-efficiency depth filtration with high solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a premium solution. As a distributor for top-tier filtration technologies, Purecowater offers these modular cartridges as a modern, leak-free alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses.
The “Pak” concept, pioneered by Alsop Engineering, combines the superior retention of depth filter media with the convenience of a totally enclosed, modular cartridge design. Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, pharmaceuticals, or industrial lubricants, the ErtelAlsop Pak® ensures consistent throughput and ease of use.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, also known as lenticular modules, consist of varying numbers of individual filter cells stacked on a central core. Each cell is formed by sealing the edges of two depth filter sheets—creating a shape that resembles a double convex lens (lenticular). These modules are available in standard 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters.
This design allows virtually any flat filter media grade to be converted into a cartridge format, offering a contained system that minimizes product loss and eliminates the dripping often associated with open plate and frame presses. ertelalsop.com
Key Features and Benefits
- Leak-Free Design: The modules operate within a sealed housing, preventing external contamination and product leakage.
- Rapid Change-Out: The “Lock and Load” design drastically reduces downtime compared to manually dressing a filter press.
- Scalability: Over 300 precision dies allow for scalable solutions from lab testing to full production.
- Materials of Construction: Core components are typically Propylene, with options for pharmaceutical-grade materials or high-temperature nylons.
Media Configurations: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
The versatility of the Pak® system lies in its media options. Depending on your specific application—whether you need removal of ultra-fine haze or standard particulate retention—there is a specialized configuration available.
| Product Line | Media Composition | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | MicroMedia® (Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth/Perlite, Wet Strength Resin) | Pharma, Food & Beverage, Haze Removal, Colloidal Retention. Offers positive Zeta potential. |
| Disc-Pak® | AlphaMedia® (100% Cellulose) | Dielectric Oils, Perfumes, Syrups. Ideal where DE/Perlite is not permitted. |
| Bio-Pak® | Pharmaceutical Grade MicroMedia® | Biologics and critical pharmaceutical filtration. Low extractables. |
| MicroClear® | Immobilized Activated Carbon | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization without loose carbon dust. |
For botanical extracts, the Zeta-Pak® is particularly effective. The Diatomaceous Earth (DE) integrated into the media creates a rigid, porous cake that efficiently sieves out waxes and lipids while maintaining high flow rates. clearsolutionscorp.com
Technical Specifications
When selecting a module for your housing, ensure compatibility with the gasket style and micron ratings required for your process fluid.
| Micron Retention | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Module Diameters | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Counts | Typically 5 to 18 cells per module (standard is often 16 cells) |
| Gasket / End-Cap Styles | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
Industries Served
The ErtelAlsop Pak® configurations are engineered to meet the stringent requirements of diverse sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, Large Volume Parenterals (LVP).
- Food & Beverage: Distilled spirits, syrups, soft drinks, and wine polishing.
- Cosmetics: Perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
- Botanical Extraction: Winterization and lipid removal in ethanol/hydrocarbon extraction.
- Industrial: Transformer oils (removal of carbon and water), chemical processing.
Upgrade Your Filtration System
If you are currently using a plate and frame press and struggling with leakage or labor-intensive changeouts, the Pak® Lenticular system is the ideal upgrade. The totally enclosed housing ensures operator safety and product integrity, particularly when dealing with hazardous solvents or high-value fluids.
For assistance in sizing the correct housing and selecting the optimal media grade for your application, contact the filtration experts at Purecowater.