Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
In the world of industrial liquid filtration, maximizing surface area while minimizing footprint is often the key to efficiency. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters, also known as depth filter cartridges or modules, represent a premier solution for applications requiring high solids loading capacity and precision particle retention.
Purecowater, as a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, provides these advanced lenticular modules to versatile industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage processing. The Pak® technology combines the benefits of depth filtration sheets with the convenience of a modular cartridge design.
How Lenticular Technology Works
The term “lenticular” refers to the lens-like shape of the stacked filter cells. Unlike reliable but messy plate and frame filter presses, the Pak® cartridge serves as an enclosed, pre-assembled unit. Each module consists of multiple lenticular cells stacked vertically.
The Construction
- Filter Media: Each cell is comprised of a pair of depth filter sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®).
- Edge Sealing: The edges of each pair are sealed using a patented process with polypropylene, ensuring no bypass.
- Core & Support: The cells are stacked on a rigid polypropylene core, creating a robust matrix that withstands pressure while allowing fluid to flow from the outside of the cartridge into the center core.
This design allows for Depth Filtration, where particles are trapped not just on the surface, but throughout the thickness of the media matrix. This is achieved through mechanical sieving and, in the case of certain media, electrokinetic adsorption (Zeta Potential).
Key Product Lines
ErtelAlsop offers several variations of the Pak® cartridge to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals. Understanding the difference between these options is crucial for optimizing your process.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the most commonly used module. It incorporates Micro-Media®, which is formulated with cellulose, high-purity diatomaceous earth (DE), and a wet-strength resin.
- Features: High positive Zeta Potential (attracts negatively charged particles like haze and bacteria), high flow rates, and excellent retention of ultra-fine particles.
- Best For: Botanical extracts (dewaxing/winterization), distilled spirits, hazy liquids, and general biopharmaceutical clarification.
2. Disc-Pak® (Cellulose Only)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% cellulose without the addition of inorganic filter aids like DE or Perlite.
- Features: extremely low extractables, ashless, and chemically compatible with a wide range of fluids.
- Best For: Dielectric oils, perfumes, lubricating oils, and applications where DE is not permitted.
3. Bio-Pak® and Custom Grades
For specialized biological reduction or carbon treatment (using MicroClear® media), other configurations are available to handle activated carbon filtration without the mess of loose powder.
Technical Specifications
When selecting a lenticular module, compatibility with your housing and process flow is determined by the following specifications.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Standard Diameters | 12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Count per Module | Typical configurations: 5 to 18 cells (16 cells is standard for high area) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket (DOE) or Double O-Ring (Plug-in) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone (Grade dependent) |
| Max Operating Temp | Dependent on media wet strength and gasket material (consult for high temp) |
Applications and Industry Use
ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are versatile components in many PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams). Their ability to handle high solids without immediate blinding makes them ideal pre-filters for membrane systems or final polishers for viscous fluids.
Botanical Extracts & Hemp Processing
One of the most popular modern applications for the Zeta-Pak® is in the winterization and dewaxing of botanical extracts. The Diatomaceous Earth (DE) embedded in the media effectively removes lipids, waxes, and fats from ethanol streams, improving the clarity and purity of the final oil.
Food & Beverage
- Spirits: Char removal and haze polishing in distilled spirits (whiskey, vodka, gin).
- Syrups & Flavorings: Removal of particulates from high-viscosity sugar syrups or concentrates.
- Wine & Beer: Microbial reduction and clarification prior to bottling.
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic
- API Processing: Filtration of active pharmaceutical ingredients in solvent-based solutions.
- Fragrances: Clarification of perfumes and essential oils.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak Filters?
1. Scalability:
From lab-scale 12-inch modules to multi-round housings holding four or more 16-inch modules, the system scales linearly. What you achieve in the lab can be replicated in production.
2. Operator Safety & Cleanliness:
Unlike traditional plate and frame presses which can leak and require manual scraping of cake, lenticular modules are contained inside a sealed housing. Changeouts are fast, simple, and reduce operator exposure to the process fluid.
3. Cost-Effective Depth Filtration:
The inclusion of DE and high-surface-area cellulose allows these filters to hold a significant amount of contaminant before reaching terminal pressure drop, reducing the frequency of filter changes compared to standard pleated cartridges.
For more information on sizing a lenticular housing or selecting the correct micron rating for your ErtelAlsop Pak® filters, please reach out to our engineering team.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Solutions
References: ertelalsop.com, clearsolutionscorp.com