For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration with superior solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a robust and scalable solution. As a trusted distributor, Purecowater offers these advanced depth filtration modules to tackle complex separation challenges in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical applications.
The lenticular cartridge format, originally invented by Alsop Engineering, combines the precision of depth filter sheets with the convenience of a totally enclosed cartridge system. This design eliminates the leakage and exposure risks often associated with traditional plate and frame filters, offering a cleaner, safer, and more efficient workflow.
What are Pak® Lenticular Cartridges?
ErtelAlsop Pak® (Lenticular) cartridges are depth filter modules constructed from stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of two propriety filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed at the edges using a patented process. These cells are stacked on a central core to form a module that resembles a series of double convex lenses—hence the term "lenticular."
These modules are designed to fit into sealed housings, ensuring that the liquid stream is fully contained. This makes them an ideal choice for expensive, hazardous, or sensitive fluids where product loss or operator exposure must be minimized.
Key Features and Benefits
- Totally Enclosed System: Prevents leakage and atmospheric contact, ensuring specialized hygiene standards for pharma and food applications.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers and particles in the depth media provides a high capacity for retaining solids before requiring a change-out.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with various cell counts (5 to 18 cells) to match flow rate and throughput requirements.
- Rapid Change-Out: Pre-assembled modules reduce downtime significantly compared to manually dressing plate and frame presses.
- Wide Micron Range: Nominal retention ratings range from 0.25 to 15 microns.
Product Configurations: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
ErtelAlsop offers several variations of the Pak® cartridge to suit specific chemical and physical filtration needs. The two most prominent configurations include:
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® incorporates Micro-Media® containing cellulose, high-purity diatomaceous earth (DE), and wet strength resins. It is known for its high positive zeta potential, which allows it to electrokinetically attract and retain ultra-fine negatively charged particles, such as haze and bacteria.
- Best For: Removal of haze, ultra-fine particles, and general purpose filtration in biopharma and beverages.
- Key Feature: High retention efficiency due to combined mechanical sieving and electrokinetic adsorption.
2. Disc-Pak® (Pure Cellulose)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% cellulose and free from inorganic aids like DE or Perlite. This configuration is critical for applications where mineral extractables are a concern.
- Best For: Dielectric oils, perfumes, distilled spirits, and sensitive botanical extracts where preserving active ingredients is paramount.
- Key Feature: minimal extractables and high chemical compatibility.
Technical Specifications
Below are the general specifications for the ErtelAlsop Pak® series available through Purecowater.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Depth Filtration Module (Lenticular) |
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm – 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Standard Cell Counts | 9, 12, 16 (ranges from 5 to 18) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone |
| Max Operating Temp | Dictated by gasket and media selection (typically up to 180°F/82°C for standard builds) |
Applications
The versatility of the Pak® lenticular cartridges allows them to be used across a broad spectrum of industries:
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of syrups, wines, spirits, and juices; removal of haze-forming colloids.
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids from solvent-based extractions (Winterization) [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, LVPs, and SVPs requiring strict purity standards.
- Cosmetics: Polishing perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils, lubricating oils, and process water.
Compatible Housings
These cartridges are designed to fit into ErtelAlsop’s vertical and horizontal lenticular housings. The Horizontal Filter Housing is particularly notable for its ergonomic "Lock and Load" design, which simplifies loading and unloading, reducing labor and safety risks [ertelalsop.com].
Purecowater is your partner for solid & liquid filtration problems. Contact us today to determine the correct media grade and housing configuration for your process.