Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
In the world of industrial liquid filtration, precision and reliability are paramount. Purecowater is proud to offer ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters, a premier depth filtration solution designed to meet the rigorous demands of pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical processing industries. As a distributor and OEM partner, Purecowater provides access to these high-performance modules that combine the efficiency of depth filtration with the convenience of a closed system.
The lenticular filter module format, originally invented by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s, has evolved into the sophisticated Pak® cartridge available today. These modules are essentially a stack of depth filter sheets arranged in a double convex lens shape—hence the term “lenticular”—which maximizes surface area within a compact footprint [ertelalsop.com].
How Pak® Lenticular Filters Work
Each Pak® cartridge is assembled from varying numbers of filter cells (typically between 5 and 18). A single cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®) where the edges are sealed using a patented polypropylene process. This construction resembles a stack of discs.
The fluid follows a tortuous path through the depth media, trapping particles within the complex matrix of fibers. This design offers distinct advantages over surface filtration:
- High Solids Loading: The depth media structure can hold a significant amount of contaminants before requiring replacement.
- Zeta Potential: Many commercial grades, like the Zeta-Pak®, utilize electrokinetic adsorption to capture ultra-fine particles and haze that are smaller than the physical pore size [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Zero Leakage: The enclosed housing design eliminates edge leakage often associated with traditional plate and frame filters.
Key Product Configurations
ErtelAlsop offers a variety of Pak® configurations to suit specific viscosity, chemical compatibility, and retention requirements.
| Product Series | Media Composition | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | Cellulose, Filter Aid (DE/Perlite), Resin | General purpose workhorse; excellent for haze removal in beverages and pharmaceuticals due to high zeta potential. |
| Disc-Pak® | 100% Cellulose (AlphaMedia®) | Dielectric oils, perfumes, and applications requiring chemically pure media without inorganic filter aids. |
| MicroClear® Pak | Activated Carbon Impregnated | Color, odor, and flavor correction; decolorizing spirits or chemical pharmaceutical intermediates. |
| Bio-Pak® | Specialized Depth Media | Biological and pharmaceutical grade filtration. |
Technical Specifications
When selecting a lenticular filter, matching the specifications to your process flow and piping is critical. ErtelAlsop cartridges are designed to retrofit into most existing lenticular housings globally.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Number of Cells | Standard stacks usually range from 5 to 18 cells, with 16 being a common standard for maximum surface area [clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (industry standard bayonet mount) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (standard), Stainless Steel options available for extreme conditions. |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N, and others upon request. |
Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
While plate and frame filters have been a staple in filtration for decades, the Lenticular Pak® offers significant operational upgrades:
- Change-out Speed: Replacing a stack of lenticular modules takes a fraction of the time compared to manually dressing a plate and frame press.
- Operator Safety: The totally enclosed housing prevents exposure to fluids and fumes, an essential feature for volatile chemicals or high-temperature liquids [ertelalsop.com].
- Minimizing Product Loss: The housing volume is often smaller relative to the filtration area, and the design allows for more effective draining.
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® cartridge makes it a go-to solution for diverse sectors:
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids from ethanol extracts using DE-impregnated media.
- Distilled Spirits: Polishing filtration to remove “chill haze” and fatty acids without stripping desired flavor profiles.
- Industrial Oils: Filtration of insulating (dielectric) oils in the utility sector using Disc-Pak® cartridges.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils.
Optimize Your Filtration Process
Whether you are upgrading from traditional filter presses or designing a new filtration skid, Purecowater can help you select the correct ErtelAlsop Pak® configuration for your specific needs. Our team specializes in solving complex solid and liquid filtration problems.
Ready to improve your filtration efficiency?