For industrial applications requiring high-performance depth filtration without the mess and labor of traditional plate and frame presses, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard. As a distributor for top-tier engineered solutions, Purecowater provides these advanced filtration modules to tackle challenging solid-liquid separation problems.
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge (also known as a lenticular module) combines the superior retention capabilities of depth filter sheets with the convenience of a totally enclosed, modular cartridge system. Whether you are filtering pharmaceutical APIs, distilled spirits, or botanical extracts, the Pak® system offers scalability, sterility, and ease of use.
What is a Lenticular Pak® Filter?
The concept of the lenticular filter was originally developed by Alsop Engineering (the predecessor to ErtelAlsop) in the 1940s. The design consists of individual depth filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is formed by two discs of filter media sealed around the edges, creating a unit that resembles a double convex lens—hence the term “lenticular.”
According to ertelalsop.com, these modules are available in 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters, typically containing between 5 and 18 stacked cells. This design packs a massive amount of surface area into a compact footprint, allowing for high flow rates and significant solids loading capacity.
Superior Design Features
- Totally Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame filters, lenticular housings are sealed vessels. This eliminates product leakage, prevents oxidation, and protects operators from exposure to process fluids.
- Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a spent module takes a fraction of the time required to dress a filter press, significantly reducing downtime.
- Scalability: The media used in Pak® cartridges is identical to ErtelAlsop’s laboratory and production-scale filter sheets, making scale-up from R&D to full production seamless.
Media Types: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
Selecting the right media is critical for your process. The Pak® cartridges are available in several proprietary formulations to suit different chemical compatibilities and filtration goals.
Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®)
The Zeta-Pak® is the most common configuration for general industrial and pharmaceutical use. These modules utilize Micro-Media®, which is composed of cellulose, varying grades of diatomaceous earth (DE) or perlite, and a wet-strength resin.
Key Advantages:
- Zeta Potential: The media possesses a strong electrokinetic (zeta) charge that attracts and holds negatively charged sub-micron particles (like bacteria and haze) that are smaller than the physical pore size.
- High Efficiency: Ideal for haze removal in beverages and protecting downstream membrane filters.
Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia™)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia™, which is 100% pure cellulose without the addition of diatomaceous earth, perlite, or synthetic fibers.
Key Advantages:
- Purity: Perfect for applications where mineral migration (from DE) is a concern.
- Applications: Widely used in dielectric oils, syrups, perfumes, and distilled spirits where preserving the “heaviness” or essential oils of the product is desired while removing particulate.
Reference: clearsolutionscorp.com
Product Specifications
The following table outlines the general technical specifications for the ErtelAlsop Pak® series tailored for process optimization.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Depth Filtration Module (Lenticular) |
| Diameters Available | 12″ (30.5 cm) and 16″ (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Number of Cells | Standard stacks: 5, 9, 12, 16, or 18 cells |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 style) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated |
| Sterilization | Hot Water Sanitizable, Steamable (in situ) |
Who Should Use Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are versatile and robust, making them suitable for a wide array of industries. Their high-solids loading capacity makes them excellent pre-filters for protecting expensive RO membranes or final sterile filters.
- Botanical Extraction: Widely used for “winterization”—the removal of waxes, lipids, and fats from ethanol extracts at low temperatures. The DE-impregnated media is particularly effective here.
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of wines, distilled spirits, sugar syrups, and edible oils.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotech: Filtration of APIs, antibiotics, vaccines, and blood plasma fractionation.
- Cosmetics: Polishing perfumes, colognes, and lotions to ensure crystal clarity.
- Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils and transformer fluids.
Housing and Configuration
Purecowater can assist in pairing these cartridges with the correct housing. ErtelAlsop cartridges fit standard lenticular housings. The modules can be stacked (1, 2, 3, or 4 high) to achieve the necessary surface area for your flow rate.
For large-scale operations, Horizontal Filter Housings are available. According to ertelalsop.com, the horizontal “Lock and Load” design allows for single-person loading and unloading, improving safety and reducing labor costs compared to vertical overhead-hoist systems.
If you are looking to upgrade your filtration lines or replace old plate and frame presses with a cleaner, more efficient lenticular system, we are here to help you size and select the perfect configuration.