Advanced Depth Filtration for Critical Applications
For industrial and sanitary processing, achieving high-purity results often requires more than just surface filtration. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters (also known as lenticular modules) offer a superior depth filtration solution designed to handle fluids with high solids loading while providing exceptional particle retention. As a distributor and OEM for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater supplies these advanced modules to help facilities upgrade from messy plate-and-frame presses to enclosed, leak-free systems.
This guide breaks down the specifications, media options, and operational benefits of ErtelAlsop Lenticular Paks, helping you determine the right configuration for your solid-liquid separation challenges.
What is a Lenticular Pak Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge is a depth filter module assembled from stacked filtration cells. Each cell consists of two sheets of depth filter media (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed together at the edges using a patented polypropylene process. The entire stack resembles a series of double convex lenses, hence the name “lenticular.”
Unlike standard pleated cartridges that filter on the surface, these modules utilize a tortuous path through the media matrix to trap particles, colloids, and hazes. They are designed to fit inside totally enclosed stainless steel housings, offering a sanitary and operator-safe alternative to traditional open plate and frame filters.
Key Media Technologies
Selecting the right media is critical for performance. ErtelAlsop offers several proprietary media formulations available in the Pak format:
| Media Series | Composition | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | Cellulose + Diatomaceous Earth (DE) + Resin | The “Workhorse.” Ideal for general filtration, haze removal, and biotech fluids. High positive charge (Zeta potential). |
| AlphaMedia® | 100% Pure Cellulose | Applications requiring no DE or silica (e.g., dielectric oils, perfumes, sensitive spirits). |
| MicroClear® | Immobilized Activated Carbon | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization directly in the filter module. |
| Bio-Pak® | Pharmaceutical Grade Media | Critical pharmaceutical and biological applications requiring low extractables. |
Technical Specifications
Lenticular modules are versatile and can be configured to fit various flow rates and housing types. Below are the standard specifications for the Pak® series.
- Module Diameters: 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm)
- Micron Ratings: 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal)
- Surface Area: Varies by cell count (approx. 1.8 m² for a 16-cell 12″ module)
- Number of Cells: 5 to 18 stacked cells per module
- Gasket Materials: Buna-N, EPR, Silicone, Viton, Teflon Encapsulated
- End Configurations: Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Code 0, Code 7 equivalent)
- Core Material: Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional)
Why Switch to Lenticular Filtration?
1. Enclosed “No-Drip” System
Traditional plate and frame filters are notorious for edge leakage and exposing the product to the environment. ErtelAlsop Pak modules operate inside a sealed pressure vessel. This prevents product loss, protects operators from fumes or hazardous fluids, and ensures a cleaner facility environment.
2. Rapid Change-Out
Replacing filter sheets on a press can take hours. Changing a Pak Lenticular module takes minutes. Operators simply open the housing, slide out the spent module, and load a new one. This significantly reduces downtime and labor costs.
3. Scalability
Because the media used in the Pak cartridges is identical to ErtelAlsop’s laboratory disks and production filter sheets, scaling up from R&D to full production is seamless. You can validate the media grade on a small scale and confidently move to multi-module housings for high flow rates.
Primary Applications
These filters are widely used across industries where clarity and purity are non-negotiable:
- Food & Beverage: Polishing syrups, wine, distilled spirits, and removal of haze causing proteins.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of cell cultures, plasma fractionation, and API filtration.
- Cosmetics: Purification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils, transformer oils, and chemical intermediates.
- Botanical Extracts: Efficient removal of waxes and lipids from solvent-based extractions.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Sizing
Whether you need to replace existing lenticular modules or engineer a new depth filtration skid, Purecowater provides the technical expertise to size and select the correct ErtelAlsop solution for your process. We handle everything from single-housing units to complex multi-stage filtration systems.
Need help selecting the right micron rating or media type?