Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex solid and liquid filtration problems by partnering with top-tier manufacturers. Among our premier offerings are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. These depth filter cartridges, also known as lenticular modules, represent a significant evolution in filtration technology, offering a totally enclosed, operator-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses.
Designed for versatility and efficiency, the Pak® cartridges allow existing process specifications to be easily translated from flat sheets to a modular cartridge format without compromising filtration quality. Whether you are in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, or chemical industry, these filters provide precise particle retention and high solids loading capacity.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
A Pak® lenticular cartridge is assembled from varying numbers of stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets—such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®—sealed at the edges using a patented process. The resulting stacked unit resembles double convex lenses, giving rise to the name “lenticular.” according to ertelalsop.com.
These modules are typically manufactured in 12-inch (30.5 cm) or 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters and can contain anywhere from 5 to 18 stacked cells. This design maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for high throughput and effective water or particulate removal.
Key Specifications and Features
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is designed to fit a wide range of housings and applications. Below are the core specifications that make these filters a robust choice for industrial filtration:
| Filter Type | Depth Filtration (Lenticular Module) |
| Available Diameters | 12" and 16" |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 to 15 Microns (Nominal) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (Standard), others available |
Available Media Grades
Purecowater offers various media formulations to suit specific liquid properties:
- Zeta-Pak®: Utilizes Micro-Media® containing cellulose and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). This provides a positive zeta potential, offering superior retention of ultra-fine particles and haze removal. It is often considered the “workhorse” of the series (clearsolutionscorp.com).
- Disc-Pak®: Comprised of 100% cellulose AlphaMedia. This is ideal for applications like dielectric oils, perfumes, and syrups where DE or perlite might alter active ingredients (clearsolutionscorp.com).
- Bio-Pak®: Designed for pharmaceutical-grade applications requiring stringent purity standards.
Applications and Industries
The enclosed design of the Pak® lenticular cartridges minimizes product loss and exposure, making them suitable for sanitary and hazardous applications alike. Common use cases include:
| Industry | Application Examples |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Distilled spirits, syrups, soft drinks, wine clarification. |
| Life Sciences & Pharma | API filtration, antibiotics, cosmetics, and personal care products. |
| Botanical Extracts | Removal of waxes and lipids; high flow rates with efficient particulate removal. |
| Chemicals & Industrial | Lubricating oils, dielectric oils, coolants, and water purification. |
| Utilities | Power generation fluids and process water. |
Benefits Over Plate and Frame Filters
While plate and frame filters have long been utilized for depth filtration, the ErtelAlsop Pak® system offers distinct advantages for modern facilities:
- Hygiene and Safety: The lenticular format is housed inside a sealed vessel (vertical or horizontal), preventing leakage and reducing operator exposure to fluids (ertelalsop.com).
- Reduced Change-Out Time: Changing a modular stack is significantly faster than manually replacing dozens of individual filter sheets and cleaning a press frame.
- Scalability: With over 300 precision dies available, these cartridges can be adapted to fit virtually any filter press or housing requirement.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Solutions
Whether you need to remove sub-micronic particles from a botanical extract or require a robust solution for industrial oil filtration, Purecowater works with industry leaders like Veolia, WTS, and ErtelAlsop to provide the right equipment for your facility.
Ready to upgrade your filtration process?