Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
For industries requiring high-purity filtration provided by a sealed, user-friendly system, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. Originally invented by Alsop Engineering (a predecessor to ErtelAlsop) in the 1940s, the lenticular cartridge format offers the superior retention of depth filter media in a totally enclosed, leak-free design.
As a distributor for premium filtration solutions, Purecowater offers these versatile filter modules to tackle complex solid-liquid separation challenges. Whether replacing messy plate and frame presses or protecting downstream membrane systems, the Pak® series provides scalability, efficiency, and reliability.
What is Lenticular Filtration?
Lenticular filtration bridges the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge filtration. The “Pak” consists of multiple depth filter cells stacked vertically on a central polypropylene core. Each cell works like a pair of filter sheets, edge-sealed to prevent bypass. This design packs a high surface area into a compact footprint.
Key operational benefits include:
- Closed System: Eliminates leakage and exposure to the atmosphere, crucial for sanitary applications and hazardous fluids [ertelalsop.com].
- High Dirt Holding Capacity: The depth media structure traps particles throughout the matrix, not just on the surface.
- Rapid Change-out: Modules can be replaced in minutes compared to the hours often required for plate and frame presses.
The ErtelAlsop Pak® Family
ErtelAlsop manufactures a diverse range of lenticular modules to suit specific chemical compatibilities and filtration goals. The two most prominent lines are the Zeta-Pak® and the Disc-Pak®.
Zeta-Pak®: The Industrial Workhorse
The Zeta-Pak® is constructed using Micro-Media®, which typically incorporates cellulose, high-purity Diatomaceous Earth (DE), or Perlite alongside a wet-strength resin. This composition provides a strong positive Zeta Potential, allowing the filter to electrokinetically attract negatively charged contaminants (like bacteria and endotoxins) that are smaller than the micron rating of the media.
It is particularly effective for removing slightly hazy contaminants and is a standard choice for pharmaceutical, biotech, and botanical extraction applications [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
Disc-Pak®: Pure Cellulose Filtration
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% cellulose. It contains no mineral filter aids (DE or Perlite) and no synthetic fibers. This makes it the ideal solution for applications where mineral leaching is a concern or where active ingredients must be preserved without adsorption by DE.
Common uses include dielectric oils, perfumes, and syrups [clearsolutionscorp.com].
Technical Specifications
ErtelAlsop modules are designed to fit standard industry housings. Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications available through Purecowater.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12-inch and 16-inch diameters |
| Micron Ratings | Range from 0.25 µm to 15 µm (nominal) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (standard), Stainless Steel options available |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (standard), others available upon request |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket (DOE) or Double O-Ring (SOE) |
| Standard Cell Count | 16 cells (custom counts from 5-18 available) |
| Filtration Mechanism | Depth Filtration, Adsorption (Zeta Potential) |
Primary Applications
The versatility of the Pak® cartridge allows it to be used across a broad spectrum of industries.
Botanical Extract Filtration
In the extraction industry, removing waxes and lipids is critical. The 16-cell Zeta-Pak® modules containing diatomaceous earth are highly effective for “winterization” or dewaxing processes. The large surface area supports high flow rates, while the DE filter aid efficiently retains waxy solids [clearsolutionscorp.com].
Industrial & Chemical
Depth filtration is often used as a pre-filter to protect expensive downstream membrane filters. By removing high solids loads, the life of final filters is significantly extended. Applications include chemicals, paints, inks, and resins.
Food & Beverage
From distilled spirits to sugar syrups, these filters ensure clarity and stability. The Disc-Pak® is particularly valued here for retaining particulate matter without altering the flavor profile or removing desirable organoleptic compounds.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak®?
- Scalability: Process specifications can be easily translated from laboratory scale to production scale using the same media grades.
- Safety: Minimizes operator exposure to fluids and eliminates the mess associated with loose filter aids or open presses.
- Variety: A wide range of media grades ensures the perfect balance between retention efficiency and flow rate.
If you are looking to upgrade your current filtration system or strictly control particulate retention in your process fluids, the ErtelAlsop Pak® series offers a robust solution.
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