Comprehensive Guide to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters

For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration with high solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater is proud to offer these versatile, enclosed filtration modules designed to replace traditional plate and frame systems while enhancing operator safety and process efficiency.

This guide explores the engineering behind Pak® Lenticular Cartridges, their specifications, and why they are the preferred choice for pharmaceutical, chemical, and food and beverage applications.

What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?

The ErtelAlsop Pak® is a depth filter cartridge, often referred to as a lenticular module. It consists of multiple Filter Cells stacked vertically. Each cell is constructed from two discs of depth filter media (such as the MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia® series) sealed together at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process.

This “lenticular” design resembles a stack of double convex lenses. The result is a pre-assembled, leak-free cartridge that provides the filtration surface area of a plate and frame press but in a totally enclosed, sanitary housing.

Key Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters

• Zero Leakage: The edge-sealed design eliminates the dripping and wicking often associated with plate and frame filters.
• Closed System: Protects the product from atmospheric contamination and protects operators from exposure to fluids.
• Rapid Change-Out: Modules can be replaced in minutes rather than the hours required to dress a filter press.
• Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with various cell counts to match flow rate requirements.

Technical Specifications and Data

ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are highly customizable. They are compatible with a wide range of housings and competitive systems. Below are the standard specifications for the Pak® series.

Specification	Details
Diameters Available	12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm)
Number of Cells	Typically 5 to 18 cells per module
Micron Retention Ratings	0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal)
End Cap Configurations	Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (DO)
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Silicone, Viton®, Buna-N
Core Material	Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional)
Filtration Area	High surface area relative to footprint

Media Formulations

The core performance of the Pak® filter lies in the media. Unlike standard cartridge filters, these modules utilize thick depth filter sheets that offer high sludge holding capacity and zeta potential for removing sub-micron particles and haze.

1. Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®)

The workhorse of the series. These modules incorporate cellulose, high-purity diatomaceous earth (DE), and a wet strength resin. They are ideal for applications requiring high efficiency and haze removal. The Zeta-Pak® offers superior retention of ultra-fine particles due to its electrokinetic (zeta potential) adsorption properties.

2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)

Designed for applications where Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is not desired. Disc-Pak® utilizes 100% cellulose media. This is critical for certain pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and dielectric oil applications where mineral extractables must be minimized.

3. MicroClear® (Carbon-Impregnated)

These modules contain activated carbon immobilized within the cellulose matrix. They are used for decolorization, odor removal, and impurity adsorption without the mess of handling loose bulk carbon.

Primary Applications

The versatility of the structure and media options makes ErtelAlsop Pak® filters suitable for a wide array of industries.

• Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of broths, API filtration, and removal of catalysts.
• Food & Beverage: Haze removal in distilled spirits, syrups, vinegar, and botanical extracts.
• Cosmetics: Polishing of perfumes, lotions, and oils.
• Chemical Processing: Polishing of solvents, resins, and inks.
• Utility & Power: Filtration of dielectric oils and transformer fluids (removing carbon and moisture).

Housings and System Integration

To operate these modules, a Lenticular Filter Housing is required. Housings are available in vertical or horizontal orientations. ErtelAlsop housings are designed to ASME code standards and offer sanitary finishes.

For large-scale operations, the Horizontal Housing design allows for “Lock and Load” functionality, enabling a single operator to load multiple cartridges safely at chest height, significantly reducing downtime.

Why Choose Purecowater for Your Depth Filtration Needs?

At Purecowater, we understand that depth filtration is critical so downstream separation processes like Reverse Osmosis or EDI can function correctly. Whether you need to retrofit an existing plate and frame application or size a new lenticular housing skid, our engineering team can assist.

We supply the full range of ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, ensuring you get the exact micron rating and media formulation for your specific process fluid.