Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Modules
For industries requiring rigorous solid-liquid separation, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the evolution of depth filtration technology. As a distributor for premium filtration solutions, Purecowater offers these high-performance modules to tackle complex contaminant removal in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and industrial chemical applications.
The Pak® module, originally developed by Alsop Engineering, revolutionizes the traditional plate and frame methodology by enclosing the filtration media in a sealed, user-friendly cartridge format. This design eliminates leakage, simplifies change-outs, and ensures sanitary operation while maintaining the superior retention capabilities of depth filter sheets.
Product Overview & Technology
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are constructed from medical-grade polypropylene cores and stacked “lens-shaped” (lenticular) cells. Each cell consists of two propriety depth filter sheets—such as Micro-Media® or Zeta-Pak®—sealed at the edges. This configuration maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for high flow rates and exceptional solids loading capacity.
Key technological features include:
- Zeta Potential: Many media options are impregnated with wet-strength resins and Diatomaceous Earth (DE), creating a distinct positive electrokinetic charge (zeta potential). This attracts and holds negatively charged ultrafine particles (like mist or haze) that are smaller than the filter’s mechanical rating.
- Totally Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame presses, the Pak® modules operate inside a pressurized housing, preventing atmospheric contact and product loss.
- Scalability: The media used in laboratory-scale discs is identical to full-scale production modules, ensuring linear scalability for process validation.
Technical Specifications
The Pak® Lenticular Filters are versatile, fitting a wide range of standard housings. Below are the core specifications available for system integration.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15.0 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 style) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional) |
| Seal Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
| Number of Cells | Typically 5 to 18 cells per stack (Standard is often 16) |
Media Formulations
ErtelAlsop offers distinct media series tailored to specific chemical compatibilities and filtration goals. The choice of media determines the efficiency of the Pak® module.
| Media Series | Composition | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-Media® | Cellulose + Diatomaceous Earth (DE) + Resin | Critical haze removal, high zeta potential, sub-micron retention. ideal for botanical extracts. |
| AlphaMedia® | 100% Cellulose | Applications requiring no mineral/silica migration; chemical compatibility. |
| MicroClear® | Activated Carbon + Cellulose | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization without loose carbon powder. |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® Lenticular Filter enables it to serve as both a pre-filter for membrane protection and a final polishing filter. Common deployment areas include:
- Botanical Extracts: Efficient removal of waxes, lipids, and fine particulates during winterization and dewaxing processes.
- Pharmaceuticals (API): Clarification of solvents, catalyst removal, and final product purity.
- Food & Beverage: Haze removal in distilled spirits, syrups, and flavorings; microbial reduction.
- Cosmetics: Polishing of fragrances, essential oils, and gels.
- Utility Fluids: Filtration of dielectric oils, transformer oils, and circuit breaker fluids (AquaKv-Pak®).
Why Upgrade to Lenticular Filtration?
For facilities currently using filter presses, upgrading to ErtelAlsop Pak® modules offers significant operational advantages. The enclosed housing ensures a cleaner workspace free of drips and fumes, which is critical for handling hazardous solvents or high-value fluids. Furthermore, the rapid change-out capability—often taking minutes rather than hours—drastically reduces downtime and labor costs.
Purecowater can assist in sizing the correct housing and module configuration to replace or augment your existing filtration skid.
Ready to optimize your filtration process with ErtelAlsop Pak® technology?
Contact our engineering team to inspect your current setup and propose a tailored solution.
Data sources: ertelalsop.com, clearsolutionscorp.com