Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
For industrial applications requiring high-efficiency solids removal and liquid clarification, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a robust and scalable solution. As a modern alternative to traditional plate and frame filtration, these depth filter modules offer the superior retention capabilities of depth media in a totally enclosed, leak-free format.
Purecowater is proud to supply these advanced filtration systems to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage. Whether you are dealing with botanical extracts, essential oils, or industrial process fluids, the Pak® system is designed to streamline your workflow while improving filtrate quality.
What is Lenticular Filtration?
Lenticular filtration technology bridges the gap between sheet filtration and cartridge filtration. The “Pak” allows users to utilize existing depth filter media specifications—often used in plate and frame presses—but in a convenient, disposable cartridge format. This design dramatically reduces change-out time, minimizes product loss, and eliminates the external leakage often associated with open presses.
The Pak® Cartridge (or module) consists of stacked filter cells. Each cell is comprised of two discs of depth filter media sealed together at the edges. This stacked “double convex” design maximizes surface area within a compact footprint.
Key Benefits
- Enclosed System: Zero edge leakage, ensuring a sanitary environment and operator safety.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 16+ cells) to match batch sizes.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix effectively captures particulates throughout the thickness of the pad, not just on the surface.
- Versatility: Compatible with various media grades for specific retention requirements.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® is designed for compatibility with a wide range of housings and applications. Below are the core specifications for the standard modules available through Purecowater.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12″ (30.5 cm) and 16″ (40.6 cm) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Silicone, Viton, Teflon Encapsulated |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 equivalent) |
| Micron Ratings | Nominally rated from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Cell Count | Typically 9 to 16 cells per module (Custom builds available) |
| Filtration Type | Depth Filtration |
Media Formulations
One of the strengths of the ErtelAlsop line is the variety of media available to target specific contaminants. Choosing the right media is critical for optimizing flow rate and retention.
| Module Type | Media Composition | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | Cellulose + Diatomaceous Earth (DE) / Perlite | The Workhorse. High zeta potential for haze removal. Ideal for pharmaceutical, botanical extracts, and food products requiring ultra-fine particle retention. |
| Disc-Pak® | 100% AlphaMedia (Cellulose) | Purity. Contains no inorganic filter aids (DE/Perlite). Perfect for dielectric oils, syrups, and applications sensible to silica. |
| Bio-Pak® | Pharmaceutical Grade Cellulose + Resin | Designed for biological reduction and critical pharmaceutical applications. |
| ZetaDri-Pak® | Specialized Matrix | Used for water removal from oils and solvents. |
| MicroClear® | Carbon Impregnated Media | Adsorptive filtration for color, odor, and flavor correction without handling loose carbon dust. |
Applications
ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of various sectors:
- Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals: clarifying upstream products and debris removal.
- Food & Beverage: Haze removal in distilled spirits, syrups, and flavorings.
- Botanical Extraction: Removal of waxes, lipids, and fine particulates from ethanol or hydrocarbon extracts.
- Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils for transformers and turbines.
- Chemicals: Clarification of solvents, resins, and inks.
Housing Options: The “Lock and Load” Advantage
While the cartridges themselves are high-performance, the housing is equally important. ErtelAlsop offers standard vertical housings and the innovative Horizontal Filter Housing.
The horizontal orientation allows users to load cartridges at waist height using the “Lock and Load” support rod system, significantly improving ergonomics and safety compared to lifting heavy, saturated stacks out of vertical vessels.
For more specification data, refer to manufacturer resources: ertelalsop.com and clearsolutionscorp.com.
Need help selecting the right micron rating or media type for your process? Purecowater specializes in solving complex solid-liquid separation challenges.