The Evolution of Depth Filtration: ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Cartridges
For industries relying on high-purity filtration—from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage—the transition from traditional plate and frame filters to lenticular modules marks a significant upgrade in efficiency and safety. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in this technology, offering a totally enclosed, leak-free depth filtration solution.
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex liquid filtration challenges. As a distributor for premier filtration technologies, we provide the ErtelAlsop Pak® series to facilities looking to enhance their solids loading capacity, streamline changeouts, and improve overall filtrate quality.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, also referred to as lenticular filter modules, are depth filter elements designed to replace standard flat filter sheets. The design consists of stacked filter cells—resembling double convex lenses—manufactured from premium depth filter media. These cells are sealed together using a patented polypropylene edge-sealing process and stacked on a central core.
This “lenticular” configuration packs a massive amount of surface area into a compact footprint. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the top layer, these depth filters utilize a tortuous path through the media matrix to trap particles throughout the entire thickness of the sheet.
Key Technical Specifications
The versatility of the Pak® series lies in its wide range of configurations. Whether you need minimal retention for clarification or sub-micron retention for sterilization protection, there is a specification providing the necessary throughput.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222, 226 styles available) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel options for specific high-temp applications |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
| Sterilization | Steam-in-place (SIP) or hot water sanitization capable |
Available Media Formulations
One of the primary advantages of the ErtelAlsop Pak® is the ability to select the exact media formulation required for your process fluid.
- AlphaMedia™ (Cellulose): A pure cellulose media ideal for dielectric oils, perfumes, and applications where no filter aid (like DE) is desired.
- MicroMedia® (Cellulose + DE/Perlite): The industry workhorse. Reinforces cellulose with Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite for high-efficiency haze removal and solids loading. ideal for beer, wine, and spirits.
- MicroClear® (Activated Carbon): Immobilized activated carbon prevents the mess of loose carbon powder while providing decolorization and odor removal.
- Zeta-Pak®: Offers high positive zeta potential, making it highly effective at removing negatively charged contaminants like bacteria and endotoxins.
Advantages Over Plate and Frame Filters
Many facilities still operate open plate and frame filter presses. While effective, they present operational challenges that the Lenticular Pak® solves immediately.
| Feature | Plate & Frame | Lenticular Pak® |
|---|---|---|
| System Design | Open (Drip pans required) | Totally Enclosed (Leak-free) |
| Product Loss | High (Edge leakage/wicking) | Minimal to None |
| Changeout Time | Hours (Manual sheet loading) | Minutes (Module swap) |
| Operator Exposure | High (Open air) | Low (Contained housing) |
Primary Applications
Because of their robust design and high surface area, these filters are used across a diverse spectrum of industries:
- Distilled Spirits & Beverages: Removal of haze, chill filtration, and polishing of brown spirits.
- Pharmaceuticals (API): Clarification of cell cultures and removal of fine particulates in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
- Botanical Extraction: Efficient lipid and wax removal (winterization) in cannabis and hemp oil processing.
- Chemical Processing: Filtration of bulk chemicals, resins, and inks where operator safety (closed system) is critical.
- Cosmetics & Fragrances: Polishing perfumes to crystal clarity without stripping essential oils (using AlphaMedia).
Enhancing Your Filtration Process
Whether you are upgrading from a labor-intensive filter press or designing a new filtration skid, the ErtelAlsop Pak® series offers a scalable, efficient solution. Purecowater can assist in sizing the correct housing and selecting the optimal media grade for your specific fluid properties.
Ready to optimize your filtration system?
Contact the experts at Purecowater to discuss how ErtelAlsop Lenticular Filters can improve your process efficiency.