Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Cartridges
For industries requiring high-efficiency particle retention and superior solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. Purecowater is proud to distribute these versatile filtration modules, offering a leak-free, operator-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame assemblies.
Whether you are filtering pharmaceuticals, distilled spirits, botanicals, or industrial chemicals, the lenticular module format combines the filtration quality of depth media with the convenience of a cartridge system.
What is a Lenticular Filter Module?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge (also known as a lenticular module) consists of depth filter sheets stacked in a vertical orientation. Each “cell” in the stack is comprised of two sheets of filter media, sealed at the edges using a patented process and separated by a polypropylene drainage core. This assembly resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving it the name “lenticular”.
This design allows for a totally enclosed system when paired with a Lenticular Filter Housing, protecting both the product and the operator. It eliminates the leakage and exposure issues often associated with open plate and frame filters.
Key Features and Benefits
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers in the depth media allows for significant contaminant retention before blinding.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells) to match flow rate requirements.
- Versatile Configurations: Retrofits easily into existing filter housings with Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring end caps.
- Enclosed System: Prevents product loss and oxidative exposure, crucial for high-value fluids like distilled spirits or pharmaceuticals.
Technical Specifications
Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications for ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Filter Media Types | MicroMedia® (DE/Perlite), AlphaMedia® (All-Cellulose), MicroClear® (Carbon) |
| Number of Cells | Standard stacks include 5 to 18 cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Code 3, Code 8 styles) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
Media Grades for Every Application
The performance of the Pak® cartridge is driven by the specific media grade selected. ErtelAlsop offers three primary families of media to target specific contaminants:
1. MicroMedia® (Filter Aid Impregnated)
These filter sheets are impregnated with high-purity Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite. They exhibit a positive Zeta Potential, making them highly effective for holding ultra-fine particles and haze.
Best for: Haze removal in spirits, beer, wine, and botanical extracts.
2. AlphaMedia® (100% Cellulose)
Composed of pure cellulose fibers without inorganic filter aids. AlphaMedia is ideal for applications where mineral extractables are a concern.
Best for: Pharmaceutical liquids, dielectric oils, and cosmetic perfumes.
3. MicroClear® (Activated Carbon)
Immobilized activated carbon sheets used for adsorption rather than just particulate removal.
Best for: Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization of syrups or APIs.
Applications
The versatility of the ErtelAlsop Pak® makes it a “workhorse” across multiple sectors:
- Food & Beverage: Used extensively for clarifying syrups, adjusting the color of spirits, and cold stabilization of beverages.
- Chemicals: Filtration of bulk chemicals, resins, and inks.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of vaccines, blood plasma fractionation, and sterile pre-filtration.
- Botanical Extraction: Highly effective for dewaxing (winterization) and lipid removal in ethanol extraction processes (Clear Solutions).
Comparing Plate & Frame vs. Lenticular Pak®
Many facilities upgrade from Plate & Frame presses to Lenticular Pak® housings to improve efficiency.
| Feature | Plate & Frame Press | Lenticular Pak® Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Change-out Time | High (Hours) | Low (Minutes) |
| Leakage | Common (Drip pans required) | Zero (Fully enclosed vessel) |
| Labor Cost | High | Low |
| Footprint | Large | Compact |
Contact Purecowater for Sizing and Availability
Selecting the right micron rating, media type, and housing configuration is critical for optimizing your filtration process. Purecowater can assist with sizing your system and supplying the correct ErtelAlsop Pak® modules for your facility.
Need help tackling your solid & liquid filtration problems?