ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters: High-Performance Depth Filtration Module

For industrial applications requiring superior fluid clarification, product purity, and efficient solids removal, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter stands as a benchmark in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater is proud to proffer this versatile filtration module, designed to meet the rigorous demands of the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, and utility sectors.

What is the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter?

The ErtelAlsop Pak® is a depth filter cartridge (or module) constructed from a stack of individual lenticular cells. Developed originally in 1942 by ErtelAlsop, this design revolutionized the industry by combining the high-quality filtration performance of plate and frame filter presses with the convenience and sealed hygiene of a cartridge system.

Each module consists of multiple dual-layer filter cells—resembling double convex lenses—stacked on a central core. The media edges are sealed (often via a patented polypropylene molding process) to prevent bypass. This configuration provides a massive surface area in a compact footprint, allowing for high flow rates and exceptional contaminant retention.

Key Performance Features

• Enhanced Zeta Potential: Many Pak® modules utilizing Micro-Media® are formulated with wet strength resins that impart a positive charge (Zeta potential). This allows the filter to electrokinetically attract and hold negatively charged particles (like haze, bacteria, or endotoxins) that are smaller than the filter’s physical pore size.
• Enclosed System Design: Unlike open plate and frame filters, lenticular modules operate inside a sealed housing. This minimizes product loss, prevents leakage, and protects operators from exposure to hazardous fluids or vapors.
• Rapid Changeout: Maintenance is significantly faster than traditional presses. Modules can be swapped out in minutes rather than hours, increasing process uptime.
• Scalability: With standard 12-inch and 16-inch diameters, these filters can be scaled easily from pilot testing to full production.

Technical Specifications

The versatility of the Pak® line lies in its wide range of configurations. Below are the general specifications available for these modules:

Feature	Specification Details
Diameters Available	12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm)
Micron Ratings (Nominal)	0.25 µm to 15 µm
End Configurations	Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Code 3, Code 8 styles)
Filter Media Options	Micro-Media®: Cellulose perlite/DE (High Efficiency) Alpha-Media®: Pure Cellulose (Simplicity) Micro-Clear®: Activated Carbon (Adsorption)
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N
Stack Height	Configurable cell counts (typically 5 to 16 cells per module)

Applications and Industries

The ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter is a reliable workhorse across various high-purity industries:

1. Distilled Spirits, Wine, and Beer

Used extensively for chill haze removal, polishing filtration, and particulate reduction without stripping flavor or color (unless carbon media is selected). The depth media effectively captures amorphous debris that surface filters miss.

2. Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics

Ideal for the clarification of syrups, perfumes, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The enclosed format ensures sanitary operation suitable for GMP environments.

3. Botanical Extracts

With the rise of cannabis and hemp processing, lenticular filters utilizing DE (Diatomaceous Earth) impregnated media are the industry standard for winterization (removing waxes and lipids) and clarifying ethanol extracts.

4. Chemical & Utility Oils

These modules are also used to filter insulating oils, transformer oils, and specialty chemicals, removing moisture and fine particulates to meet dielectric standards.

Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak®?

Choosing the Pak® lenticular cartridges means investing in over 80 years of filtration expertise. Whether you need to remove invisible haze from a premium spirit or protect downstream membrane filters from premature fouling in a water system, these modules offer a high solids-loading capacity that saves money on consumables in the long run.