ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filters

Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters

For industries requiring rigorous liquid clarification and solid particle retention, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater provides these advanced modules to address complex solid-liquid separation challenges. Originally developed by ErtelAlsop in 1942, the lenticular cartridge format was designed to solve the limitations of traditional plate and frame filters, offering an enclosed, leak-free system with rapid changeout capabilities.

These filters are known as the “workhorse” of depth filtration, utilized extensively when product cleanliness, haze removal, and cost-effective particulate removal are critical.

How Lenticular Techology Works

The Pak® Lenticular Filter consists of stacked filter cells (discs) assembled into a single cartridge. Each cell is comprised of a pair of depth filter media sheets—such as the Micro-Media® or AlphaMedia® series—sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process. This design resembles a stack of double convex lenses, maximizing surface area within a compact footprint.

The Power of Zeta Potential

A defining feature of the Micro-Media® series used in these Paks is the Zeta Potential. The media is formulated with cellulose, filter aids (like Diatomaceous Earth), and a wet strength resin that imparts a positive electro-kinetic charge. This charge attracts and captures negatively charged contaminants—such as bacteria, haze-causing proteins, and sub-micron particles—that are smaller than the mechanical micron rating of the filter. This results in superior retention efficiency compared to purely mechanical sieving.

Key Features and Benefits

• Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame presses, lenticular housings are fully enclosed, preventing fluid loss and protecting the operator from exposure to the process fluid.
• High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix provides high dirt-holding capacity, making it ideal for processing varying loads of particulate.
• Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 16+ cells) to match flow rate requirements.
• Versatile Configurations: Options for Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring end caps ensure compatibility with most standard lenticular housings.

Technical Specifications

The ErtelAlsop Pak® modules are customizable to specific process needs. Below are the standard specifications for the most common configurations.

Feature	Specification Details
Filter Media Types	Micro-Media® (Cellulose/DE/Resin), AlphaMedia® (100% Cellulose), MicroClear® (Carbon)
Micron Ratings	Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Common: 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 µm)
Module Diameters	12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm)
Core Material	Polypropylene (Standard)
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Buna-N, Silicone, Viton
End Cap Configuration	Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222, 226 styles)
Surface Area (approx.)	1.5 m² (12″ module), 3.6 m² (16″ module)

Primary Applications

ErtelAlsop Pak filters are versatile and compatible with numerous solvent types and process fluids. They are frequently used to protect downstream membrane filters or as the final polishing step.

Industry	Application Case
Botanical Extracts	Removal of waxes and lipids (dewaxing/winterization) using DE-impregnated media.
Food & Beverage	Haze removal in distilled spirits, syrups, beer, and wine clarification.
Pharmaceuticals	Filtration of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and biotech fluids.
Industrial & Chemical	Lubricating oils, dielectric oils, and chemical processing fluids.
Cosmetics	Clarification of perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.

Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak Filters?

The defining advantage of the Pak module is the combination of ease of use and filtration quality. Operators can change out a lenticular module in a fraction of the time it takes to dress a plate and frame press. Furthermore, the availability of different grades—such as the Zeta-Pak® for high efficiency or the Disc-Pak® for resin-free cellulose filtration—allows Purecowater to tailor the solution precisely to your fluid stream.

Whether you are dealing with botanical extractions requiring winterization or industrial fluids needing particulate control, Purecowater can help you select the correct micron rating and media formulation.