Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges
For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration with heavy solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater provides access to these advanced modules, which are designed to replace traditional plate and frame filters with a more sanitary, leak-free, and user-friendly enclosed system.
Known variously as depth lenticular filter modules or simply "Paks," these cartridges utilize the same high-quality filter media found in filter sheets but package them into a pre-compressed, easy-to-handle cylinder. This design significantly reduces change-out times and product loss while maintaining superior retention efficiencies [ertelalsop.com].
How Lenticular Technology Works
The term "lenticular" refers to the shape of the filter cells. A Pak® cartridge is assembled from multiple stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of two discs of depth filter media sealed around the edges using a patented polypropylene process. These cells are stacked on a central core, resembling a series of double convex lenses.
Liquid flows from the outside of the cartridge, through the depth media, and into the central core. The complex matrix of fibers and particles within the media creates a tortuous path that traps contaminants throughout the thickness of the sheet, not just on the surface. This depth filtration mechanism allows for high solids loading capacity and the removal of haze, lipids, and fine particulates [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
Key Advantages over Plate & Frame Filters
- Sealed System: Lenticular modules operate inside an enclosed housing, eliminating leakage and dripping common with plate and frame presses.
- Reduced Downtime: Changing a cartridge takes a fraction of the time required to manually replace dozens of loose filter sheets and clean a press frame.
- Sanitary Design: The enclosed nature prevents exposure to the atmosphere, critical for pharmaceutical and food applications.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts to match flow rate requirements.
Media Configurations and Types
ErtelAlsop offers a variety of media compositions to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals. The most popular series include:
| Media Series | Composition | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® | Cellulose & Diatomaceous Earth (DE) | The "Workhorse." General industrial use, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage where high particulate retention and positive zeta potential are needed [store.clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
| Disc-Pak® | 100% Cellulose (AlphaMedia™) | Dielectric oils, perfumes, and syrups where DE or mineral components must be avoided to prevent altering active ingredients [clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
| MicroClear® | Activated Carbon Impregnated | Color correction, odor removal, and declorization without handling loose carbon powder. |
Technical Specifications
Integrating ErtelAlsop Pak filters into your process requires understanding the available configurations. The modules are designed to fit most standard lenticular housings.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | Typical stacks range from 5 to 18 cells (16 cells is standard for many applications) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | Range: 0.25 µm to 15 µm [ertelalsop.com] |
| End Cap Types | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Bayonet) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Buna-N |
Primary Applications
Due to their versatility and range of media grades, these filters are deployed across diverse sectors:
- Botanical Extracts: Efficient removal of waxes and lipids using DE-impregnated media while maintaining high flow rates [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Food & Beverage: Polishing distilled spirits, filtering sugar syrups, and clarifying wines.
- Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, antibiotics, and large volume parenterals (LVP).
- Industrial Utilities: Filtering dielectric transformer oils and coolants using Disc-Pak (pure cellulose) to ensure no mineral leaching [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Chemical Processing: Catalyst recovery and haze removal from solvents.
Contact Purecowater for Sizing and Availability
Selecting the correct media grade and micron rating is critical for optimizing throughput and filtrate quality. Purecowater specializes in solving complex solid and liquid filtration problems.
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