For industries requiring high-performance liquid filtration, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter represents a significant evolution in depth filtration technology. As a robust solution for solid and liquid separation, these cartridges combine the superior retention capabilities of traditional depth filter sheets with the ease of use and enclosed containment of a cartridge system.
At Purecowater, we understand that precision and reliability are paramount whether you are filtering botanical extracts, pharmaceuticals, or food and beverage products. This guide explores the specifications, operational advantages, and diverse applications of ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The “Lenticular” Pak® design consists of stacked, disc-like filter cells assembled into a pre-compressed cartridge module. Each cell acts as a double-convex lens (hence “lenticular”), providing a large surface area within a compact footprint. Unlike surface filtration, which captures particles only on the top layer, these depth filters utilize a thick media matrix to trap particles throughout the entire cross-section of the filter sheet.
The “Zeta Potential” Advantage
One of the defining features of ErtelAlsop’s Zeta-Pak® series is the electrokinetic “Zeta Potential.” The manufacturing process incorporates cationic charge modifiers into the cellulose and filter aid matrix. This net positive charge acts like a magnet for negatively charged contaminants—such as endotoxins, bacteria, and fine hazes—pulling them out of the liquid stream even if they are smaller than the physical pore size of the media.
Key Features and Benefits
Transitioning from traditional Plate and Frame filters to Lenticular Pak® cartridges offers several operational upgrades:
- Closed System Hygiene: The cartridges fit inside sealed housings (unlike open plate and frame presses), eliminating edge leakage and protecting the product from external contamination.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers and filter aids (like Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite) creates a tortuous path that creates a porous cake, allowing for high throughput before clogging.
- Rapid Changeouts: Replacing a single module takes a fraction of the time required to manually strip and redress a filter press, significantly reducing downtime and labor costs.
- Chemical Compatibility: Constructed with Polypropylene cores and reduced mechanical components to ensure broad compatibility with solvents, alcohols, and sanitizing agents.
Technical Specifications
ErtelAlsop cartridges are highly customizable to fit precise process requirements. Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications available for industrial and sanitary applications.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (industry standard) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (standard), Silicone, Viton, Buna-N available |
| Media Formulations | MicroMedia®: Cellulose/DE/Perlite (Standard Depth) MicroClear®: Carbon-Impregnated (Adsorption) AlphaMedia™: Pure Cellulose |
| Cell Count | Typically 16 cells per stack (Customizable 5–18) |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® Lenticular system makes it an industry standard across multiple sectors. Its ability to handle viscosity and high particulate loads makes it ideal for:
1. Botanical Extracts & Essential Oils
In extraction processes (such as ethanol or hydrocarbon extraction), removing waxes, lipids, and fine particulates is critical. The winterization and dewaxing steps rely heavily on lenticular depth filters to clarify oil without stripping desirable compounds. The depth media effectively captures coagulated waxes at low temperatures.
2. Distilled Spirits and Beverages
From haze removal in craft spirits to final polishing in wine and beer, these filters ensure clarity and stability. The MicroMedia® depth sheets protect downstream membrane filters from premature fouling, acting as an excellent pre-filter.
3. Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
High-purity grades are available for critical applications requiring low extractables and high bacteria retention. They are often used for the structural removal of carbon fines or for decolorization using carbon-impregnated modules.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak®?
ErtelAlsop has been a pioneer in liquid filtration since the 1920s. Their Pak® cartridges are engineered to ensure scalability; a process developed on a 12-inch module can be linearly scaled to large multi-housing skids without changing the filtration results. This scalability is vital for OEM manufacturers and growing production facilities.
Whether you require the adsorptive properties of activated carbon in the MicroClear® series or the fine particle retention of the Zeta-Pak®, Purecowater provides the technical expertise to select the correct grade for your stream.
Need assistance selecting the right lenticular housing or media grade for your process?
Purecowater specializes in tackling complex solid and liquid filtration problems. Reach out to our engineering team today.