Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter represents a pinnacle of depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater is proud to offer these advanced modules designed to tackle complex solid and liquid filtration problems.
The Pak® depth filter cartridges (also known as lenticular modules) are essentially a modern evolution of the traditional plate and frame filter. They consist of depth filter sheets stacked in a lenticular (lens-shaped) format, sealed within a cartridge. This design offers the high solids-loading capacity of depth media but maintains the convenience, hygiene, and zero-leakage benefits of a closed cartridge system [ertelalsop.com].
Purecowater Note: The lenticular format was originally invented by Alsop Engineering (now ErtelAlsop) in the 1940s. Today, it remains the standard for scalable, operator-friendly depth filtration.
How Lenticular Filtration Works
A “Pak” or lenticular module is assembled from varying numbers of filter cells—typically ranging from 5 to 18 cells per stack. Each cell is comprised of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) with edges sealed via a patented injection-molding process using polypropylene [ertelalsop.com].
This design creates a complex matrix of fibers and particles that traps contaminants not just on the surface but throughout the depth of the media. This results in:
- Highly Efficient Particle Retention: Capable of nominal retentions ranging from 0.25 to 15 microns.
- High Solids Loading: The depth matrix can hold a significant amount of contaminants before blinding, extending service life.
- Scalability: Over 300 precision dies ensure these fit virtually any housing, allowing processes to scale from lab to production easily.
Core Specifications
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are available in standard industrial sizes to fit 12-inch and 16-inch housings. Below are the general specifications for these units.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12 inch (30.5 cm) or 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm [ertelalsop.com] |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket [store.clearsolutionscorp.com] |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone |
Media Types and Configurations
The versatility of the ErtelAlsop Pak® lies in the variety of media available. Depending on your application—whether it’s pharmaceutical purity or industrial clarification—there is a specific media formulation.
1. Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®)
The Zeta-Pak® is often considered the workhorse of the line. It incorporates Micro-Media®, which typically contains cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and a wet-strength resin. This combination provides a high positive zeta potential, making it highly effective for retaining ultra-fine particles and haze, such as in botanical extracts or distilled spirits [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia™)
For applications where mineral components like DE or Perlite are not desired, the Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia™. This is a 100% cellulose media. It is ideal for:
- Pharmaceutical ingredients (where active ingredients shouldn’t be stripped).
- Dielectric oils, lubricating oils, and coolants.
- Applications requiring ashless filtration [clearsolutionscorp.com].
3. MicroClear® (Activated Carbon)
These modules incorporate activated carbon directly into the filter matrix, allowing for simultaneous filtration and adsorption (color, odor, or impurity removal) without the mess of handling loose carbon powder.
Key Applications
ErtelAlsop lenticular filters are used globally across diverse sectors. Their totally enclosed design makes them safer and cleaner than open press systems.
| Industry | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | API processing, antibiotics, blood fractionation, LVP/SVP. |
| Food & Beverage | Distilled spirits, wine polishing, beer haze removal, soft drinks, high fructose corn syrup. |
| Botanical Extracts | Wax and lipid removal (winterization) using DE-impregnated media [store.clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
| Utilities | Transmission and distribution oils, turbine lube oils. |
| Chemicals | Silicones, inks, paints, varnishes, and resins. |
Why Upgrade from Plate and Frame?
While plate and frame filters have been a standard for decades, the Pak® Lenticular system offers significant operational advantages. The enclosed housing design prevents leakage and exposure to the product, which is critical for sanitary applications and hazardous fluids. Furthermore, change-out times are drastically reduced—taking minutes rather than hours—minimizing downtime and labor costs [ertelalsop.com].
Need help selecting the right Pak® configuration for your process? At Purecowater, we specialize in identifying the correct media grade, micron rating, and housing orientation for your specific stream.