For industries requiring high-purity filtration with the reliability of depth media, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter series stands out as a premier solution. As a Distributor and OEM for leading filtration brands, Purecowater provides these advanced lenticular modules to tackle complex solid and liquid separation challenges. Whether you are in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or chemical processing, understanding the capabilities of ErtelAlsop’s Pak® technology can significantly optimize your filtration process.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® depth filter cartridges (also known as lenticular modules) are essentially a modern evolution of the traditional plate and frame filter. Instead of open frames, the media is contained within a totally enclosed housing, preventing leakage and exposure.
The “Pak” consists of stacked lenticular filter cells—typically ranging from 5 to 18 cells per module. Each cell is constructed from two discs of depth filter media (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed together 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.
Key Features and Benefits
Comparing lenticular modules to other filtration methods reveals several distinct advantages, particularly regarding process hygiene and ease of use.
- Enclosed System: Unlike plate and frame filters, lenticular housings are sealed. This is critical for applications involving hazardous chemicals, volatile spirits, or sterile pharmaceuticals where exposure to the environment must be minimized.
- Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a spent Pak® cartridge takes a fraction of the time required to redress a filter press, significantly reducing downtime and labor costs.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media matrix captures contaminants throughout the entire thickness of the sheet, not just on the surface. This results in higher dirt-holding capacity and longer service life.
- Zeta Potential: Many ErtelAlsop media options are formulated with a positive Zeta potential, allowing them to adsorb negatively charged sub-micron particles (like haze or endotoxins) that are smaller than the mechanical pore rating.
Technical Specifications
The versatility of the Pak® series lies in its wide range of configurations. Below are the standard specifications available through Purecowater.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (typically 222 or 226 style) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone |
| Cell Count | Typically 16 cells (can vary from 5 to 18) |
Media Grades and Applications
ErtelAlsop manufactures various grades of media to suit specific liquid properties. Choosing the right media is essential for performance.
| Media Series | Primary Components | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|
| MicroMedia® | Cellulose, Perlite, DE, Wet Strength Resin | Haze removal in spirits, botanical extracts, general clarification, and particulate reduction. |
| AlphaMedia® | Pure Cellulose (No inorganic aids) | Pharmaceuticals, sensitive cosmetics, and applications requiring extremely low extractables. |
| MicroClear® | Cellulose with Activated Carbon | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization of syrups or APIs. |
Common Industries Served
Due to their versatility, ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are deployed across a wide spectrum of industries:
- Botanical Extraction: Specifically effective for winterization—removing waxes and lipids from ethanol extracts.
- Distilled Spirits: Used for chill-filtration and polishing to ensure shelf stability and clarity in whiskeys and vodkas.
- Pharmaceuticals/Biotech: Cell harvesting, clarification of fermentation broths, and post-filtration protection for expensive membrane filters.
- Perfumes & Cosmetics: Ensuring essential oils and fragrances are free from haze and particulate matter.
Why Partner with Purecowater?
Selecting the correct lenticular configuration requires navigating variables like chemical compatibility, flow rate requirements, and solids load. Purecowater leverages extensive experience to help you select the exact ErtelAlsop Pak® specifications for your system.
Whether you need to replace existing modules or engineer a new filtration skid, our team ensures you get the most efficient solid-liquid separation solution available.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?
Contact Us to Discuss Your Filtration Needs