Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
At Purecowater, we understand that achieving high-purity results in liquid filtration requires equipment that is both efficient and easy to operate. As a distributor for top-tier filtration manufacturers, we are proud to feature the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter Cartridges. Originating from the innovative designs of Alsop Engineering in the 1940s, these filters have evolved into the modern standard for depth filtration.
The Pak® Lenticular Cartridges (also known as modules) offer a totally enclosed, leak-free alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses. They are designed to provide superior particle retention and high solids loading capacity, making them an ideal choice for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to botanical extraction.
How Lenticular Filtration Works
The “Lenticular” design gets its name from the shape of the filter cells, which resemble double convex lenses. A Pak® cartridge is assembled by stacking these lenticular cells—typically ranging from 5 to 18 cells per module—vertically.
Each cell consists of two commercially reliable depth filter sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) bonded at the edges using a patented injection molding process. This design maximizes surface area within a compact footprint. Fluid flows from the outside of the cartridge, through the filter media, and into the central core, trapping particulates within the depth of the media matrix.
Key Benefits
- Leak-Free Operation: Unlike plate and frame filters, lenticular modules function inside a sealed housing, eliminating leakage and ensuring a sanitary environment.
- Rapid Change-Out: The “Lock and Load” design allows for quick cartridge replacement, significantly reducing downtime compared to manually dressing a filter press.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with various cell counts, these filters can scale to meet low or high-throughput demands.
- Versatile Media Options: Compatible with various media grades for applications requiring pharmaceutical-grade purity, water removal, or activated carbon treatment.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are engineered for versatility. Below are the standard specifications for these modules.
| Feature | Specification details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings | Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
| Cell Count | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| Filter Media Types | MicroMedia® (Cellulose/DE/Perlite), AlphaMedia® (Cellulose), MicroClear® (Carbon) |
Industry Applications
The versatility of the Pak® cartridges makes them a staple in numerous high-demand sectors:
- Food & Beverage: Ideal for haze removal in distilled spirits, syrups, and flavorings.
- Botanical Extracts: Highly effective for removing waxes and lipids (winterization) using Diatomaceous Earth (DE) impregnated media.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used for API purification and catalyst removal.
- Electric Utility: The AquaKv-Pak® variant is specifically designed to remove water and moisture from transformer oils.
- Cosmetics: Ensuring clarity and shelf stability in lotions and fragrances.
Why Upgrade from Plate and Frame?
Many facilities still utilize traditional plate and frame presses. While effective, they are labor-intensive and prone to dripping. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters utilize the exact same filter media depth sheets found in presses but package them in a pre-assembled, convenient module. This means you can transfer your existing validation and process specifications directly to a lenticular format without sacrificing filtration quality—while gaining the benefits of a closed system.
Whether you require the high solids loading of the Zeta-Pak® or the carbon treatment capabilities of the Disc-Pak®, Purecowater can help you size and select the correct housing and module configuration for your process stream.
Need Help Selecting the Right Filter?
Choosing the correct micron rating and media type is critical for process efficiency. Purecowater is here to assist with technical sizing and OEM support.
Contact Us to see how Purecowater can help tackle your solid & liquid filtration problems.
Data sources: ertealsop.com, clearsolutionscorp.com