ErtelAlsop Micro-Clear Activated Carbon Filter Media: Guide and Specifications

Overview: ErtelAlsop Micro-Clear Activated Carbon Media

For industries requiring precision in liquid filtration, the ErtelAlsop Micro-Clear series represents a high-performance solution that combines mechanical depth filtration with the adsorptive capabilities of activated carbon. Designed to replace messy loose carbon powders, Micro-Clear media stabilizes the carbon within a cellulose matrix, preventing carbon bleed-through and simplifying the filtration process.

Purecowater provides ErtelAlsop Micro-Clear media to support critical applications in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical processing industries. Whether you need to remove color, odor, or specific impurities, this media offers a standardized, clean, and efficient method for treatment.

What is Micro-Clear?

Micro-Clear depth filter sheets are composed of a blend of cellulose pulp, activated carbon, and a wet strength resin. This unique composition creates a filter media that performs two distinct functions simultaneously:

• Mechanical Filtration: Removes particulate matter down to sub-micron levels.
• Adsorption: The activated carbon matrix adsorbs organic molecules, effectively correcting color, odor, and flavor.

The media also possesses a net positive charge (zeta potential), enhancing its ability to capture particles smaller than the mechanical pore size—such as endotoxins or haze-causing colloids—through electrokinetic attraction.

Key Benefits Over Loose Carbon

Traditionally, industries have used loose activated carbon powder for decolorization, which requires a secondary filtration step to remove the carbon and often leads to messy cleanups and operator exposure. Micro-Clear sheets eliminate these issues:

Feature	Loose Carbon Powder	Micro-Clear Filter Sheets
Cleanliness	Dusty, messy handling	Self-contained sheet format
Process Efficiency	Requires separate removal step	Single-pass treatment and filtration
Consistency	Variable dosing/mixing	Uniform immobilization of carbon
Safety	Inhalation risk for operators	Minimal dust exposure

Technical Specifications and Grades

ErtelAlsop offers Micro-Clear in various grades to suit different retention requirements and flow rates. Selecting the correct grade depends on the viscosity of the liquid and the target particle size for removal.

Grade	Retention Rating (μm)	Approx. Flow Rate (Gal/ft²/hr)*
MC-35	5.0 μm	750
MC-55	1.0 μm	225
MC-70	0.45 μm	100

*Flow rates are based on clean water at 10 psi and 70ºF. Actual rates will vary based on product viscosity and solids loading.

Common Applications

The high-purity activated carbon used in Micro-Clear makes it suitable for sensitive applications where product integrity is paramount. All components are listed in the CFR as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food contact (21 CFR 176.170).

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology

• API Purification: Removal of color bodies and reaction byproducts.
• Endotoxin Removal: Reduction of pyrogens in small volume parenterals.
• Blood Fractionation: Clarification of plasma and serum.

Food & Beverage

• Distilled Spirits: Flavor correction and removal of fusel oils.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup: Decolorization and polishing.
• Gelatin & Enzymes: Clarification and odor removal.
• Fragrances: Ensuring optical clarity and scent purity.

Scalability and Formats

One of the strengths of the ErtelAlsop product line is scalability. Micro-Clear media is available in formats ranging from laboratory research to full-scale production:

• Micro-Cap Capsules: Disposable capsules for lab testing and small batches (22 cm² to 2200 cm² area).
• Filter Sheets: Die-cut sheets available in all standard sizes (e.g., 40×40 cm, 60×60 cm) to fit plate and frame filter presses.
• Lenticular Modules (Pak): 12″ and 16″ stacked disc modules for closed-housing systems, reducing leakage and environmental exposure.

Note on Compatibility: These sheets are compatible with most standard filter presses and lenticular housings, including those from other major manufacturers like Pall and Eaton/BECO.