For industries requiring high-efficiency depth filtration without the labor-intensive maintenance of traditional plate and frame presses, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter offers a premier solution. As a leader in filtration distribution, Purecowater supplies these advanced lenticular modules to help tackle complex liquid filtration challenges across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical applications.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® is a depth filter cartridge—often referred to as a lenticular module—designed to provide high solids loading capacity and fine particle retention in a totally enclosed system. Originally invented by Alsop Engineering (a predecessor to ErtelAlsop), this format stacks filter cells into a configuration that resembles a series of double convex lenses, hence the name “lenticular.”
These modules utilize the same high-quality depth filter media found in plate and frame filters but package it in a convenient, sealed cartridge. This design eliminates leakage and exposure to the environment, making it ideal for applications requiring strict hygiene or containment of hazardous fluids.
Key Advantages and Features
- Enclosed Filtration: Unlike open plate and frame presses, lenticular housings are sealed, preventing product loss, oxidation, and external contamination.
- Rapid Change-Out: Modules can be replaced in a fraction of the time required to dress a filter press, significantly reducing downtime.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts, allowing for easy scaling from pilot testing to full production.
- Media Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of media grades including cellulose, DE (Diatomaceous Earth), perlite, and activated carbon.
- Robust Construction: Features a polypropylene core and advanced sealing technology (flat gasket or double O-ring) to ensure structural integrity and prevent bypass.
Product Specifications
The Pak® cartridges are available in numerous configurations to fit specific housing requirements and filtration goals. Below is a breakdown of the standard technical specifications.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Depth Filter Module (Lenticular) |
| Media Grades | MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, MicroClear® (Carbon) |
| Micron Ratings | Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Available Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | Typically 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (plug-in style) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (316L SS hardware available for housings) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
Available Series Types
ErtelAlsop manufactures specialized versions of the Pak® to suit different industrial needs:
- Zeta-Pak®: Utilizes MicroMedia® containing cellulose, filter aid (DE/Perlite), and a wet strength resin. It offers high zeta potential for removing ultra-fine particles and haze.
- Disc-Pak®: The original lenticular cartridge using AlphaMedia® (100% cellulose). ideal for dielectric oils, fragrances, and applications where no inorganic filter aids are permitted.
- Bio-Pak®: Designed for pharmaceutical and biological applications. It features a pharmaceutical-grade design typically using a double O-ring connection for maximum seal security.
- AquaKv-Pak®: Specialized for water removal and transformer oil filtration.
Applications
Due to their high solids loading and ability to clarify liquids without stripping active ingredients (depending on media choice), these filters are widely used in:
- Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, large volume parentheters (LVPs), and biotech fluids.
- Food & Beverage: Distilled spirits, syrups, soft drinks, and botanical extracts (wax/lipid removal).
- Cosmetics: Perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
- Chemical & Industrial: Chemical processing, resins, and dielectric oil purification for electric utilities.
Need Assistance with Filtration Sizing?
Choosing the right depth filter module requires analyzing your specific flow rate, viscosity, and particle retention goals. Purecowater specializes in optimizing filtration systems for Veolia, WTS, and Fil-trek equipment.