High-Efficiency Depth Filtration for Critical Applications
For industries requiring superior clarity, high solids loading capacity, and a contained filtration environment, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent a gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater provides these versatile modules to address complex liquid processing challenges ranging from pharmaceutical purification to botanical extraction.
The lenticular format, originally invented by Alsop Engineering (a predecessor to ErtelAlsop), offers the filtration performance of a plate and frame filter press but within a totally enclosed, leak-proof housing. This guide covers the specifications, media types, and operational benefits of the Pak® cartridges.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
A lenticular filter module (or “Pak”) consists of stacked filter cells housed within a central core. Each cell is formed by a pair of depth filter sheets—such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®—sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene process. This construction resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving the technology its “lenticular” name [ertelalsop.com].
Unlike surface filters that only trap particles on the top layer, these depth modules utilize a complex matrix of fibers to trap particles throughout the thickness of the media. This results in significantly higher dirt-holding capacity and the ability to capture ultra-fine particles and haze.
Key Features and Benefits
- Totally Enclosed System: Unlike traditional plate and frame presses which can leak or expose fluids to the atmosphere, lenticular cartridges fit inside sealed housings. This is critical for pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, and high-value spirits where product loss or contamination must be eliminated [ertelalsop.com].
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells), allowing users to scale from pilot testing to full produciton easily.
- Rapid Change-Out: The design allows for quick installation and removal, reducing downtime compared to the labor-intensive process of dressing a filter press.
- Zeta Potential: Many media options, particularly the Zeta-Pak®, possess a positive electrokinetic charge (zeta potential) that attracts negatively charged contaminants like bacteria and endotoxins, enhancing retention below the nominal micron rating [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
Media Formulations and Applications
ErtelAlsop offers distinct media formulations to suit specific viscosity and compatibility requirements. Selecting the correct media is vital for optimizing flow rates and retention.
| Media Series | Composition | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®) | Cellulose + Diatomaceous Earth (DE) + Wet Strength Resin | Clarification, haze removal, botanical extracts, spirits, and aqueous fluids. High zeta potential for ultra-fine particle retention. |
| Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®) | 100% Cellulose (No DE/Perlite) | Light to medium viscosity fluids. Ideal for dielectric oils, perfumes, syrups, and applications requiring low extractables [clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
| MicroClear® | Immobilized Activated Carbon | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization without the mess of bulk carbon powder. |
Technical Specifications
The flexibility of the Pak® system ensures compatibility with most existing sanitary and industrial filter housings.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Standard Diameters | 12 in. (30.5 cm) / 16 in. (40.6 cm) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Options | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone, Teflon-Encapsulated |
| End Cap Configuration | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (222/226 style) |
| Sterilization | Can be steam sterilized (autoclave or in-situ) depending on grade |
Industrial & Sanitary Use Cases
The versatility of ErtelAlsop Pak cartridges allows them to serve diverse market sectors:
- Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for distilled spirits (whiskey, vodka) to remove chill haze; clarification of syrups and flavorings.
- Botanical Extraction: Removal of waxes and lipids from winterized ethanol extracts using MicroMedia (DE) impregnated modules [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Life Sciences: Cell harvesting, clarification of fermentation broths, and blood plasma fractionation.
- Chemical & Industrial: Filtration of dielectric oils, transformer oils, and chemical intermediates where operators must be improving safety by avoiding contact with open filter plates.
Solving Filtration Problems with Purecowater
Integrating ErtelAlsop lenticular technology into your process requires precise sizing and media selection. Whether you are replacing an open plate and frame press or designing a new skid for a botanical extraction line, Purecowater can assist in conducting trials and selecting the optimal cartridge configuration to maximize throughput and filtrate quality.
Need help sizing a lenticular housing or selecting the right media?
Contact Purecowater Today