Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
For industries requiring rigorous liquid filtration standards, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters offer a sophisticated solution that bridges the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge convenience. Designed for ease of use and high-efficiency particle retention, these depth filter modules are engineered to handle applications ranging from pharmaceutical processing to botanical extraction.
As a leading filtration solution, the Lenticular Pak® (often referred to as a module or stack) consists of multiple filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell utilizes ErtelAlsop’s renowned depth filter media, such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®, ensuring precise removal of solids while maintaining high throughput.
How Lenticular Technology Works
The “Lenticular” design mimics the shape of a double convex lens. In a Pak® cartridge, individual filter cells are stacked and sealed using a patented process. This design provides a totally enclosed, leak-free environment, which is a significant upgrade over open plate and frame systems that can suffer from leakage and exposure.
The liquid flows from the outside of the cartridge, through the depth media, and into the central core. This path forces the fluid through a complex matrix of fibers, capturing particles throughout the thickness of the media—not just on the surface. This results in high solids loading capacity and superior retention of ultra-fine particles.
Key Benefits
- Leak-Free Design: Edge sealing ensures no bypass, critical for pharmaceutical and high-purity applications.
- User-Friendly: Modules are easy to load and unload, significantly reducing downtime compared to changing loose filter sheets.
- Scalable: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells) to match batch size and flow rate requirements.
- Versatile Media: Compatible with various media grades, including those utilizing Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or pure cellulose.
Product Configurations and Media Types
ErtelAlsop offers several variations of the Pak® cartridge to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals. Below is a comparison of the two most common configurations found in the industry.
| Feature | Zeta-Pak® | Disc-Pak® |
|---|---|---|
| Media Composition | Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), Wet Strength Resin | 100% AlphaMedia Cellulose (No DE/Perlite) |
| Primary Mechanism | Zeta potential (electrokinetic attraction) & mechanical sieving | Mechanical sieving & absorption |
| Best For | Bio-pharmaceuticals, haze removal, fluid polishing | Dielectric oils, perfumes, syrups, sensitive active ingredients |
| Micron Retention | High efficiency (sub-micron options available) | Light to medium viscosity liquids |
The Zeta-Pak® is often considered the workhorse of the line, providing the greatest retention efficiencies due to the zeta potential of the Micro-Media®. Conversely, the Disc-Pak® is ideal when the product must not come into contact with inorganic filter aids like DE, preserving the integrity of sensitive active ingredients [clearsolutionscorp.com].
Technical Specifications
Understanding the physical and operational specifications is crucial for integrating these modules into your existing housing systems.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (Standard) |
| Cell Count | Typically 5 to 18 cells per stack |
Housing Compatibility
ErtelAlsop Pak cartridges are designed to fit into a variety of stainless steel housings. They are compatible with both vertical and horizontal housing orientations.
- Vertical Housings: Standard sanitary or industrial designs.
- Horizontal Housings: Feature a unique “Lock and Load” system that simplifies change-outs and allows for single-person operation, eliminating the need for overhead hoists [ertelalsop.com].
Common Applications
Due to the scalability and grade options, these filters are used across diverse sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals: APIs, blood fractionation, and sterile filtration.
- Food & Beverage: Distilled spirits, syrups, wine polishing, and soft drinks.
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids using DE-impregnated media.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Insulating oil purification and general chemical clarification.
- Cosmetics: Perfumes and essential oils.
For more information on selecting the correct micron rating and media type for your specific process fluid, or to discuss custom housing solutions, our team at Purecowater is ready to assist.
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