ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters: Comprehensive Guide & Specifications

Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters

At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex solid and liquid filtration challenges. Among our premier offerings are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. Designed for critical applications requiring high solids loading capacity and superior particle retention, these depth filter modules are a staple in industries ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and botanical extraction.

Lenticular cartridges, also known as depth filter modules, combine the advantages of traditional plate and frame filtration with the convenience of a contained cartridge format. The ErtelAlsop Pak® features a sealed, stacked-disk design that ensures product integrity and ease of use.

What Are Lenticular Filters?

The ErtelAlsop Pak® consists of multiple depth filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is formed by a pair of filter media sheets bonded at the edges using a patented process (typically polypropylene). This construction resembles a series of double convex lenses, giving rise to the name “lenticular.”

Unlike surface filters that only trap particles on top of the media, these depth filters utilize a complex matrix of fibers and filter aids to trap particles throughout the entire thickness of the media. This results in:

• Higher Dirt Holding Capacity: Capable of handling fluids with higher haze or particulate loads.
• Moisture & Solids Removal: Effective for polishing liquids and removing semi-solids or waxes.
• Scalability: Available in various cell counts (5 to 18 cells) and diameters (12-inch and 16-inch).

Key Technologies and Media Options

One of the defining features of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series is the variety of media compositions available, allowing for precise customization based on the application.

1. Micro-Media® (Cellulose + DE/Perlite)

This series incorporates cellulose fibers with filter aids like Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite. It is strengthened with a wet-strength resin that imparts a positive Zeta Potential. This electrokinetic charge allows the media to attract and capture negatively charged particles smaller than the physical pore size, such as haze, bacteria, and endotoxins. clearsolutionscorp.com

2. AlphaMedia® (100% Cellulose)

Ideal for applications sensitive to extractables. AlphaMedia contains no inorganic filter aids (like DE) or resins. It is perfect for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and dielectric oil applications where media purity is paramount. clearsolutionscorp.com

3. MicroClear® (Activated Carbon)

These modules utilize immobilized activated carbon to remove color, odor, and taste without the mess of handling bulk carbon powder.

Technical Specifications

The flexibility of the Pak® Cartridges allows them to fit into existing housings from most major manufacturers. Below are the standard specifications for the series.

Feature	Specification
Diameters	12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm)
Micron Ratings (Nominal)	0.25 µm to 15 µm
Number of Cells	Typically 5 to 18 stacked cells (Standard is often 16 cells)
Core Material	Polypropylene
End Cap Configurations	Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring
Gasket Material	EPDM (Standard), others available
Filter Mechanism	Depth Filtration, Electrokinetic Adsorption (Zeta Potential)

Common Applications

The versatility of ErtelAlsop Pak® filters makes them a “workhorse” across various sectors. ertelalsop.com

• Botanical Extraction: Highly effective for winterization and dewaxing. The depth media efficiently removes lipids and waxes from ethanol extracts while maintaining high flow rates.
• Food & Beverage: Used for clarification of distilled spirits, syrups, soft drinks, and chill haze removal in beer and wine.
• Pharmaceuticals & Biotech: Cell debris removal, post-fermentation clarification, and protection of downstream sterile membranes.
• Industrial Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils, lubricating oils, and coolants.
• Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.

Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak® Filters?

1. Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness
The lenticular design offers a high surface area in a compact footprint. This reduces fluid loss during changeouts compared to traditional plate and frame presses.

2. User-Friendly
The enclosed housing ensures a cleaner working environment, protecting operators from exposure to fluids and eliminating leakage associated with open presses.

3. Advanced Retention
With options like the Zeta-Pak®, users benefit from both mechanical straining and electrokinetic adsorption, ensuring the removal of even the finest colloidal particles.