ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters: Comprehensive Product Guide

For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent a premium solution in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier engineered solutions, Purecowater provides these versatile filter modules to tackle complex solid-liquid separation challenges. This guide details the operational mechanics, specifications, and advantages of utilizing lenticular cartridges in your process line.

What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?

ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, also known as lenticular filter modules, are an advanced format of depth filtration. They essentially take the proven technology of plate and frame filter media and package it into a convenient, enclosed, and leak-free modular cartridge.

Each module consists of individual filter cells stacked mechanically. The media—typically cellulose-based or impregnated with filter aids like Diatomaceous Earth (DE)—is sealed using a patented process (often polypropylene) to form a robust unit. This design allows for the high solids loading capacity of depth filtration while offering the ease of use associated with cartridge filters.

Key Advantages Over Traditional Filtration

For operators moving away from open plate and frame presses, the Pak® Lenticular system offers significant operational upgrades:

• Closed System: The modules fit inside fully enclosed housings, eliminating leakage and protecting the product from external contamination.
• Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a lenticular module takes a fraction of the time required to dress a filter press, significantly reducing downtime.
• Scalability: With sizes available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters and varying cell counts, systems can be scaled to meet specific flow rate and throughput demands.
• High Solids Holding: The depth media matrix traps particles throughout its thickness, not just on the surface, allowing for extended service life before fouling.

Technical Specifications and Configurations

The versatility of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series lies in its wide range of configurations. Below is a breakdown of standard specifications for industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Feature	Specification Details
Module Diameters	12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm)
Surface Area	Varies by cell count; max surface area optimized for high throughput
Number of Cells	Typically 5 to 18 stacked cells per module
Core Material	Polypropylene (Standard), offering broad chemical compatibility
Micron Ratings	Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Grade dependent)
End Cap Configurations	Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222, 226 styles available)
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N

Available Media Grades

Selecting the right media is critical for performance. The Pak® cartridges accommodate several proprietary media types designed for specific retention needs:

1. MicroMedia® (XL, LXL, PXL Series)

Incorporating cellulose, filter aids (such as Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite), and a wet strength resin, this media creates a tortuous path for superior particle retention. It generates a zeta potential (electrokinetic adsorption) that helps capture sub-micron particles, including haze and haze-forming colloids.

2. AlphaMedia® (G-Series)

A pure cellulose media free from resins, binders, or inorganic filter aids. Ideally suited for applications where minimal extractables are required, such as essential oils, distilled spirits, and certain pharmaceutical preparations.

3. MicroClear®

These modules are impregnated with activated carbon, allowing for adsorption of color, odor, and off-tastes without the mess of handling loose bulk carbon powder.

Common Applications

Due to their robust construction and media flexibility, ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are utilized across diverse sectors:

• Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of broths, removal of precipitants, and pre-filtration for sterile lines.
• Food & Beverage: Haze removal in syrups, spirits, juices, and wine polishing.
• Chemicals: Particulate removal in resins, solvents, and specialty chemicals.
• Botanical Extracts: Efficient removal of waxes and lipids (dewaxing) using high-flow capability.
• Utilities: Filtering dielectric oils and coolants in power generation.

Why Choose Purecowater?

At Purecowater, we specialize in identifying the correct filtration architecture for your specific fluid stream. Whether you are filtering coarse particulates or require sub-micron haze removal, we can supply the correct ErtelAlsop configuration to ensure your product meets quality standards efficiently.