ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filters: Comprehensive Product Guide

Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters

For industrial applications requiring high-efficiency liquid depth filtration without the mess and exposure of traditional plate and frame systems, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters offer a superior solution. As a distributor for premier filtration technologies, Purecowater provides these advanced modules to help facilities improve throughput, safety, and product quality.

The ErtelAlsop Pak® (also known as a lenticular module) utilizes a totally enclosed design that prevents fluid loss and protects operators from exposure to process fluids. By stacking filter cells into a lenticular “disc” configuration, these cartridges provide a massive surface area for solids loading in a compact footprint.

Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, pharmaceuticals, or food and beverage products, the Pak® system is designed to handle a wide range of viscosities and particulate loads.

How Lenticular Depth Filtration Works

Lenticular cartridges are assembled from varying numbers of stacked filter cells—typically ranging from 5 to 18 cells per module. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) with edges sealed using a patented process. The resulting shape resembles a double convex lens, which gives the technology its “lenticular” name [ertelalsop.com].

Key operational advantages include:

• Enclosed System: Unlike open press filters, lenticular housings are sealed, eliminating leakage and evaporation (crucial for alcohol-based extraction or hazardous chemicals).
• Depth Filtration Mechanics: The media captures particles not just on the surface but throughout the tortured path of the media matrix, offering high solids holding capacity.
• Scalability: “Pak” cartridges allow easy translation of process specifications from laboratory scale to full production [ertelalsop.com].

Key Features and Benefits

High Solids Loading & Retention

The complex matrix of fibers and filter aids (such as Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite) within the media allows these filters to capture a wide distribution of particle sizes. This is essential for protecting downstream equipment and achieving high clarity.

User-Friendly “Lock and Load” Design

ErtelAlsop housings often feature a “Lock and Load” system that simplifies cartridge change-outs. This design minimizes downtime compared to the labor-intensive cleaning required for plate and frame presses [ertelalsop.com].

Versatile Media Options

The Pak® cartridges are available with various media compositions to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals:

• AlphaMedia®: 100% Cellulose (No DE or Perlite). Ideal for applications where mineral extractables are a concern [clearsolutionscorp.com].
• MicroMedia®: Cellulose mixed with filter aids (DE/Perlite) for high efficiency and flow.
• MicroClear®: Immobilized activated carbon for adsorption applications (color/odor removal).

Technical Specifications

Below is a summary of the standard configurations and operating parameters for ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters.

Specification	Details
Diameter Options	12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm)
Micron Ratings (Nominal)	0.25 µm to 15 µm
End Cap Configurations	Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring
Number of Cells	5 to 18 cells per stack
Core Material	Polypropylene (Standard)
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Silicone, Viton, etc.
Filter Media Types	Cellulose, DE/Perlite, Activated Carbon
Max Temperature	Dependent on Gasket/Media selection (typically up to 176°F/80°C for polypropylene cores)

Common Applications

The versatility of the Pak® lenticular design makes it a standard in several high-purity industries:

Botanical Extracts & Hemp Processing

Lenticular filters are the “workhorse” of the extraction industry. They effectively remove waxes, lipids, and fine particulates from ethanol or hydrocarbon extracts without affecting the desired cannabinoids. The MicroMedia® series is particularly effective here due to the high surface area and flow rates [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].

Food & Beverage

Used for the clarification of syrups, spirits, wines, and soft drinks. The enclosed environment prevents contamination and oxidation, preserving the product’s flavor profile.

Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics

For processing perfumes, essential oils, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The availability of pharmaceutical-grade media ensures compliance with strict validation requirements.

Utilities & Industrial

Applications include dielectric oils, insulating oils, and general chemical clarification where leakage from a plate and frame filter would present a safety hazard.

Integration with Purecowater Solutions

At Purecowater, we integrate ErtelAlsop Pak® filters into broader treatment trains, often preceding membrane systems like Reverse Osmosis or serving as the final polishing step. Whether you need a standalone housing or a complete skid-mounted system, our engineering team can spec the correct media and micron rating for your unique fluid matrix.