Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges
At Purecowater, we understand that industrial filtration requires precision, efficiency, and scalability. As part of our commitment to providing top-tier filtration solutions, we are proud to feature the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. These depth filter modules, often referred to as lenticular cartridges, represent a significant advancement over traditional plate and frame filtration methods, offering a totally enclosed, sanitary, and user-friendly design.
Whether you are in the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, or food and beverage industry, the Pak® Lenticular Cartridges provide a robust solution for high-solids loading and critical particle retention. This guide details the specifications, benefits, and applications of these versatile filter modules.
What are Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are assembled from stacked lenticular filter cells. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets—such as the industry-renowned MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®—sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene process. The resulting stack resembles a series of double convex lenses, maximizing surface area within a compact footprint.
According to ertelalsop.com, these modules are designed to fit 12-inch (30.5 cm) or 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameter housings, with stacks ranging from 5 to 18 cells deep. This configuration allows for easy scalability and handling.
Key Features and Benefits
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers in the depth media provides excellent holding capacity for particulate matter.
- Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame filters, lenticular cartridges operate inside a sealed housing, preventing leakage and product loss while protecting operators from exposure to fluids.
- Versatile Media Options: Available with various media grades, including the generic Zeta-Pak® which offers exceptional zeta potential for retaining ultra-fine particles and mist.
- Rapid Change-Out: The cartridge format allows for significantly faster change-out times compared to loose filter sheets, reducing downtime.
Technical Specifications
The following table outlines the standard operating specifications for the Pak® Lenticular series. These filters are adaptable to virtually any filter press or housing specification.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Diameters Available | 12 inch, 16 inch |
| End Configurations | Double O-Ring, Flat Gasket |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Polypropylene, others upon request |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Media Types | MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, MicroClear® (Carbon) |
Data sourced from specifications found on store.clearsolutionscorp.com and ertelalsop.com.
Media Technology: Zeta-Pak® and Beyond
One of the standout options in this product line is the Zeta-Pak®. As described by store.clearsolutionscorp.com, these modules utilize Micro-Media impregnated with Diatomaceous Earth (DE). This creates a rigid, porous cake that sieves out particulates while maintaining high flow rates.
This media is particularly effective for:
- Botanical Extracts: Efficient removal of waxes and lipids without affecting the odor or taste of the liquid.
- Distilled Spirits: Ensuring clarity and stability (haze removal).
- Life Sciences: Protection of downstream membrane filters.
Applications
ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges are designed for versatility. They are commonly used in:
- Pharmaceuticals: For sterile filtration pre-treatment and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) processing.
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of syrups, wines, vinegars, and juices.
- Cosmetics: Purification of perfumes, lotions, and oils.
- Chemical Processing: Filtration of specialty chemicals and solvents suitable with polypropylene supports.
Upgrade Your Filtration System
If you are currently using labor-intensive plate and frame filters, switching to a lenticular cartridge system can streamline your operations and improve safety standards. The enclosed design of the ErtelAlsop housings, often paired with these cartridges, eliminates the mess associated with open filtration systems.
Ready to optimize your solid and liquid filtration process? Contact Purecowater today to discuss sizing and compatibility for your facility.