Advanced Depth Filtration Solutions for Industrial and Sanitary Applications
At Purecowater, we specialize in providing high-performance filtration solutions tailored to complex liquid processing needs. Among our premier offerings are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge filtration, these lenticular modules offer a robust, efficient, and user-friendly solution for depth filtration applications.
Whether you are processing pharmaceuticals, distilled spirits, cosmetics, or industrial fluids, ErtelAlsop Pak cartridges deliver exceptional particle retention, high solids loading capacity, and a completely enclosed filtration environment.
What Are ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filters?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® product line utilizes a “lenticular” design—essentially a stack of depth filter cells assembled into a single cartridge module. This design originated in the 1940s and has been perfected to provide the surface area and dirt-holding capacity of a filter press with the convenience and sealed integrity of a cartridge housing.
Each module consists of stacked filter cells made from premium depth media (such as MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®). The edges of these cells are sealed using a patented polypropylene process, creating a durable unit that resembles a stack of double convex lenses.
Key Benefits Over Traditional Filtration
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Enclosed System | Unlike plate and frame filters, lenticular housings are totally enclosed, preventing leakage, minimizing product loss, and protecting operators from exposure to process fluids. |
| High Solids Loading | The depth media matrix captures contaminants throughout the thickness of the pad, not just on the surface, allowing for higher throughput before changeout. |
| Rapid Changeout | Modules can be replaced in minutes rather than hours, significantly reducing downtime compared to manual plate and frame cleaning. |
| Scalability | Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells) to match flow rate requirements. |
Available Media Formulations
One of the strongest advantages of the ErtelAlsop Pak line is the versatility of the media. Purecowater can supply modules tailored to your specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals.
- Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®): Incorporates cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and perlite. This is the “workhorse” series, ideal for haze removal and fine particulate retention in beverages and biopharmaceuticals. It offers high Zeta potential for the adsorption of ultrafine particles.
- Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®): Comprised of 100% cellulose without inorganic filter aids. This is the preferred choice for applications where mineral extractables (like calcium or aluminum) must be avoided, such as in dielectric oils, specific pharmaceutical steps, or high-purity chemical processes.
- Bio-Pak®: Specifically designed for biological and pharmaceutical applications requiring low extractables and high purity.
- MicroClear®: Immobilized activated carbon media. This eliminates the mess of loose carbon powder while effectively removing color, odor, and off-tastes from products like syrups and spirits.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the fit for your existing housing or new installation is critical. Below are the general specifications for the Pak® cartridges supported by Purecowater.
| Diameter | 12 inch (30.5 cm) or 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (DO) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
| Maximum Temperature | Dependent on media and gasket selection (typically up to 180°F for standard polypropylene cores) |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak Lenticular design makes it a staple in numerous industries:
- Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for wines, spirits, syrups, and flavorings.
- Botanical Extracts: High-efficiency removal of waxes and lipids in ethanol extraction processes using DE-impregnated media.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, lotions, and oils.
- Chemical & Industrial: Filtration of lubricating oils, coolants, and process water.
- Pharmaceuticals: API purification and cell debris removal.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Sizing and Selection
Choosing the correct depth filtration module involves analyzing viscosity, flow rate, chemical compatibility, and particulate load. As a distributor and OEM partner, Purecowater provides the technical expertise to ensure you select the right ErtelAlsop configuration for your facility.
Whether you need replacement modules or a complete housing system, our team is ready to assist.