Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
At Purecowater, we understand that achieving superior liquid clarity often requires more than just a standard surface filter. For applications demanding high solids loading capacity, haze removal, and product stability, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the industry standard in depth filtration technology.
Whether you are in the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, or food and beverage industry, the Pak® lenticular cartridge offers a robust solution that combines the filtration efficiency of plate and frame systems with the convenience of a closed, user-friendly cartridge format.
What is a Pak® Lenticular Filter?
The Pak® Lenticular Cartridge (also known as a filter module) utilizes the principles of depth filtration. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the top layer, depth filters trap particles throughout a thick, complex matrix of fibers. This structure allows for significantly higher dirt-holding capacity and the retention of particles smaller than the pore size rating through mechanism like electrokinetic adsorption (zeta potential).
Originally invented by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s, this design consists of stacked filter cells—resembling double convex lenses—housed within a central core. The result is a modular cartridge that fits into a sealed housing, preventing leakage and ensuring a sanitary environment for your process fluids [ertelalsop.com].
Key Features and Benefits
Switching to or integrating ErtelAlsop Pak® filters into your workflow offers several distinct advantages over traditional filtration methods:
- Totally Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame presses, lenticular housings are sealed. This eliminates edge leakage, reduces oxidation/evaporation, and protects operators from hazardous fluids.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 16+ cells), allowing you to scale up from lab testing to full production easily.
- Rapid Change-Out: The modular design allows for quick cartridge replacement, significantly reducing downtime compared to manually dressing a filter press with individual sheets [ertelalsop.com].
- Versatile Media Options: Compatible with various media grades, including the trusted MicroMedia® (Cellulose/DE/Resin) for critical haze removal and AlphaMedia® (100% Cellulose) for clean applications.
Product Specifications
Understanding the technical capabilities of the Pak® series ensures you select the right module for your specific viscosity and flow rate requirements.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 styles available) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel optional on request |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, etc. |
| Filtration Surface Area | Varies by cell count (approx. 1.8 m² for a 16-cell 12″ module) |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® Lenticular Filters makes them a “workhorse” across numerous sectors. The combination of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and cellulose in the Zeta-Pak® series, for instance, provides a positive zeta potential that effectively adsorbs negatively charged contaminants like haze-forming proteins [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
| Industry | Typical Usage |
|---|---|
| Botanical Extraction | Winterization/Dewaxing: Removal of lipids, waxes, and fats from ethanol extracts. |
| Distilled Spirits | Chill filtration, haze removal, and polishing before bottling. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Clarification of broths, API filtration, and pre-filtration for membrane protection. |
| Cosmetics | Filtration of perfumes, colognes, and essential oils to ensure crystal clarity. |
| Utilities & Energy | Dielectric oil filtration (Disc-Pak®) for transformers and power generation equipment [clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
Media Formulations: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
Choosing the right media is critical for performance. The ErtelAlsop Pak® line generally falls into two primary categories available through Purecowater:
- Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®): Composed of cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and wet-strength resin. This media removes ultrafine particles via mechanical sieving and electrokinetic adsorption. It is ideal for general clarification and difficult fluids containing haze or colloids.
- Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®): Composed of 100% alpha-cellulose. This series contains no DE or resins, making it perfect for applications where mineral extractables are a concern or where broad chemical compatibility is required (e.g., specific solvent or oil applications).
Ready to Improve Your Filtration Process?
Purecowater is your trusted partner for Veolia, WTS, and ErtelAlsop solutions. Whether you need to retrofit an existing housing or design a completely new filtration skid, our team can guide you to the correct micron rating and media composition for your specific liquid stream.
Need help sizing your application?
Contact Us Today