For industrial applications requiring superior depth filtration with high solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters stand out as a premier solution. As a leading distributor and OEM for major filtration brands, Purecowater provides these versatile cartridges to tackle complex solid-liquid separation challenges.
This guide explores the technical capabilities, media configurations, and specifications of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series, helping you determine if this technology is the right fit for your process line.
What is a Lenticular Filter Cartridge?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge—often referred to as a lenticular module—combines the precision of depth filter sheets with the convenience of a cartridge format. Unlike traditional plate and frame filter presses which can be open to the environment and labor-intensive to change, lenticular modules are enclosed in sealable housings.
Each module consists of stacked filter cells (ranging from 5 to 18 cells per unit). A single cell is formed by two depth filter sheets sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process. This design mimics a stack of double convex lenses, creating a stable, high-surface-area matrix that traps particles throughout the media depth, not just on the surface.
Key Advantages
- Closed System: Prevents product loss and eliminates exposure to the environment, ideal for sanitary cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and volatile chemicals.
- High Solids Loading: The depth media structure holds a significant amount of contaminants before plugging.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with standard adaptors (Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket) to fit virtually any housing.
- Reduced Downtime: Rapid change-out compared to loose filter sheets.
Media Configurations: Zeta-Pak vs. Disc-Pak
ErtelAlsop engineers their Pak® cartridges with specific media formulations to target different contaminants. The two primary lines available are the Zeta-Pak® and the Disc-Pak®.
| Feature | Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®) | Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia™) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite, Wet Strength Resin | 100% Cellulose (No inorganic aids or resins) |
| Filtration Mechanism | Mechanical straining + Electrokinetic adsorption (Zeta Potential) | Mechanical straining + Absorption |
| Best For | Haze removal, ultrafine particles, botanical extracts (dewaxing/lipid removal) | Dielectric oils, perfumes, beverages where mineral extractables must be zero |
The Zeta-Pak® Advantage
The Zeta-Pak® is the “workhorse” of the series. It utilizes Micro-Media®, which incorporates Diatomaceous Earth (DE). This provides a positive zeta potential (electrokinetic charge) that attracts negatively charged contaminants like bacteria and fine hazes, removing particles smaller than the micron rating implies. It is extensively used in botanical extraction for winterization and dewaxing.
The Disc-Pak® Advantage
The Disc-Pak® uses AlphaMedia™, a pure cellulose media. This is critical for applications sensitive to inorganic extractables, such as insulating oils in power generation or specific pharmaceutical formulations where DE is not permitted.
Technical Specifications
Whether you represent a pharmaceutical facility, a distillery, or a chemical plant, compatibility is key. The ErtelAlsop Pak series offers robust construction limitations to ensure safety and efficiency.
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Count | 5 to 18 cells per module |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 style) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone |
| Regulatory Compliance | Media components listed in 21 CFR 176.170 (Food Standard) |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® cartridges allows them to serve various industries:
- Food & Beverage: Filtration of syrups, distilled spirits, wine, and removal of chill haze.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotech: API purification, cell debris removal, and protection of downstream membrane filters.
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Transformer oil purification, solvent recycling, and ink filtration.
- Botanical Extracts: Used heavily for winterization (removing waxes and lipids) in ethanol extraction processes due to the media’s adsorption capabilities [ertelalsop.com].
Why Choose Purecowater?
At Purecowater, we understand that filtration is not “one size fits all.” As a distributor for industry giants, we can help integrate ErtelAlsop lenticular technology into your existing skid or design a custom housing solution tailored to your flow rates and viscosity requirements.
If you are experiencing premature fouling of your membrane filters or need a more robust solution for particulate removal, lenticular depth filtration may be the answer.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?
Contact Purecowater Today