For industries requiring high-purity filtration with minimal downtime, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for premier filtration brands, Purecowater is proud to offer these versatile, high-efficiency filter modules designed to tackle complex solid and liquid separation challenges.
This article explores the technical specifications, media configurations, and operational benefits of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series, helping you determine the right solution for your process line.
What Are Lenticular Pak® Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges (also known as lenticular modules) are essentially a pre-assembled, enclosed evolution of the traditional plate and frame filter. Invented originally by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s, this design stacks multiple lenticular filter cells vertically. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets with edges sealed via a patented polypropylene process.
The result is a self-contained module that resembles a stack of double convex lenses. This innovative format retains the high solids loading capacity of depth media while eliminating the leakage and labor-intensive change-outs associated with open plate and frame presses.
Key Advantages
- Closed System: The filtration occurs inside a sealed housing, preventing exposure to the atmosphere and ensuring a sanitary process environment.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers provides a large surface area for retaining particulates.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with various cell counts to match flow rate requirements.
- Versatility: Compatible with a vast range of media types, including cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and activated carbon.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is customizable to fit virtually any standard lenticular housing. Below are the core specifications for the product line.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12″ (30.5 cm) and 16″ (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| Micron Retention | Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Buna-N, Viton, etc. |
Connection Types
To ensure compatibility with your existing housing, ErtelAlsop Pak® modules are available with two primary end-cap styles:
- Double O-Ring: Provides a robust, positive seal, ideal for critical applications requiring bypass-free filtration.
- Flat Gasket: A traditional sealing method often used in legacy housings.
Media Configurations: Selecting the Right Pak®
The performance of a lenticular filter is defined by the media sealed inside it. ErtelAlsop offers several distinct media series, each engineered for specific fluid characteristics.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the most widely used configuration. It utilizes Micro-Media®, which incorporates Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and high-purity cellulose. The DE creates a tortuous path for superior particulate removal and high zeta potential, allowing it to adsorb sub-micron contaminants like haze and colloids.
Best For: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics, and botanical extracts where efficient haze removal is critical.
2. Disc-Pak® (Pure Cellulose)
Disc-Pak® cartridges are constructed using AlphaMedia®, a 100% cellulose media free from resins, binders, or inorganic filter aids like DE or Perlite. This is essential for applications where the filtered liquid must not interact with silica or where “active” ingredients need to be preserved without adsorption.
Best For: Dielectric oils, fragrances, essential oils, and fluids sensitive to silica.
3. AquaKv-Pak® (Moisture Removal)
Specifically designed for the electric utility market, the AquaKv-Pak® excels at removing water and moisture from insulating oils and dielectric fluids. It restores dielectric strength efficiently while also removing particulate matter.
Best For: Transformer oils, circuit breaker oils, and steam turbine oils.
4. Carbon-Pak® (Adsorption)
These modules utilize MicroClear® media, which contains activated carbon immobilized within the cellulose matrix. This allows for color, odor, and taste correction without the mess of handling loose carbon powder.
Applications Overview
Due to the enclosed design and scalable media options, ErtelAlsop Pak filters are utilized across a diverse spectrum of industries:
| Industry | Common Applications |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | Clarification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), solvent filtration, and catalyst removal. |
| Food & Beverage | Polishing distilled spirits, syrups, soft drinks, and chill haze removal. |
| Botanical Extraction | Winterization (wax/lipid removal) and color remediation using carbon media. |
| Chemical | Batch filtration of specialty chemicals, resins, and inks. |
| Cosmetics | Clarification of perfumes, colognes, and essential oils. |
Why Upgrade from Plate and Frame?
Many facilities still rely on traditional plate and frame presses. While effective, they present challenges regarding leakage, cleaning time, and operator exposure. Switching to ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filters offers immediate operational improvements:
- Reduced Downtime: Changing out a lenticular module takes unparalleled speed compared to manually redressing a filter press.
- Zero Leakage: The O-ring sealed housing prevents product loss and maintains a clean facility floor.
- Ease of Use: Pre-assembled modules allow operators to load and unload filters ergonomically and safely.
Contact Purecowater for Depth Filtration Solutions
Whether you require the high-retention capabilities of the Zeta-Pak® or the pure cellulose construction of the Disc-Pak®, Purecowater can engineer the ideal solution for your specific application. As experts in solid and liquid filtration, we ensure compatibility, efficiency, and performance.
Reach out to discuss your filtration requirements, request a quote, or spec out a custom solution.