For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration with the ease of a closed system, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent a gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor and OEM partner, Purecowater offers these versatile filter modules to solve complex solid and liquid separation challenges.
This article details the specifications, media configurations, and operational advantages of the Pak® Lenticular Cartridges, designed to replace traditional plate and frame filters with a more efficient, user-friendly solution.
What is a Pak® Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® depth filter cartridge (often referred to as a filter module) is a pre-assembled unit comprised of individual filter cells stacked on a central core. Engineered for convenience and performance, the “lenticular” design resembles a stack of double convex lenses. This improved geometry allows users to utilize the same high-quality depth filter media found in plate and frame presses but within a totally enclosed, leak-free housing.
Designed for scalability, these modules are available in industry-standard 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters, ensuring compatibility with most existing lenticular housings.
Key Advantages and Features
Lenticular modules are preferred in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical applications because they minimize product exposure and simplify maintenance. Key benefits include:
- Closed System Design: Prevents fluid leakage and protects operators from exposure to process fluids.
- Rapid Change-Out: Modules can be replaced in a fraction of the time required to dress a plate and frame press.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers and filter aid provides high capacity for particulate retention.
- Scalability: Over 300 precision dies allow for seamless transition from lab-scale to full production.
- Zeta Potential: Many media grades exhibit a positive Zeta potential, enhancing the removal of negatively charged particles (like haze or bacteria) smaller than the mechanical pore size.
Media Configurations and Options
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are available with various media compositions to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals. The three primary media series include:
| Media Brand | Composition | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®) | Cellulose & Diatomaceous Earth (DE) / Perlite | General filtration, haze removal, bio-reduction. High zeta potential. |
| AlphaMedia® | 100% Cellulose | Applications requiring no crystalline silica or heavy metals. |
| MicroClear® | Cellulose & Activated Carbon | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization. |
Technical Specifications
When selecting the correct lenticular module for your housing, it is critical to match the end-cap style and micron rating to your process requirements.
| Specification | Data |
|---|---|
| Unit Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Cell Count per Stack | Typically 5 to 18 cells (Standard 16 cells) |
| End Cap Configurations | Double O-Ring (DO) or Flat Gasket (FE) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Buna-N |
Common Industry Applications
The versatility of the Pak® design makes it a “workhorse” across various high-purity industries. By combining surface filtration with depth adsorption, these filters excel in the following areas:
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of broths, API filtration, and pre-filtration for sterile membrane protection.
- Food & Beverage: Haze removal in distilled spirits, wine polishing, and syrup clarification.
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids (dewaxing) in extraction processes using DE-impregnated media.
- Cosmetics: Purification of fragrances, lotions, and essential oils.
- Electric Utility: Filtration of insulating oil and dielectric fluids (using AquaKv-Pak®).
Why Choose ErtelAlsop?
Unlike standard surface filters, ErtelAlsop media creates a porous cake that sieves out particulate matter while maintaining high flow rates. The inclusion of pharmaceutical-grade options and specific treatments ensures that there is a solution for both industrial chemical processing and sensitive life-science applications.
Need help selecting the right micron rating or media type for your application?
Purecowater can assist with sizing, compatibility checks, and housing selection to ensure your filtration system operates at peak efficiency.