Advanced Depth Filtration for Industrial & Sanitary Applications
When it comes to solid-liquid separation, consistency and efficiency are paramount. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the evolution of depth filtration technology. By combining the superior retention capabilities of traditional depth filter sheets with the ease of use of a totally enclosed cartridge system, these modules offer a versatile solution for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage.
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex filtration challenges. This guide details the specifications, applications, and benefits of integrating ErtelAlsop Lenticular Paks into your process stream.
What are Pak® Lenticular Cartridges?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, also known as lenticular modules, are assembled stacks of depth filter cells. Each cell is constructed from a pair of die-cut filter sheets—such as the renowned MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®—sealed at the edges using a patented process. These cells are stacked on a central core (typically polypropylene or stainless steel) and compressed to form a single, robust cartridge.
The “lenticular” design resembles a stack of double convex lenses. This configuration maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for high flow rates and significant solids loading capacity compared to standard pleated cartridges [ertelalsop.com].
Key Advantage: The totally enclosed design of lenticular housings eliminates the leakage and “drip” associated with traditional Plate & Frame filter presses, providing a cleaner, safer, and more hygienic operating environment.
Product Specifications
The versatility of the Pak® system lies in its configurability. Whether your application requires the removal of coarse particulates or sub-micron haze, there is a configuration available.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Cell Count | Typically 5 to 18 cells per module (16 cells is standard) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | Ranges from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (industry standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Nitrile, EPR |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel optional |
Media Configurations & Applications
Selecting the right media is critical for performance. ErtelAlsop offers several media series tailored to specific chemical and physical requirements [store.clearsolutionscorp.com] [clearsolutionscorp.com].
1. Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®)
- Composition: Cellulose, Filter Aid (Diatomaceous Earth/Perlite), and Wet Strength Resin.
- Mechanism: Electrokinetic adsorption (Zeta Potential) and mechanical sieving.
- Best For: Haze removal in spirits, cold stabilization in beer, pharmaceutical API filtration, and general fine particulate removal.
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)
- Composition: 100% Cellulose. No resins, binders, or inorganic filter aids.
- Best For: Sensitive applications where mineral extractables are a concern, such as dielectric oils, fragrances, essential oils, and high-purity chemicals.
3. Micro-Clear®
- Composition: Immobilized Activated Carbon within a cellulose matrix.
- Best For: Decolorization regarding color correction, odor removal, and removal of organic contaminants without the mess of loose carbon powder.
Why Switch to Lenticular Filtration?
Many facilities still operate traditional Plate & Frame filters. While effective, they are labor-intensive and prone to leakage. Upgrading to a Lenticular Pak system offers significant operational improvements:
- Reduced Downtime: Changing out a lenticular module takes a fraction of the time required to redress a plate and frame press.
- Zero Leakage: The housings are pressure vessels (ASME code available) that are fully sealed, preventing product loss and maintaining floor cleanliness.
- Scalability: The process is easily scalable from lab-scale (using 12″ capsules) to full production (using multi-round 16″ housings).
- Operator Safety: Minimizes operator exposure to the product and potential hazardous fumes (e.g., in solvent-based extractions).
Common Applications by Industry
ErtelAlsop filters are trusted components in critical process steps globally.
| Industry | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Distilled spirits filtration (whiskey, vodka), wine polishing, syrup clarification, flavor extracts. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Large volume parenterals (LVP), blood fractionation, cell media separation. |
| Cosmetics | Perfume clarification, lotion homogeneity, essential oil purification. |
| Industrial & Utility | Transformer oil reconditioning, chemical processing, coolant filtration. |
Get the Right Solution for Your Process
Whether you need to replace existing modules or design a completely new filtration skid, Purecowater provides the technical expertise to ensure optimal results. We support a wide range of ErtelAlsop configurations to meet your specific flow rate and retention requirements.
Do not let filtration bottlenecks slow down your production. Contact our engineering team to discuss how Lenticular Pak® technology can improve your operational efficiency.