ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filters: High-Efficiency Depth Filtration Solutions

For industries requiring high-performance liquid filtration with superior solids loading capacity, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters stand out as a premier depth filtration solution. As a leading distributor for top-tier filtration manufacturers, Purecowater is proud to offer these versatile filter modules designed to tackle complex solid and liquid filtration challenges.

This guide explores the engineering, specifications, and applications of ErtelAlsop Lenticular Paks, helping you determine how they fit into your process line.

What Are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?

ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, often referred to as lenticular filter modules, are depth filter stacks designed to provide the high retention efficiency of plate and frame filter presses but in a convenient, enclosed cartridge format.

Technically, a “Pak” consists of multiple filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is composed of two discs of depth filter media (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed together at the edges using a patented polypropylene process. This design resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving rise to the name “lenticular.”

Key Advantages

• Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells) to match flow rate requirements.
• Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame filters, lenticular modules fit inside sealed housings (such as the Sanitary Pharmaceutical Housing), eliminating leakage and preventing external contamination.
• High Solids Loading: The depth media structure captures particles throughout the thickness of the pad, not just on the surface, allowing for longer service life before blinding.
• User-Friendly Change-outs: Modules can be replaced quickly compared to the labor-intensive process of dressing a filter press.

Media Formulations and Types

One of the strengths of the ErtelAlsop line is the variety of media grades available, catering to specific industry needs ranging from botanical extraction to transformer oil purification.

Product Family	Composition	Primary Application
Zeta-Pak®	Cellulose & Diatomaceous Earth (DE)	The “workhorse” series. Excellent for haze removal, botanical extracts, chemicals, and spirits due to high positive Zeta potential.
Bio-Pak®	High-Purity Media (No exposed metal)	Pharmaceutical and biological applications. Features a double O-ring seal and rigid polypropylene core for sanitary compliance.
AlphaMedia™	Pure Cellulose	Applications requiring no mineral components (DE-free). Ideal for specific chemical compatibility needs.
MicroClear®	Activated Carbon Impregnated	Color, odor, and flavor correction without handling loose carbon powder.
AquaKv-Pak®	Specialized Absorption Media	Absorption of water and moisture from insulating oils and dielectric fluids.

Technical Specifications

When selecting a lenticular module, compatibility with your existing housing and process parameters is critical. ErtelAlsop Paks are compatible with most standard lenticular housings.

• Micron Ratings (Nominal): Ranges from 0.25 µm to 15 µm typically (Specific grades like 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 µm are common standards).
• Diameters: 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm).
• Gasket Materials: EPDM (Standard), Buna-N, Viton, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated.
• Core Material: Polypropylene (standard) or Stainless Steel options depending on series.
• Max Temperature: Varies by media and gasket, generally up to 180°F (82°C) for standard setups.

End Cap Configurations

There are two primary configurations for the connection of the module to the housing:

1. Flat Gasket: The traditional design requiring a top plate and tightening mechanism (center post) to seal the modules. Common in industrial housings.
2. Double O-Ring (Plug-In): Found on the Bio-Pak® series. This bayonet-style connection creates a positive seal without the need for a compression hold-down device, ensuring bypass-free filtration critical for sterile applications.

Applications

The versatility of the Pak® Filter Modules allows them to serve a wide array of sectors:

• Botanical Extracts: Highly effective for winterization and wax removal (source). The DE media efficiently traps lipids while maintaining high flow rates.
• Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for distilled spirits, wine, syrups, and flavorings.
• Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, catalyst recovery, and sterile pre-filtration using Bio-Pak modules.
• Utilities: The AquaKv-Pak® is specifically engineered to remove water and particulate from transformer oils and circuit breaker oils.
• Chemicals: Clarification of solvents, silicones, and inks.

Why Partner with Purecowater?

At Purecowater, we understand that selecting the right depth filter module involves balancing flow rate, retention efficiency, and chemical compatibility. As distributors for Veolia, WTS, and other engineered solutions, we can integrate ErtelAlsop Paks into a complete system that solves your specific filtration headaches.

Whether you need a single replacement module or a full multi-round housing skid, our team is ready to assist.