Combating Particulates with ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Technology
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex liquid and solid filtration challenges. Among our premier offerings are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters (also known as Pak® Cartridges). These depth filter modules represent a significant evolution in filtration technology, combining the high-capacity performance of traditional plate and frame filters with the enclosed, hygienic convenience of cartridge housings.
Whether you are clarifying botanical extracts, filtering distilled spirits, or processing industrial chemicals, the Pak® Lenticular series offers a scalable, leak-free solution designed to enhance throughput and product quality.
What Are Lenticular Filters?
The “lenticular” design gets its name from the shape of the filter cells, which resemble a double convex lens. A Pak® cartridge is constructed by stacking these lenticular cells (ranging from 5 to 18 cells per unit) onto a central core.
Each cell is composed of two sheets of depth filter media sealed at the edges. Liquid flows from the outside of the stack, passes through the media into the center of the lens, and exits through the core. This design maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for high solids loading capacity and efficient particle retention.
Why Choose Pak® Cartridges Over Plate & Frame?
While plate and frame filters have been industry workhorses for decades, ErtelAlsop’s Pak® configuration offers distinct operational advantages:
- Zero Leakage: The totally enclosed housing design eliminates the edge leakage often associated with plate and frame presses, reducing product loss and mess.
- Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a lenticular module takes a fraction of the time required to dress a plate and frame press, significantly reducing downtime.
- Sanitary Design: The enclosed system limits exposure to the environment, making it ideal for pharmaceutical, food, and beverage applications.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with various cell counts, allowing you to scale up from pilot to production easily.
Media Formulations: The Core of Performance
The effectiveness of the Pak® Lenticular Filter lies in the media. Purecowater supplies ErtelAlsop modules in a variety of media grades to match your specific viscosity and retention requirements.
| Product Family | Composition | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|
| MicroMedia® (Zeta-Pak®) | Cellulose + Diatomaceous Earth (DE) / Perlite | Haze removal, botanical extracts, general clarification. High zeta potential for capturing ultra-fine particles. |
| AlphaMedia™ (Disc-Pak®) | 100% Cellulose | Oils (dielectric, lubricating), syrups, sweeteners. Ideal where DE cannot be used. |
| MicroClear® | Immobilized Activated Carbon | Color correction, odor removal, and decolorization without loose carbon dust. |
Technical Specifications
Purecowater provides the Pak® Lenticular Filters in standard industry configurations to ensure compatibility with existing housings, including ErtelAlsop’s own vertical and horizontal housings.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Standard: 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 µm) |
| Configuration | Stacked Disc (5 to 18 cells) |
| End Caps | Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) or Stainless Steel options |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Nitrile |
Primary Applications
The versatility of the Pak® cartridge makes it a staple across several industries:
- Botanical Extracts: Specifically used for “winterization” (wax and lipid removal) in ethanol extraction processes.
- Food & Beverage: Used for the filtration of distilled spirits, wines, syrups, and edible oils to ensure clarity and shelf stability.
- Pharmaceuticals/Biotech: Pre-filtration and clarification of cell cultures and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Chemical & Utility: Filtration of dielectric oils, transformer oils, and chemical solvents.
Get the Right Configuration for Your Housing
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are compatible with most standard lenticular housings. Whether you are using a vertical housing for smaller batches or a horizontal “Lock and Load” system for industrial scale, Purecowater can help you identify the correct adapter (Flat Gasket vs. Double O-Ring) and media grade to optimize your flow rates and retention efficiency.
Need help selecting the right depth media for your application?