Advanced Depth Filtration for Industrial & Sanitary Applications
At Purecowater, we understand that achieving superior liquid clarity often requires more than standard surface filtration. For processes demanding high solids loading capacity and ultra-fine particle retention, we provide ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. These depth filter cartridges are engineered to bridge the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge filtration, offering a scalable, leak-free, and user-friendly solution.
Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, distilled spirits, pharmaceuticals, or industrial coolants, the ErtelAlsop Pak® series delivers reliable clarification and polishing. As a distributor and OEM for top-tier filtration brands, Purecowater is here to help you integrate these modules into your existing workflow.
What Are Lenticular Filters?
The “Lenticular” design refers to the lens shape of the individual filter cells. Each ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge consists of multiple circular filter cells stacked vertically around a central polypropylene core. Each cell is constructed from two sheets of depth filter media, sealed at the edges using a patented process.
Unlike pleated cartridges that act primarily as surface sieves, these modules utilize depth filtration. This means particles are trapped not just on the surface but throughout the tortuous path of the media matrix. This structure allows the cartridge to hold a significantly higher volume of contaminants before fouling, making it ideal for fluids with a high particle count or haze.
Key Features and Technologies
ErtelAlsop cartridges are renowned for their versatility and proprietary media technologies. Here is why they stand out in the depth filtration market:
- Zeta Potential Technology: Many Pak® formulations, such as the Zeta-Pak®, exhibit a positive electrokinetic charge (Zeta Potential). This allows the media to attract and hold negatively charged particles—such as bacteria, endotoxins, and fine colloids—that are smaller than the physical pore size of the filter.
- High Solids Loading: The complex fiber matrix creates a structure capable of handling substantial particulate loads, protecting downstream membrane filters and extending the lifespan of your entire system.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells per stack), these filters can be scaled from pilot lab testing to full-scale production effortlessly.
- Zero Leakage: The edges of the media are hermetically sealed, and the cartridges typically use double O-ring or flat gasket end caps to ensure bypass-free filtration.
Media Configurations: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
Choosing the right media is critical for your specific application. The Pak® series offers several media compositions explained below: [ertelalsop.com](https://ertelalsop.com/lenticular-pak-cartridges/)
| Product Series | Media Composition | Primary Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®) | Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite, Wet Strength Resin | High zeta potential, maximum retention efficiency, high flow rates. Ideal for “haze” removal. |
| Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®) | 100% Cellulose | Pure cellulose with no inorganic aids. Perfect for pharmaceutical applications or where minimizing extractables is critical. [clearsolutionscorp.com](https://www.clearsolutionscorp.com/product/disc-pak-lenticular-filter) |
| Bio-Pak® / MicroClear® | Immobilized Activated Carbon | Decolorization and odor removal without the mess of loose carbon powder. |
Technical Specifications
These cartridges are designed to fit standard lenticular housings, including ErtelAlsop’s own “Lock and Load” horizontal housings and vertical domes.
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) [store.ertelalsop.com](https://store.ertelalsop.com/products/zetapak-lenticular-filter-cartridge) |
| Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (Standard), others available |
| End Cap Configuration | Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket |
| Max Operating Temp | Dependent on media/gasket selection (verify with Purecowater) |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® cartridge makes it a staple across various industries. [store.clearsolutionscorp.com](https://store.clearsolutionscorp.com/products/pak-lenticular-filter)
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids; extremely effective due to DE content and surface area.
- Distilled Spirits: Chill haze removal and polishing without affecting flavor profiles.
- Pharmaceuticals: Pre-filtration for protection of final sterile membranes, utilizing AlphaMedia for high purity.
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of syrups, juices, and removal of haze-causing proteins.
- Chemicals & Oils: Filtration of dielectric oils, lubricating oils, and coolants.
- Cosmetics: Purification of perfumes and lotions.
Why Choose Purecowater for Depth Filtration?
Selecting the correct depth filter requires balancing micron rating, flow rate, and chemical compatibility. As an authorized distributor for major filtration OEMs, Purecowater provides the technical expertise to size and select the perfect ErtelAlsop configuration for your specific stream conditions.
If you are experiencing premature filter clogging, haze issues, or need to upgrade from a messy plate and frame press, the Pak® Lenticular system is an excellent upgrade.