Advanced Depth Filtration for Industrial and Sanitary Applications
In the world of liquid filtration, efficiency, cleanliness, and scalability are paramount. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the evolution of depth filtration technology, offering a user-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses. Designed for applications ranging from pharmaceutical processing to chemical manufacturing, these modules provide superior particle retention and high solids loading capacity in a totally enclosed system.
At Purecowater, we understand the critical nature of reliable filtration. As a distributor utilizing premium technologies like ErtelAlsop, we supply solutions that streamline production while ensuring the highest purity standards.
What are Pak® Lenticular Filter Cartridges?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge is a modular depth filter system. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the top layer, lenticular filters utilize a thick media matrix to trap contaminants throughout the depth of the filter sheet. The “lenticular” name comes from the shape of the stacked filter cells, which resemble double convex lenses.
These cartridges differ significantly from standard plate and frame presses by enclosing the media in a housing. This design eliminates the leakage and exposure often associated with open presses, making them ideal for handling hazardous fluids, costly ingredients, or sanitary products requiring a sterile environment.
Key Difference: While maintaining the filtration surface area and retention capabilities of a filter press, the Pak® Lenticular design reduces change-out time from hours to minutes, significantly increasing operational uptime.
Core Features and Technologies
ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are highly versatile, available in various media formulations to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals.
1. Filtration Media Options
The performance of the cartridge is driven by the media inside the cell. Common configurations include:
- Micro-Media® (Zeta-Pak®): Composed of cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), and wet-strength resin. This media exhibits a positive zeta potential, allowing it to attract and hold negatively charged particles (like haze or bacteria) smaller than the mechanical pore size. Ideal for haze removal and sterilization protection.
- AlphaMedia™ (Disc-Pak®): A 100% cellulose media containing no inorganic filter aids. This is perfect for applications where determining ash content is critical or for filtering dielectric oils, syrups, and cosmetic fragrances where maintaining active ingredients is necessary.
- MicroClear®: Incorporates immobilized activated carbon for adsorption applications (color, odor, or surfactant removal) without the mess of loose carbon powder.
2. Construction and Design
The modules are constructed by stacking filter cells (ranging from 5 to 18 cells) on a rigid core. The edges are sealed via an over-molding process (typically polypropylene) to ensure integral strength and prevent bypass.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Enclosed Housing | Prevents leakage, reduces oxidation, and protects operators from fumes or hazardous fluids. |
| Scalability | Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters to fit various flow rate requirements. |
| Zeta Potential | Electrokinetic adsorption enhances the removal of sub-micron particles, haze, and pyrogens. |
Technical Specifications
For engineers and plant managers, selecting the right specification is crucial for system compatibility. The ErtelAlsop Pak® series offers robust specs suitable for rigorous industrial use.
| Attribute | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (222, 226 styles) |
| Core Material | Standard: Polypropylene (Stainless Steel optional for specific sets) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone |
| Sterilization | Steam-in-place (SIP) or hot water sanitizable capabilities |
Primary Applications
Due to their high solids loading capacity and fine retention, Pak® Lenticular Filters are versatile across multiple industries.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotech: Clarification of cell cultures, removal of protein hazes, and pre-filtration for membrane protection.
- Food & Beverage: Filtration of distilled spirits (dewaxing), wines, syrups, and flavorings. The closed system prevents the loss of alcohol or volatile aromatics.
- Cosmetics: Polishing perfumes and essential oils to crystal clarity (often using AlphaMedia to preserve scent profiles).
- Chemical & Industrial: Filtration of dielectric oils, coolants, and specialty chemicals where operator safety from exposure is critical.
- Botanical Extracts: Efficient removal of plant waxes and lipids in winterization processes.
Why Partner with Purecowater for Filtration Solutions?
Choosing the right depth filtration setup requires more than just a part number. It requires an understanding of flow dynamics, chemical compatibility, and scaling factors. Purecowater serves as your technical partner, leveraging our relationship with top-tier manufacturers to deliver customized filtration skids, housing units, and replacement modules.
Whether you need to replace an existing lenticular module or engineer a completely new filtration train, our team is equipped to assist.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?
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