For industries requiring high-performance depth filtration without the complexity or leakage issues of traditional plate and frame systems, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters offer a superior solution. As a leading distributor and OEM for comprehensive filtration solutions, Purecowater is proud to supply these advanced modules to help tackle your toughest solid and liquid filtration challenges.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, often referred to as lenticular filter modules, are depth filtration units designed for critical liquid clarification and polishing. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the top layer, these depth filters utilize a tortuous path through a thick media matrix to capture contaminants throughout the entire cross-section of the filter.
The “Lenticular” design consists of individual depth filter cells stacked on a central core. Each cell is comprised of two sheets of filter media with the edges sealed by a patented polypropylene molding process. This innovative construction resembles a stack of double convex lenses, creating a totally enclosed system that eliminates edge leakage—a common issue with standard filter sheets.
Why Choose Lenticular Modules Over Plate and Frame?
While plate and frame filters have been a staple in filtration for decades, the Lenticular Pak® format offers significant operational advantages:
- Enclosed System: The sealed module is housed inside a stainless steel vessel, preventing atmospheric exposure, product loss, and leakage.
- Rapid Change-Out: Replacing a stack of modules takes a fraction of the time compared to manually dressing a plate and frame press.
- Scalability: Existing process specifications from ErtelAlsop filter sheets can be easily translated to the Pak® format.
- Operator Safety: The closed-loop design minimizes operator exposure to potentially hazardous fluids.
Technical Specifications and Configurations
ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are highly versatile, available in various sizes, micron ratings, and connection styles to fit virtually any industrial housing.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 cells per stack |
| Micron Retention | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Type 222/226) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, Nitrile, Buna-N |
Available Media Formulations
To ensure compatibility with specific chemicals and process requirements, ErtelAlsop offers several distinct media grades for their Pak® cartridges.
1. Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®)
The workhorse of the industry, Zeta-Pak integrates high-purity cellulose with diatomaceous earth (DE) and perlite. The media possesses a strong positive Zeta potential, allowing it to electrokinetically attract negatively charged contaminants (like bacteria and haze) that are smaller than the physical pore size.
Best for: Haze removal in beverages, biopharmaceuticals, and general fine filtration.
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)
Constructed from 100% cellulose without inorganic filter aids (no DE or perlite), Disc-Pak is ideal for applications where mineral extractables must be avoided. It is extensively used in dielectric oils, perfumes, and distilled spirits.
Best for: Transformer oils, essential oils, and applications requiring low extractables.
3. Bio-Pak® (Pharmaceutical Grade)
Designed specifically for critical pharmaceutical and biological applications, Bio-Pak media minimizes extractables and is manufactured under strict quality control to meet USP Class VI standards.
Best for: Large Volume Parenterals (LVPs), antibiotics, and vaccines.
4. Senticular (Micro-Clear®)
These modules incorporate activated carbon immobilized within the cellulose matrix. This allows for adsorption of color, odor, and off-tastes without the mess of handling loose carbon powder.
Best for: Decolorization, odor removal, and correcting off-spec batches.
Industrial Applications
The versatility of the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters makes them suitable for a wide array of markets served by Purecowater.
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of fruit juices, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and sugar syrups.
- Pharmaceuticals/Biotech: Filtration of cell culture media, serums, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Chemical & Industrial: Polishing of specialty chemicals, resins, inks, paints, and varnishes.
- Cosmetics: Purification of lotions, fragrances, and essential oils (Botanical Extracts).
- Power Generation: Filtration of insulating oils and dielectric fluids.
Integration with Filter Housings
Pak® cartridges are designed to fit into Lenticular Filter Housings, which are available in both vertical and horizontal orientations. Vertical housings are standard for smaller footprint requirements, while horizontal housings offer easier ergonomic loading and unloading for multi-module systems.
Purecowater can assist in sizing the correct housing and number of modules based on your flow rate, viscosity, and debris load.
Need Assistance with Sizing or Pricing?
Whether you need to replace existing lenticular modules or engineer a new filtration skid, Purecowater provides expert support for all ErtelAlsop products.