For industries requiring precise clarification and sterilization-grade filtration, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for premier filtration manufacturers, Purecowater provides these high-efficiency modules to tackle complex solid-liquid separation challenges.
This article details the capabilities, specifications, and applications of ErtelAlsop’s lens-shaped (lenticular) cartridges, designed to offer a leak-free, operator-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses.
What Are Lenticular Pak® Cartridges?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges (often called modules) are depth filter elements assembled from stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of two sheets of depth filter media sealed around the edges. Detailed manufacturing processes stack these cells around a central polypropylene core, creating a unit that resembles a series of double convex lenses.
This design combines the superior retention and solids-loading capacity of traditional depth filter sheets with the convenience and sealed hygiene of a cartridge system. It eliminates the edge leakage and labor-intensive changeouts often associated with plate and frame filters.
Technical Specifications
The flexibility of the Pak® system allows it to fit a wide variety of process conditions. Below are the standard specifications for these modules.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Module Diameters | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Cell Count | Available in stacks of 5 to 18 cells (customizable surface area) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (standard), providing chemical resistance |
| End Cap Configuration | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (222/226 style) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone (Application dependent) |
| Media Options | Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), Perlite, Carbon |
Media Formulations and Performance
The effectiveness of a lenticular filter lies in the media. Purecowater offers ErtelAlsop modules in several proprietary media formulations to suit specific viscosity and purity requirements.
1. MicroMedia® Series (High Efficiency)
Formulated with cellulose, wet-strength resin, and diatomaceous earth (or perlite), MicroMedia® sheets are charge-modified to exhibit a net positive Zeta Potential. This allows the filter to adsorb ultra-fine particles (like haze, mist, and colloids) that are smaller than the mechanical pore size rating.
- Best for: Haze removal, microbial reduction, and protecting downstream membrane filters.
2. AlphaMedia® Series (High Purity)
The Disc-Pak® line utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% cellulose and contains no resins, binders, or inorganic filter aids like DE.
- Best for: Applications sensitive to extractables, such as dielectric oils, fragrances, and certain pharmaceutical preparations.
3. MicroClear® (Activated Carbon)
These modules incorporate immobilized activated carbon within the filter matrix.
- Best for: Decolorization, odor removal, and impurity adsorption without the mess of loose carbon powder.
Key Applications
Lenticular filtration is a “workhorse” technology used across diverse sectors. It excels where high solid loading capability is required to prevent rapid fouling of more expensive final filters.
| Industry | Common Applications |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Clarification of distilled spirits, syrups, soft drinks, and chill-haze removal in beer. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Filtration of active ingredients (API), broth clarification, and pre-filtration for sterile lines. |
| Botanical Extracts | Dewaxing and winterization of ethanol extracts; lipid removal. |
| Chemical & Utility | Purification of dielectric oils, lubricating oils, and coolants; removing moisture and particulate. |
| Cosmetics | Polishing perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils (removing cloudiness). |
Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
Many facilities upgrade from traditional filter presses to Lenticular Pak® housings for operational efficiency. The primary benefits include:
- Closed System: The totally enclosed housing prevents exposure to the atmosphere, protecting the product from oxidation and the operator from fumes or hazardous fluids.
- Zero Leakage: Unlike filter presses which can drip, lenticular housings are sealed with O-rings or gaskets, ensuring a clean production floor.
- Rapid Changeout: Replacing a stack of modules takes minutes compared to hours of manual labor required to redress a plate and frame press.
- Scalability: Using the 12″ and 16″ formats specifically allows for easy scale-up from pilot testing to full production.
Contact Purecowater for Sizing and Availability
Choosing the correct lenticular module requires analyzing your specific fluid viscosity, flow rate, and target retention levels. Whether you need the high-capacity retention of the Zeta-Pak® or the purity of the AlphaMedia®, our team can guide you to the right solution.
Purecowater is ready to assist with sizing housings and selecting the optimal media grade for your process.