Purecowater is proud to offer ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters, a premium solution for depth filtration applications requiring high solids loading capacity and superior particle retention. These lenticular cartridges, often referred to as modules, provide a scalable, user-friendly alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses, enclosed within a sealed housing to prevent leakage and exposure.
What Are Lenticular Pak® Cartridges?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges consist of stacked filter cells—typically ranging from 5 to 18 cells per unit—assembled around a central core. Each cell is manufactured from a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) with sealed edges. This design resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving rise to the name “lenticular.”
This configuration maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for essentially the same filtration performance as a plate and frame press but in a convenient, disposable cartridge format [ertelalsop.com]. The modules fit into enclosed stainless steel housings, making them ideal for applications involving hazardous fluids, volatile solvents, or critical sanitary requirements.
Key Features and Benefits
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers and filter aids creates a Tortuous path for fluid, trapping particles throughout the depth of the media, not just on the surface.
- Zeta Potential: Many ErtelAlsop media formulations exhibit a positive Zeta potential, allowing them to electromagnetically attract and capture negatively charged particles (like haze or bacteria) that are smaller than the physical pore size [store.clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Scalability: Available in standard 12-inch and 16-inch diameters, these filters can be stacked to accommodate low to high flow rates.
- Zero Leakage: Available with double O-ring or flat gasket sealing options to ensure no fluid bypass.
Product Series Breakdown
The Pak® line includes specialized configurations tailored to specific industrial and sanitary needs.
Zeta-Pak® (General Purpose / Industrial)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry “workhorse.” Built with MicroMedia® (cellulose, filter aid, and resin), it offers excellent haze removal and fine particle retention. It is suitable for a immense range of applications including chemicals, beverages, and cosmetics.
Bio-Pak® (Pharmaceutical Grade)
Designed for critical applications, the Bio-Pak® was the first US-manufactured double O-ring filter element. It utilizes pharmaceutical-grade media and ensures a secure seal to prevent bypass. It is ideal for biopharmaceuticals, plasma fractionation, and culture media filtration [ertelalsop.com].
ZetaDri-Pak® (Water Removal)
The ZetaDri-Pak® is engineered to remove free and emulsified water from oils and solvents. A standard 16-cell cartridge can hold a minimum of 148 ounces of water. It is widely used for clarifying transformer oils, silicones, and oil-based food products.
AquaKv-Pak® (Dielectric Fluids)
Specifically designed for the power generation industry, the AquaKv-Pak® reconditions dielectric fluids (like transformer oil) by removing carbon, particulate, and water to sub-micronic levels, helping fluids meet ASTM standards.
Disc-Pak® (100% Cellulose)
For applications sensitive to extractables or resins, the Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia® (100% cellulose). It is perfect for light to medium viscosity liquids like syrups, coolants, and perfumes where pure particulate retention is the goal.
Media Formulations
Choosing the right media is critical for optimal filtration performance. ErtelAlsop offers several formulations:
| Media Type | Composition | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| MicroMedia® | Cellulose, Filter Aid (DE/Perlite), Resin | High solids loading, Zeta potential, 0.25 to 10 micron ratings. |
| AlphaMedia® | 100% Cellulose | No resins/binders, very low extractables, 1.0 to 10 micron ratings. |
| MicroClear® | Cellulose + Activated Carbon | Removes color and odor from process fluids. |
| MicroMedia: XL Series | Cellulose + Ultra-pure DE | Extremely low extractables/leachables for metal ions. |
Technical Specifications
Purecowater can assist in configuring the exact specifications required for your housing and process conditions.
| Diameter Options | 12 inch (30.5 cm) or 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Standard Heights | 7 ½” or 10 ⅞” (depending on cell count) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 cells per module |
| Micron Ratings | Nominally rated from 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Core Material | Polypropylene or Stainless Steel straps |
| End Cap Configuration | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (2-222, 2-226 styles available) |
| Gasket Materials | Viton, Buna-N, Neoprene, EPDM, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated |
Typical Applications
The versatility of the Pak® Lenticular Filter allows it to be used across diverse industries:
- Food & Beverage: Filtration of syrups, flavorings, distilled spirits, wine, and beer.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of culture media, proteins, and blood plasma.
- Power Utilities: Restoration of transformer, turbine, and circuit breaker oils [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Chemicals: Particulate removal from resins, solvents, and specialty chemicals.
- Botanical Extracts: Removal of waxes and lipids (winterization) and color correction using carbon media.
For more information on sizing, media selection, or pricing for ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters, please reach out to our team.