ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters: Precision Depth Filtration Modules

When it comes to distinct clarity and reliable solids removal in industrial processing, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters stand as the benchmark technology. As the original inventors of the lenticular format in the 1940s, ErtelAlsop has refined depth filtration into a closed, sanitary, and highly efficient system.

At Purecowater, we provide these high-performance modules to replace messy plate and frame presses or to upgrade existing cartridge filtration systems. Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, distilled spirits, or pharmaceuticals, the Pak® Lenticular series offers the surface area of depth media with the convenience of a cartridge.

What is a Lenticular Filter?

A lenticular filter module (often called a stack or disc filter) consists of depth filter sheets stamped into discs and stacked around a central core. This design packs a massive amount of surface area into a compact footprint.

Unlike surface filters that only reject particles at the exact micron rating, ErtelAlsop’s depth media traps contaminants throughout the thickness of the pad. This tortuous path filtration allows for:

• High Solids Loading: Capable of holding significantly more debris before plugging than pleated cartridges.
• Mist & Haze Removal: Excellent for polishing liquids and removing semi-solids (waxes, lipids, and gels).
• Zero Leakage: The totally enclosed housing prevents edge leakage common in press filters, ensuring a cleaner production floor.

The Zeta-Pak®: The Industry Workhorse

The Zeta-Pak® is the versatile standard in the ErtelAlsop lineup. Manufactured with Micro-Media®—a matrix of cellulose, high-purity filter aids (Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite), and wet-strength resins—these filters utilize Zeta Potential (electrokinetic attraction) to capture ultra-fine particles that are smaller than the mechanical pore structure of the media.

Key Features

• Proven Media: Incorporates Diatomaceous Earth (DE) for rigid cake formation and superior sieving.
• Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with 5 to 16 cells per stack.
• Chemical Compatibility: Polypropylene cores and multiple gasket options (EPDM, Viton, etc.) ensure compatibility with solvents, alcohols, and water-based fluids.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the exact specifications is crucial for selecting the right module for your housing. Below is a breakdown of the standard configurations available through Purecowater.

Feature	Specification Details
Filter Media Type	Depth Filter (Cellulose, DE, Perlite, Resin)
Micron Ratings (Nominal)	0.25 µm to 15.0 µm (Popular grades: 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 micron)
Module Diameters	12-inch (1.8 m² area typical) & 16-inch (3.6 m² area typical)
Core Material	Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional)
End Cap Configuration	Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Plugin style)
Operating Temperature	Up to 176°F (80°C) depending on media selection

Configuration Types: Flat Gasket vs. Double O-Ring

ErtelAlsop offers two primary connection types to suit various housing designs:

1. Flat Gasket: The traditional stacking method. Requires a tightening post in the housing to compress the gaskets.
2. Double O-Ring (Bio-Pak® Style): A plug-in style that eliminates the need for stainless steel straps or center posts. This provides a positive seal and is ideal for sanitary pharmaceutical or high-purity beverage applications.

Applications and Use Cases

The lenticular format is uniquely suited for industries where product yield and quality are paramount. The ability to filter large volumes of liquid with high turbidity makes them indispensable in the following sectors:

Industry	Typical Application	Benefit
Botanical Extracts	Winterization / Dewaxing	Removes lipids and waxes efficiently while maintaining high flow rates.
Distilled Spirits	Chill Filtration / Polishing	Removes haze and fatty acids without stripping desired flavor profiles.
Pharmaceuticals	API Filtration / Post-Fermentation	Bio-Pak® modules offer pharma-grade purity with no metal contact.
Food & Beverage	Syrup & Flavor Clarification	High dirt-holding capacity reduces changeout frequency.

Why Choosing the Right Partner Matters

Filtration is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Using the wrong micron rating or media formulation can lead to premature blinding or, worse, product breakthrough. As a distributor for industry giants like Veolia and a specialist in Engineered Solutions, Purecowater understands how to integrate ErtelAlsop modules into your wider process loop.

Whether you need a single replacement cartridge for a dewaxing skid or a complete sanitary housing skid, our team can guide you to the correct part number and media grade.