For industries requiring high-performance depth filtration without the complexity and exposure of traditional setups, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a superior solution. As a leading distributor for top-tier filtration manufacturers, Purecowater is proud to offer these versatile lenticular cartridges, designed to handle critical applications ranging from botanical extraction to pharmaceutical processing.
This guide explores the technical capabilities, specifications, and operational benefits of the ErtelAlsop Zeta-Pak® series, helping you determine how they can optimize your liquid filtration processes.
What is the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® (often referred to as the Zeta-Pak®) is a lenticular depth filter cartridge. It utilizes the same high-quality Micro-Media® found in traditional plate and frame filter sheets but packages it into a convenient, sealed cartridge format. This design innovation allows for a totally enclosed system, significantly reducing fluid loss and limiting operator exposure to process liquids.
Invented effectively by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s, this technology has evolved into the modern “workhorse” of depth filtration. The modules consist of individual cells stacked vertically. Each cell is composed of two filter sheets joined at the outer edge, with a spacer in between to allow filtrate to flow into the central core.
According to clearsolutionscorp.com, these filters are known for providing the greatest retention efficiencies of all media series, making them suitable for virtually any application requiring nominal depth filtration.
Key Features and Filtration Mechanism
1. Zeta Potential & Micro-Media® Technology
The core efficiency of the Pak® filter comes from its media composition. The cartridges are manufactured using cellulose, a wet strength resin, and a filter aid (typically Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite). This combination creates a rigid, porous structure that removes contaminants through two primary mechanisms:
- Mechanical Sieving: Larger particles are trapped within the tortuous path of the depth media.
- Electrokinetic Adsorption (Zeta Potential): The wet strength resin imparts a positive charge (zeta potential) to the media. This attracts and captures negatively charged ultra-fine particles, such as bacteria and endotoxins, that are too small to be removed by mechanical sieving alone.
2. Enclosed System Design
Unlike open plate and frame presses, lenticular filters operate inside a sealed housing suitable for various pressures. This is crucial for applications involving volatile solvents (like ethanol in extraction) or hygienic requirements in food and beverage production. ertelalsop.com notes that the enclosed design translates existing process specifications from plate and frame formats to a more operator-friendly cartridge format.
Technical Specifications
Review the standard specifications for ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters below to match your system requirements.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Filter Media Type | Depth Filter (Micro-Media®: Cellulose, DE/Perlite, Resin) |
| Available Diameters | 12-inch and 16-inch |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm, 0.45 µm, 1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 5.0 µm, 10 µm, 15 µm |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Code 3, Code 8 styles generally available) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM (Standard), others available upon request |
| Surface Area | Dependent on cell count (Standard 12″ approx. 1.8 m², 16″ approx. 3.6 m² for 16-cell stacks) |
| Cell Count | Standard stack includes 16 cells (Custom counts available) |
Note: Data sourced from store.ertelalsop.com and clearsolutionscorp.com.
Primary Applications
The versatility of the Zeta-Pak® allows it to serve diverse industries. Its ability to hold high solids loads makes it excellent for protecting downstream membrane filters.
Botanical Extraction (Hemp & Cannabis)
Lenticular filters are the industry standard for dewaxing and winterization. The Diatomaceous Earth media efficiently removes waxes, lipids, and fine particulates from ethanol slurries without affecting the odor or taste of the extract. The enclosed housing prevents solvent evaporation and ensures safety.
Food & Beverage
Used extensively for the clarification of wines, spirits, syrups, and edible oils. The filters polish the liquid, removing haze and fine sediments to ensure a crystal-clear final product.
Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
From API processing to cologne filtration, the Zeta-Pak® ensures product purity. The materials of construction are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food contact (21CFR 176.170), ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards.
Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
While plate and frame filters use similar media, the lenticular format offers distinct operational advantages:
- Reduced Downtime: Changing a lenticular cartridge takes minutes compared to hours for restacking a filter press.
- Zero Leakage: The sealed housing eliminates the edge leakage common in plate and frame setups.
- Scalability: Housings can often accommodate multiple stacked cartridges (1, 2, 3, or 4 high) to increase flow rates without increasing footprint.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Solutions
Whether you are upgrading your current system or designing a new process line, Purecowater provides the technical expertise and inventory you need. As a distributor for major brands, we assess your specific solids and liquid filtration challenges to recommend the perfect grade of ErtelAlsop media.
Ready to improve your filtration efficiency?