Advanced Depth Filtration for Modern Applications
For industries requiring high-efficiency particulate removal and clarification, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor for top-tier filtration solutions, Purecowater provides these advanced modules to replace traditional plate and frame systems, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and operator-friendly process.
Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, distilled spirits, pharmaceuticals, or industrial fluids, the Pak® Lenticular Cartridges (modules) provide the high solids loading capacity of depth filtration with the convenience of a cartridge format. ertelalsop.com
What is a Lenticular Filter?
Lenticular filtration technology, originally invented by Alsop Engineering (now ErtelAlsop), adapts the proven performance of depth filter sheets into a stacked, modular cartridge design. A “Pak” consists of multiple filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is formed by a pair of depth filter sheets (MicroMedia®, AlphaMedia®, or MicroClear®) sealed at the edges using a patented process.
This design creates a totally enclosed system that eliminates the leakage and exposure issues common with traditional plate and frame filter presses. The modules resemble a stack of double convex lenses—hence the term “lenticular.”
Key Benefits Over Plate & Frame Filters
Many facilities are upgrading from open plate and frame presses to enclosed lenticular housings. The ErtelAlsop Pak® design offers significant operational advantages:
| Feature | Plate & Frame Press | Lenticular Pak® Module |
|---|---|---|
| System Design | Open system (drip trays required) | Totally enclosed housing (No leakage) |
| Change-out Time | Hours (Labor intensive) | Minutes (Quick cartridge swap) |
| Product Loss | Higher hold-up volume / Drip loss | Minimal hold-up / Zero drip loss |
| Hygiene | Exposure to environment | Sanitary, sealed environment |
| Footprint | Large floor space required | Compact vertical or horizontal designs |
Product Configurations and Media
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are versatile and capable of handling various chemical and viscosity profiles. Depending on your specific application, you can select from different media formulations.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the most popular configuration, utilizing Micro-Media® filter sheets. These sheets are formulated with cellulose, high-purity Diatomaceous Earth (DE), and a wet strength resin. This combination provides a high zeta potential (electrokinetic charge), allowing the filter to attract and retain ultra-fine particles smaller than the mechanical rating of the media.
- Best for: Haze removal, microbial reduction, and polishing filtration.
- Applications: Botanical extracts, distilled spirits, pharmaceuticals, and biologicals. store.clearsolutionscorp.com
2. Disc-Pak® (Cellulose Only)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is composed of 100% cellulose without any mineral filter aids (like DE or Perlite). This is critical for applications where mineral leaching is a concern or where active ingredients might be stripped by DE.
- Best for: Dielectric oils, lubricating oils, syrups, fragrances, and sensitive cosmetic fluids.
- Key Attribute: Preserves active ingredients while removing particulates. clearsolutionscorp.com
Technical Specifications
Purecowater supplies Pak® cartridges in standard industrial sizes to fit existing housings from ErtelAlsop, Cuno, Pall, and others.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Number of Cells | Standard stacks: 5 to 18 cells per module |
| End Cap Styles | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (Standard) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel options available |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Buna-N |
| Sterilization | Inline steam or autoclave capable |
Applications by Industry
The versatility of the ErtelAlsop Pak® allows it to serve a wide range of markets:
- Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for wine, beer, spirits, and syrups.
- Botanical Extraction: Highly effective for wax and lipid removal in ethanol extraction processes (Winterization).
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes and essential oils.
- Chemicals: Filtration of bulk chemicals, resins, and inks.
- Energy/Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils for transformers and turbines.
Get the Right Solution for Your Process
Transitioning to lenticular filtration or optimizing your current setup requires selecting the right media grade and housing configuration. Purecowater acts as your technical partner to ensure you achieve the required throughput and clarity standards.
For pricing, availability, or technical consultation on ErtelAlsop products, please contact our team.
Ready to improve your filtration efficiency?