Industrial filtration demands solutions that balance high throughput with precise particle retention. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard in depth filtration technology, offering a scalable, enclosed, and highly efficient method for liquid clarification and solids removal. As a key solution for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to botanical extraction, these filters provide the versatility needed for critical processing lines.
What Are ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filters?
The Pak® Lenticular Cartridge is a depth filter module assembled from stacked filter cells. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the outer layer, these lenticular modules utilize a complex matrix of cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), perlite, or activated carbon to trap contaminants throughout the thickness of the media.
This design functions like a pre-assembled stack of filter sheets but in an easy-to-handle cartridge format. This “lens-shaped” (lenticular) geometry maximizes surface area within a compact housing, allowing for high solids loading capacity and extended service life.
Key Engineering Advantages
- Zeta Potential: Many media options, such as the Micro-Media® series, exhibit a positive electrokinetic charge (Zeta Potential). This allows the media to attract and hold negatively charged particles (like bacteria, endotoxins, and fine hazes) that are structurally smaller than the filter’s micron rating.
- Enclosed System: Lenticular housings are sealed, sanitary systems. This prevents product loss, eliminates leakage, and protects operators from exposure to process fluids—a significant upgrade over traditional plate and frame presses.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells), allowing engineers to scale linearly from pilot testing to full production.
Technical Specifications
Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications for the Pak® Lenticular series available for various industrial applications.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configurations | Double O-Ring, Flat Gasket |
| Core Material | Polypropylene or Stainless Steel |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Buna-N, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated |
| Standard Cell Counts | 9, 12, 16 cells (Customizable 5–18) |
Flat Gasket Configuration
Double O-Ring Configuration
Product Variations and Media Types
ErtelAlsop manufactures several specific variations of the Pak® filter to target different contaminants and industry requirements.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
Incorporates Micro-Media® (cellulose, wet strength resin, and diatomite/perlite). This series provides a positive Zeta Potential, making it ideal for haze removal and polishing filtration. It is the go-to choice for Life Sciences and Beverage applications.
2. Disc-Pak® (Pure Cellulose)
Utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% cellulose with no resins or binders. This is critical for applications sensitive to extractables or where a purely mechanical filtration mechanism is preferred, such as in dielectric oils, syrups, and perfumes.
3. ZetaDri-Pak® (Water Removal)
Designed specifically to absorb free and emulsified water from oils and solvents. A 16-cell ZetaDri-Pak can hold approximately 148 ounces of water. Common uses include insulating oils, transformer oils, and specialty chemical processing.
4. Bio-Pak® (Pharmaceutical Grade)
The first US-manufactured double O-ring depth filter. Designed for critical pharmaceutical and biotech applications to ensure zero bypass. It supports validation requirements for high-purity streams.
Primary Applications
Due to the robust nature of the media and the enclosed housing design, ErtelAlsop Pak modules are utilized across diverse sectors:
- Botanical Extraction: Winterization, dewaxing, and lipid removal using DE-impregnated media.
- Food & Beverage: Polishing filtration for distilled spirits, wine, beer, and syrups to improve clarity and shelf stability.
- Pharmaceuticals: Clarification of culture media, plasma fractionation, and API processing.
- Cosmetics & Fragrances: Haze removal in perfumes and essential oils.
- Chemicals & Utilities: Particulate removal in silicone fluids, inks, paints, and varnishes.
Contact Purecowater for Sizing and Quotes
Identifying the correct media grade, micron rating, and gasket compatibility is essential for process efficiency. Purecowater provides expertise in selecting the right ErtelAlsop configuration for your specific solid/liquid separation challenges.