At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex solid and liquid filtration challenges. As a distributor and OEM partner for leading filtration manufacturers, we are proud to feature the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter Cartridges. These depth filter modules effectively bridge the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge filtration, offering a leak-free, easy-to-handle solution for industrial and sanitary applications.
What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, often referred to as lenticular modules, are depth filtration units constructed from stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) with edges sealed using a patented polypropylene process. This assembly resembles a stack of double convex lenses—hence the term "lenticular."
Designed to fit into enclosed housings, these cartridges provide the high solids-loading capacity of depth filtration without the drip and leakage issues often associated with open plate and frame presses. They are ideal for applications requiring the removal of haze, particulate, or specific contaminants from liquids.
Key Product Configurations
ErtelAlsop offers several variations of the Pak® cartridge to suit different chemical compatibilities and filtration goals. Below are the primary configurations available:
1. Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry workhorse. It utilizes MicroMedia®, which incorporates cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE), or perlite, along with a wet-strength resin. This combination creates a tortuous path for fluid, offering high zeta potential for adsorbing ultra-fine particles and haze.
- Best For: Beverage polishing, haze removal, removal of fine particulates, and sterile filtration protection.
- Key Feature: High positively charged zeta potential improves retention efficiency beyond mechanical sieving.
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, which is 100% pure cellulose. It contains no mineral components (like DE or perlite) and no synthetic fibers.
- Best For: Dielectric oils, lubricating oils, coolants, and cosmetic perfumes where mineral leaching must be avoided.
- Key Feature: Pure cellulose construction makes it incinerable and ideal for applications sensitive to inorganic extractables.
3. MicroClear® (Activated Carbon)
These modules incorporate immobilized activated carbon within the filter sheet matrix. They provide adsorption capabilities for color and odor removal without the mess of handling bulk loose carbon.
- Best For: Decolorization of spirits or pharmaceuticals, odor removal, and correcting off-spec batches.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the specifications is crucial for selecting the right module for your housing. The table below outlines the standard parameters for the ErtelAlsop Pak® series.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Diameters | 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Filtration Rating | Nominal retention from 0.25 to 15 microns |
| Number of Cells | Standard stacks range from 5 to 18 cells per module |
| End-Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Code 8 style) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel optional for specific high-temp units |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Buna-N |
| Media Types | Cellulose (AlphaMedia), Cellulose/DE (MicroMedia), Carbon (MicroClear) |
Applications & Industries
The versatility of the Pak® Lenticular filters allows them to be deployed across a wide spectrum of industries. ErtelAlsop designs these filters to handle variable flow rates and high sediment loads effectively.
- Food & Beverage: Polishing distilled spirits, clarifying syrups, beer and wine filtration, and bulk ingredient processing.
- Botanical Extracts: According to Clear Solutions, these filters are highly effective for removing waxes and lipids from botanical extracts (winterization) due to the rigid cake formed by the media.
- Pharmaceuticals: Pre-filtration for protection of final membrane filters, API processing, and large volume parenterals (LVP).
- Chemical & Industrial: Filtration of dielectric oils, varnishes, and correcting process fluids. The Disc-Pak® is particularly favored here for its pure cellulose composition.
Why Choose Lenticular Technology?
Closed System Design
Unlike plate and frame filters, which can drip and expose operators to fumes or fluids, lenticular modules operate inside a sealed housing. This ensures a cleaner working environment and minimal product loss.
Ease of Changeout
Swapping out a filter press can take hours of labor. Changing a lenticular module takes minutes. The "Lock and Load" system in horizontal housings further simplifies this process, reducing downtime significantly.
Scalability
Because the media used in ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges is identical to that used in their laboratory discs and production filter sheets, scaling up from bench-top testing to full-scale production is seamless.
Need help selecting the right micron rating or media type for your process? Purecowater is here to assist with your filtration requirements, from sizing housings to supplying replacement modules.