ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters Specifications and Guide

Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Technology

For industrial applications requiring superior particle retention, high solids loading capacity, and a sealed hygienic environment, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a robust solution. As a distributor of premier filtration technologies, Purecowater offers these depth filter modules designed to streamline production in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical processing environments.

The Lenticular Pak® design, originally pioneered by Alsop Engineering, bridges the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge filtration. By utilizing an enclosed vessel design, these filters eliminate the leakage and exposure issues often associated with open filter presses, while maintaining the depth filtration efficiency required for critical applications.

What is a Lenticular Filter?

A lenticular filter module (often called a “Pak”) consists of multiple depth filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is formed by two discs of filter media sealed around the edges, creating a double convex shape resembling a lens—hence the term “lenticular.”

This configuration maximizes surface area within a compact footprint. When placed inside a sealed housing, the liquid flows from the outside of the module into the cells and exits through the center core. This design ensures that all contaminants are trapped within the depth of the media matrix.

Key Features and Benefits

• Enclosed System: Unlike plate and frame filters, lenticular modules operate inside a sealed housing, preventing fluid loss, reducing microbial exposure, and eliminating external leaks.
• Scalability: The media used in Pak® cartridges is identical to that used in laboratory and large-scale filter sheets, allowing for easy scale-up from pilot testing to full production.
• High Solids Loading: The depth media structure traps particles throughout its thickness, not just on the surface, offering significant holding capacity for applications with high contaminant loads.
• Rapid Change-Out: Pre-assembled modules allow for much faster replacement compared to manually dressing a filter press with individual sheets.

Filter Media Configurations

ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are available with various media formulations to suit specific chemical and filtration requirements. The modules are manufactured in 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) diameters, with stack heights tailored to the housing size.

Product Series	Media Composition	Primary Application
Zeta-Pak®	Cellulose & Diatomaceous Earth (DE)	The “Workhorse” for general industrial, hazy liquids, and bio-burden reduction. High zeta potential.
AlphaMedia™	100% Cellulose	Applications requiring no inorganic release (low extractables), such as dielectric oils or specific botanical extracts.
MicroClear®	Carbon-Impregnated Media	Decolorization, odor removal, and organic contaminant reduction without handling loose carbon dust.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the specifications is crucial for selecting the right module for your housing and process flow. Below is a breakdown of the standard operating parameters for Pak® Lenticular Cartridges.

Micron Ratings (Nominal)	0.25 µm to 15 µm
Module Diameters	12″ (30.5 cm) or 16″ (40.6 cm)
Number of Cells	Standard configurations range from 5 to 18 cells per module
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Buna-N, Silicone, Viton, Teflon (varied by application)
End Cap Styles	Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (industry standard adapter)
Core Material	Polypropylene or Stainless Steel (special order)

Note: Specifications sourced from ertelalsop.com.

Common Applications

The versatility of depth filtration allows these modules to be used across a wide spectrum of industries. Whether removing haze from a spirit or ensuring the purity of a pharmaceutical intermediary, different grades of media can be applied effectively.

• Food & Beverage: Clarification of syrups, juices, distilled spirits, and wine. Removal of haze-causing proteins and particles.
• Pharmaceuticals: Post-fermentation clarification, cell removal, and preparation for final membrane filtration.
• Cosmetics: Purification of perfumes, lotions, and botanical extracts.
• Chemicals: Filtration of bulk chemicals, resins, and inks where solid loads are too high for standard pleated cartridges.
• Botanical Extracts: Used extensively for wax and lipid removal in ethanol extraction processes (Winterization).

Housing Compatibility

ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are compatible with a range of housings, including vertical sanitary housings and the horizontal “Lock and Load” design. Only the correct combination of housing and filter module ensures zero bypass and operator safety.