High-Efficiency Depth Filtration for Industrial Applications
For industries requiring precise solid and liquid separation, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters provide a robust and versatile solution. As a scalable alternative to traditional plate and frame filtration, these depth filter modules offer the high solids loading capacity of depth media with the convenience of a totally enclosed, leak-free cartridge system.
At Purecowater, we supply high-performance filtration solutions to solve complex processing challenges. The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is designed to handle a wide range of viscosities and specific retention requirements, making it a staple in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical processing.
What is a Lenticular Pak® Cartridge?
The term “lenticular” refers to the shape of the filter module, which resembles a stack of double convex lenses. Each module—or “Pak”—is assembled from varying numbers of individual filter cells (typically 5 to 18 cells per stack). Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene process.
This design creates a complex matrix of fibers and particles that maximizes surface area within a compact footprint. The result is a highly efficient filter capable of retaining particles ranging from 0.25 to 15 microns while maintaining significant throughput.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame presses, Pak® cartridges are housed in sealed vessels. This eliminates leakage and minimizes exposure to the filtrate, which is critical for sanitary applications and hazardous fluids.
- Scalability: The media used in Pak® cartridges is identical to ErtelAlsop’s filter sheets. This allows process engineers to easily scale up from laboratory benchtop trials to full-scale production without changing filtration characteristics.
- Rapid Change-Out: The modular design reduces downtime. Operators can replace a spent stack in minutes, compared to the labor-intensive process of cleaning and redressing a filter press.
- Versatile Media Options: Modules can be equipped with various media grades, including those impregnated with Diatomaceous Earth (DE), Perlite, or Activated Carbon for specific adsorption needs.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is available in standard industrial configurations to fit most lenticular housings.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Retention | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Media Types | MicroMedia® (DE/Perlite), AlphaMedia® (All Cellulose), MicroClear® (Carbon), Bio-Pak® |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Nitrile, Viton, Silicone |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (DOZH) |
Popular Configurations
Zeta-Pak® (High Efficiency with Zeta Potential)
The Zeta-Pak® is the “workhorse” of the ErtelAlsop line. It utilizes MicroMedia® consisting of cellulose, filter aids (DE or Perlite), and a resin binder. This combination provides a positive zeta potential, allowing the filter to electrokinetically attract negatively charged contaminants smaller than the mechanical rating of the media. This makes it ideal for haze removal and polishing [ertelalsop.com](https://ertelalsop.com/lenticular-pak-cartridges/).
Disc-Pak® (Cellulose Only)
For applications where mineral filter aids (like DE) cannot be used, the Disc-Pak® offers an all-cellulose solution. This is frequently used in the filtration of dielectric oils, perfumes, and certain pharmaceutical products where preserving active ingredients is paramount [clearsolutionscorp.com](https://www.clearsolutionscorp.com/product/disc-pak-lenticular-filter).
Common Applications
ErtelAlsop lenticular filters are utilized across a broad spectrum of industries generally for depth filtration duties where high solids capability is required.
| Industry | Application Focus |
|---|---|
| Botanical Extracts | Removal of waxes and lipids (winterization) using DE-impregnated media for high flow and clarity. |
| Distilled Spirits | Chill Haze removal, particulate reduction in whiskey, vodka, and cognac. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Clarification of broths, LVPs, and SVPs (Large/Small Volume Parenterals). |
| Cosmetics | Filtering perfumes, colognes, and essential oils without stripping scent profiles. |
| Utilities & Power | Conditioning of insulating oil and dielectric fluids for transformers. |
Need Help with Depth Filtration?
Choosing the right media grade and housing configuration is essential for maximizing throughput and product quality. Purecowater can assist in specifying the correct ErtelAlsop Pak® for your process train.