ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters: The Definitive Product Guide

Introduction to Lenticular Filtration

For industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage, the transition from open plate and frame filtration to enclosed systems is a critical upgrade. ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters (also known as depth filter modules) represent the gold standard in this technology. These cartridges offer a leak-free, operator-friendly alternative to traditional methods without sacrificing the filtration specificity of depth media.

At Purecowater, we understand that precision and containment are non-negotiable. This guide outlines the capabilities, specifications, and applications of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series.

What Are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?

The Pak® cartridge is a pre-assembled depth filtration unit. It consists of individual filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is constructed from two sheets of depth filter media (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process.

The result is a module that resembles a stack of double convex lenses—hence the name “lenticular.” This design allows fluid to flow from the outside of the cartridge, through the media, and into a central core, trapping contaminants within the improved matrix of the fibers.

Key Advantages over Plate & Frame Filters

• Closed System: Eliminates leakage and exposure to the environment, crucial for sanitary and hazardous applications.
• Rapid Change-out: Modules can be replaced in minutes rather than the hours often required for re-dressing plate and frame presses.
• Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (5 to 18 cells) to match flow rate requirements.

Technical Specifications

ErtelAlsop modules are highly versatile, capable of handling high solids loading while retaining ultra-fine particles. Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications available for the Pak® line.

Feature	Specification Details
Diameters Available	12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm)
Micron Ratings (Nominal)	0.25 µm to 15 µm
Connection Types	Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (Bio-Pak®)
Filter Media Options	Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), Perlite, Activated Carbon (MicroClear®)
Core Material	Polypropylene (Standard) or Stainless Steel options
Gasket Materials	EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Buna-N

Media Grades and Applications

The core strength of the ErtelAlsop Pak® lies in the diversity of its media. Different formulations are engineered for specific liquid challenges.

Media Series	Primary Function	Common Applications
MicroMedia® / XL Series	High-performance depth filtration with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite. Excellent for haze removal.	Botanical extracts, Distilled spirits, Fine chemicals, Clarification.
AlphaMedia™	Pure cellulose media (no inorganic filter aids).	Pharmaceuticals, silicone applications, or where DE is not permitted.
MicroClear®	Immobilized Activated Carbon.	Color correction, odor removal, decolorization of syrups/spirits.

Housing Compatibility and Configurations

The effectiveness of a lenticular module is maximized by the housing it resides in. ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are designed to fit a wide range of industry-standard housings, but they perform best in purpose-built vessels.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Orientation

• Vertical Housings: Perfect for smaller footprints. However, lifting saturated cartridges (which can be heavy) vertically requires overhead clearance.
• Horizontal Housings: Feature a unique “Lock and Load” system. This allows operators to slide cartridges in and out at chest height, significantly improving safety and reducing change-out labor.

Sanitary vs. Industrial

For pharmaceutical applications, Bio-Pak® configurations utilize a double O-ring seal ensuring a positive lock and zero bypass. Paired with a polished 316L stainless steel sanitary housing, this system meets stringent purity standards.

Why Partner with Purecowater?

Navigating the micron ratings and media compatibility of lenticular filtration can be complex. Whether you are filtering high-value botanical extracts or large-volume industrial chemicals, selecting the right module configuration affects both your throughput and your product quality.

Purecowater acts as your technical partner, helping you spec the correct ErtelAlsop solution for your unique process stream.