Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Cartridges
For industries requiring high-performance liquid filtration with superior solids loading capacity, the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter stands out as a premier solution. As a leading technology in depth filtration, these modules offer a clean, efficient, and scalable alternative to traditional plate and frame filter presses.
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex solid and liquid filtration problems. Whether you are in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or chemical processing, understanding the capabilities of the ErtelAlsop Pak® system can optimize your production line.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge—often referred to as a lenticular module—is a depth filter widely used for clarification, polishing, and sterilization-grade pre-filtration. The design consists of stacked filter cells (ranging from 5 to 18 cells) assembled into a single unit. Each cell is constructed from two discs of depth filter media, sealed around the edges using a patented polypropylene process.
The result resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving it the name “lenticular.” This configuration maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for high flow rates and exceptional particle retention.
Key Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
While traditional plate and frame filters have been the industry standard for decades, lenticular modules offer significant operational improvements:
- Leak-Free Operation: Pak® cartridges function inside a totally enclosed housing (such as the ErtelAlsop Lenticular Housing), eliminating the edge leakage common in plate and frame presses.
- Rapid Change-Out: Swapping out a spent module takes a fraction of the time compared to manually replacing dozens of filter sheets, significantly reducing downtime.
- Safety & Sanitation: The enclosed system limits operator exposure to process fluids and prevents atmospheric contamination, making it ideal for pharmaceutical and sanitary applications.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with various cell counts, the system scales easily from pilot to full production.
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is versatile, offering a wide range of micron ratings and media compositions to suit specific chemical capabilities and viscosity requirements.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| Micron Retention | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configuration | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Gasket Material | EPDM, Silicone, Buna-N, Viton, etc. |
Media Formulations
Selecting the right media is critical for optimal filtration performance. The Pak® cartridges are available with several media types [ertelalsop.com]:
- AlphaMedia™: 100% cellulose media. Ideal for dielectric oils, organic solvents, and applications where no Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is permitted.
- MicroMedia® (Zeta-Pak®): Cellulose incorporating Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite and a wet strength resin. This series provides high zeta potential, making it excellent for haze removal and retention of ultra-fine particles [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- MicroClear®: Activated carbon-impregnated media used for decolorization, odor removal, and correcting flavor profiles in spirits and chemical processes.
Data: Retention & Permeability
Different applications require different balances of flow rate versus retention. The chart below illustrates the general classifications for ErtelAlsop media grades.
| Series | Primary Application | Micron Range |
|---|---|---|
| M-Series | Coarse filtration / Pre-filtration | 10.0 – 15.0 µm |
| L-Series | Polishing / Haze Removal | 0.45 – 2.0 µm |
| XL-Series | Sterile Filtration Protection | 0.25 – 0.45 µm |
Common Applications
The versatility of the Pak® lenticular design makes it a “workhorse” across various sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals: API filtration, large volume parentals (LVP), and serum clarification.
- Food & Beverage: Filtration of wines, spirits, syrups, and botanical extracts. The MicroMedia® series is particularly effective for removing waxes and lipids from botanical extracts [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Chemicals: Clarification of solvents, inks, paints, and resins.
- Cosmetics: Purification of perfumes, lotions, and essential oils (often using AlphaMedia™ or MicroClear®).
Find the Right Solution for Your Process
Whether you need to remove activates carbon fines, polish a distilled spirit, or protect expensive membrane filters downstream, Purecowater can help you configure the correct ErtelAlsop Pak® system for your needs.
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