Efficient, enclosed, and versatile—ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the modern evolution of depth filtration. For industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage, Purecowater provides these advanced lenticular cartridges to solve complex solid-liquid separation challenges.
This guide explores the engineering behind the Pak® technology, the specific module types available, and the technical specifications that make them a preferred alternative to traditional plate and frame filters.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge (also known as a lenticular module) is a depth filter designed to provide high solids loading capacity in a compact, totally enclosed footprint. Unlike messy open-system presses, the lenticular format stacks individual filter cells into a vertical column.
Each “lentil” or cell is constructed from two sheets of depth filter media (such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®) sealed at the edges. These cells are stacked on a central core and compressed to form a single, robust cartridge. This design maximizes surface area while ensuring a leak-free filtration process.
Key Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
- Totally Enclosed System: Prevents fluid loss and protects the product from external contamination.
- Rapid Change-Out: Cartridges can be replaced in minutes rather than the hours required for plate and frame presses.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts to match flow rate requirements.
- Zero Drip: Ideal for filtering hazardous, valuable, or volatile liquids.
Product Configurations and Media Types
Purecowater offers various ErtelAlsop Pak® configurations to suit specific chemical capabilities and retention needs.
1. Zeta-Pak® (The Workhorse)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry standard for general depth filtration. It utilizes Micro-Media®, which combines cellulose fibers with high-performance filter aids like Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite.
- Best For: Haze removal, difficult clarifying applications, and ultra-fine particle retention.
- Mechanism: Uses electrokinetic adsorption (Zeta Potential) to attract negatively charged contaminants (like bacteria or haze colloids) to the positively charged media matrix.
2. Disc-Pak® (100% Cellulose)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia®, a pure cellulose media free from inorganic filter aids like DE or Perlite.
- Best For: Applications sensitive to ionic extractables, or where DE usage is restricted (e.g., certain dielectric oils, syrups, essences, and cosmetic perfumes).
- Benefit: Very low extractables and high chemical compatibility.
3. Bio-Pak® (Pharmaceutical Grade)
Designed for critical applications in the life sciences, Bio-Pak® cartridges are manufactured with pharmaceutical-grade depth media, often accompanied by validation guides for regulated environments.
Technical Specifications
To assist fluid engineers and facility managers in selecting the right module, review the standard specifications below.
| 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 |
| Cell Amount (Surface Area) | Standard stacks: 5 to 18 cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket (Standard) or Double O-Ring (Plugin) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel options available |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Buna-N, Silicone, Teflon Encapsulated |
| Max Operating Temp | Generally up to 180°F (82°C) depending on polymer components |
Applications by Industry
The versatility of the Pak® Lenticular Filter allows it to serve as a primary clarifier, a pre-filter for membranes, or a polishing filter.
- Food & Beverage: Clarification of syrups, distilled spirits, wines, and vinegars.
- Botanical Extraction: Removal of waxes and lipids (dewaxing) from ethanol extracts using Zeta-Pak modules.
- Chemical Processing: Polishing of silicone oils, solvents, and specialty chemicals.
- Utilities: Filtration of dielectric oils for transformers (using Disc-Pak).
- Cosmetics: Clarification of perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
Why Choose Purecowater for Depth Filtration?
Purecowater acts as a specialized extension of your engineering team. As a distributor and OEM partner for top-tier filtration manufacturers, we ensure you get the exact micron rating and media composition required for your specific process stream.
Whether you need to replace legacy plate and frame presses or upgrade to a sanitary lenticular housing system, our experts can guide you through the sizing and selection process.
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