For industrial applications requiring high-efficiency particulate removal and fluid clarification, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent a gold standard in depth filtration technology. As a distributor and OEM partner, Purecowater provides these versatile filtration modules to help industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage tackle their toughest solid-liquid separation challenges.
This article details the specifications, operating principles, and diverse applications of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series, demonstrating why they are a superior alternative to traditional plate and frame filtration methods.
What Are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge—commonly known as a lenticular filter module—is a depth filtration unit designed for enclosed housings. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the top layer, these depth filters utilize a tortuous path through a thick media matrix to trap contaminants throughout the entire structure. This results in high solids loading capacity and exceptional particle retention.
The term “lenticular” refers to the shape of the stacked filter cells, which resemble double convex lenses. These cells are assembled into a pre-compressed cartridge format, offering a distinct advantage: convenience. Operators can load and unload these cartridges much faster than dismantling a plate and frame press, significantly reducing downtime and labor costs.
Key Advantages
- Leak-Free Design: Used inside a sealed housing (such as the ErtelAlsop Lenticular Filter Housings), these filters eliminate the edge leakage often associated with 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.
- Media Versatility: Compatible with specific media formulations like MicroMedia® (containing Diatomaceous Earth) and AlphaMedia® (100% Cellulose) to target specific contaminants.
Technical Specifications and Configurations
The flexibility of the Pak® system lies in its configurable nature. Whether you need to remove fine haze from spirits or protect downstream ROI membranes, there is a configuration available.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12 inch (30.5 cm) & 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm |
| Number of Cells | Stackable from 5 to 18 cells per module |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (DO) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (standard), Stainless Steel optional features |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Buna-N |
Media Formulations
Understanding the media inside the cartridge is critical for selecting the right filter.
- Zeta-Pak®: The “workhorse” of the series. It features positive zeta potential to electrokinetically attract negatively charged contaminants like bacteria and endotoxins.
- MicroMedia®: A blend of cellulose and filter aids (Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite). Excellent for clarifying haze and fine particles. Clear Solutions notes its effectiveness in botanical extracts for removing waxes and lipids.
- AlphaMedia®: 100% cellulose media. Ideal for applications where no inorganic filter aids (like DE) are permitted, such as certain pharmaceutical or cosmetic processes.
- MicroClear®: Contain activated carbon, allowing for adsorption of color, odor, and taste compounds in a neat, dust-free cartridge format.
Applications and Industries
Because they combine high flow rates with efficient particle retention, ErtelAlsop Pak® filters are utilized across a broad spectrum of industries.
Food & Beverage
From distilled spirits to sugar syrups, these filters provide polish filtration. They remove haze-causing proteins and particulates without affecting the flavor profile. The enclosed system ensures sanitary conditions are maintained.
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics
Used for the clarification of lotions, perfumes, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The availability of pharmaceutical-grade media and the elimination of leakage make them compliant with strict GMP standards.
Botanical Extracts & Chemical Processing
As highlighted by distributors, these modules are particularly effective in botanical extraction. The high surface area allows for rapid processing of ethanol or hydrocarbon-based extracts, efficiently removing lipids and waxes that can cloud the final product.
Why Choose Lenticular Over Plate & Frame?
While traditional plate and frame filters use similar media sheets, the ErtelAlsop Pak® system offers modern advantages:
- Safety & Hygiene: The media is sealed inside a housing, protecting the operator from fumes and the product from environmental contamination.
- Efficiency: Changeouts take minutes rather than hours. There is no need to manually peel sheets or clean drip trays.
- Product Yield: The enclosed housing allows for blowing down the casing, recovering valuable liquid that would otherwise be lost in the sludge of a frame filter.
Get the Right Configuration for Your System
Selecting the correct micron rating, media type, and gasket configuration is essential for system longevity and product quality. Purecowater specializes in calculating the necessary surface area and throughput for your specific operational scale.
Whether you are retrofitting an existing housing or designing a new skid, we can supply the full range of ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges and compatible housings.
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