Enhancing Liquid Clarity with Lenticular Depth Filtration
At Purecowater, we specialize in solving complex solid and liquid filtration challenges. Among our premier offerings for high-efficiency particle retention and fluid clarification are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. Originally developed to address the limitations of traditional plate and frame filter presses, these modules utilize advanced depth filtration technology to deliver superior throughput, clarity, and ease of use.
Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, distilled spirits, or pharmaceuticals, the ErtelAlsop Pak® provides a scalable, enclosed solution designed to meet rigorous industry standards.
What is a Lenticular Pak Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® serves as a modular depth filter cartridge. Unlike surface filters that trap particles only on the outer layer, depth filters trap particulates throughout a complex matrix of fibers. The “lenticular” design consists of stacked, disc-shaped filter cells (resembling lenses) housed within a central core.
This configuration effectively combines the surface area and retention capabilities of flat filter sheets with the convenience and leak-proof security of a cartridge system. The modules are available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters, allowing for seamless integration into various process scales.
Key Features and Technology
The Pak® modules utilize ErtelAlsop’s proprietary media formulations, such as Micro-Media® and AlphaMedia®, often impregnated with filter aids like Diatomaceous Earth (DE). This structure creates a rigid, porous cake capable of sieving out ultra-fine particulate matter.
- Zeta Potential: Many Pak® filters feature a positive charge modification (Zeta potential) imparted by a wet strength resin. This allows the filter to electrokinetically attract and hold negatively charged particles (like haze-forming colloids) that are smaller than the filter’s physical pore size.
- Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame presses, lenticular modules operate inside a sealed housing. This minimizes product exposure to the environment, prevents leakage, and ensures operator safety—crucial for processing solvents or valuable extracts.
- Core Construction: The modules predominantly feature a polypropylene core and support structure, offering broad chemical compatibility.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the technical parameters is essential for selecting the right filter for your application. The table below outlines the standard specifications for ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Micron Ratings | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Nominal) |
| Filter Media Types | Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), Perlite, Activated Carbon |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring |
| Gasket Material | EPDM (Standard), others available |
| Cell Count | Typically 5 to 18 cells per stack (Standard is 16) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
Primary Applications
Due to their versatility and high solids-loading capacity, these filters are the “workhorse” in many industries. They are particularly effective where liquid clarification and product cleanliness are paramount.
1. Botanical and Cannabis Extracts
In extraction processes, removing waxes, lipids, and fine particulates is critical for product quality. The high flow rate and large surface area of the Pak® modules, combined with DE filter aids, make them exceptionally effective for winterization and polishing steps in botanical processing.
2. Food & Beverage
From distilled spirits to fruit juices, haze removal is a key quality control step. The Zeta-potential of the filter media excels at removing haze-causing proteins and colloids without stripping the liquid of its desirable flavor or odor profiles.
3. Chemical and Industrial Processing
The chemical compatibility of the polypropylene construction allows these filters to serve in applications ranging from silicone production to catalyst recovery. They are also used in the electric utility sector for filtering transformer oils (AquaKv-Pak®) to remove moisture and carbon.
4. Pharmaceuticals
Used for the reduction of bioburden and the protection of expensive downstream sterile membrane filters.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak Filters?
- Efficiency: High particle retention efficiency protects downstream equipment and ensures final product quality.
- Cost-Effective: The depth media provides high dirt-holding capacity, extending the service life of the filter compared to standard surface filters.
- Ease of Use: Changeouts are significantly faster and cleaner than changing sheets on a plate and frame press, reducing downtime.
Contact Purecowater for Filtration Solutions
At purecowater.com, we understand that every filtration process is unique. Whether you need to retrofit an existing system or design a new filtration line using ErtelAlsop Lenticular technology, our team is ready to assist you.
Contact Us today to discuss your specific solid and liquid filtration needs and see how we can optimize your production flow.
References: Product details sourced from manufacturer specifications ertelalsop.com and specifications provided by clear solutions and GW Kent.