When precision, sterility, and ease of use are paramount in liquid filtration, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters stand out as the industry benchmark. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge technology, these lenticular modules provide superior depth filtration for a wide array of industrial applications.
At Purecowater, we distribute high-efficiency filtration solutions for Veolia, WTS, and other top-tier manufacturers. We are proud to offer ErtelAlsop’s line of lenticular cartridges, designed to tackle the toughest solid and liquid separation challenges in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical sectors.
What is a Lenticular Filter?
An ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridge (or module) consists of multiple filter cells stacked vertically. Each cell is constructed from a pair of depth filter media sheets—such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®—sealed at the edges using a patented polypropylene molding process. The result is a robust, self-contained unit that resembles a stack of double convex lenses (hence the term "lenticular").
This design offers the high solids-holding capacity of depth filtration combined with the convenience of a cartridge system. Unlike messy plate and frame presses, lenticular modules are housed in an enclosed vessel, ensuring a leak-free, hygienic process that protects both the operator and the product.
Key Features and Benefits
ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges are engineered to solve common filtration headaches. Here is why they are a preferred choice for process engineers:
- Enclosed System: Eliminates leakage and external contamination, making it ideal for hazardous fluids or high-purity applications.
- High Solids Loading: The complex matrix of fibers and filter aids allows the media to capture a significantly higher volume of particulate compared to surface filters.
- Zeta Potential: Many ErtelAlsop media formulations, such as the Zeta-Pak®, possess a positive electrokinetic charge (Zeta Potential). This attracts and holds negatively charged sub-micron particles (like bacteria and haze) that are smaller than the media’s physical pore size.
- Rapid Change-Out: Modules can be replaced in minutes, reducing downtime compared to the hours often required to dress a plate and frame filter.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts, allowing for easy scale-up from pilot lab testing to full-scale production.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the technical capabilities of the ErtelAlsop Pak® line helps in selecting the right module for your specific stream. Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications:
| Feature | 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 Ratings | 0.25 to 15 microns (Nominal) |
| End Cap Configurations | Flat Gasket, Double O-Ring (222/226 styles) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Viton, Silicone, Buna-N |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Filtration Mechanism | Depth Filtration + Electrokinetic Adsorption (Zeta Potential) |
Available Media Grades
ErtelAlsop offers distinct media formulations to target specific contaminants:
- Zeta-Pak®: The workhorse of the industry. Composed of cellulose, diatomaceous earth (DE) or perlite, and wet-strength resin. It provides maximum Zeta potential for haze removal and protection of downstream sterile membranes.
- MicroMedia® & AlphaMedia®: High-efficiency cellulosic media often used for clarifying liquids with high particulate loads.
- MicroClear®: Activated carbon-impregnated media, used for decolorization and odor removal without dealing with loose carbon powder.
- Bio-Pak®: Pharmaceutical-grade media offering low extractables and high purity validation.
Common Applications
Because of their versatility, ErtelAlsop Lenticular Filters are utilized across a broad spectrum of industries:
| Industry | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| Botanical Extracts | Winterization, dewaxing, and lipid removal in ethanol extraction processes (e.g., cannabis/hemp). |
| Food & Beverage | Clarification of distilled spirits, wine polishing, haze removal in beer and cider, and syrup filtration. |
| Pharmaceuticals | API processing, removal of catalysts, and protection of final membrane filters. |
| Cosmetics | Filtration of fragrances, essential oils, and lotions to ensure clarity and shelf stability. |
| Chemicals | Removal of carbon fines, haze, and particulates from solvents and process water. |
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak®?
Consistency is key in filtration. ErtelAlsop controls the manufacturing of both the media sheets and the lenticular cartridge assembly, ensuring complete quality control. Their ability to provide over 300 precision dies means there is a Pak module to fit virtually any housing on the market.
Whether you need to remove invisible haze from a premium spirit or protect a sensitive RO membrane from fouling, the combination of mechanical straining and electrokinetic adsorption makes these filters exceptionally effective.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?
Purecowater is your trusted partner for sizing and sourcing the correct ErtelAlsop modules for your system. We can assist with compatibility checks, micron rating selection, and housing requirements.
Contact Us to see how Purecowater can help tackle solid & liquid filtration problems.