Introduction to ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters
In the world of industrial liquid filtration, consistency and efficiency are paramount. The ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filter (often referred to as the Zeta-Pak®) stands out as a versatile “workhorse” for depth filtration applications. These modules serve as a bridge between traditional plate and frame filters and modern cartridge filtration, offering the high solids-loading capacity of depth media with the convenience of a leak-free, enclosed cartridge system.
At Purecowater, we understand that selecting the right filtration technology is critical for your process workflow. Whether you are filtering botanical extracts, distilled spirits, or pharmaceuticals, the ErtelAlsop Pak offers a scalable solution designed to handle demanding clarification and polishing tasks.
How Lenticular Filtration Works
Lenticular technology utilizes a “stacked disc” design. Each module consists of multiple dual-layer filter cells. These cells are essentially depth filter sheets sealed at the edges and stacked on a central core. The resulting structure resembles a series of double convex lenses, hence the name “lenticular.”
The core mechanism relies on Depth Filtration rather than surface sieving. As liquid passes through the media, particles are trapped not just on the surface, but throughout the thickness of the cellulose and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) matrix. This provides:
- High Solids Loading: Capable of holding a significant amount of contaminant before plugging.
- Zeta Potential: The media is chemically modified to hold a positive charge, attracting and binding negatively charged sub-micron particles (like haze or fine bacteria) that are smaller than the pore size rating.
- Structural Integrity: The rigid structure formed by the DE cake ensures consistent performance even under pressure.
Key Specifications and Configurations
ErtelAlsop Pak filters are highly customizable to fit standard lenticular housings. Below is a breakdown of the standard specifications available for industrial applications.
Technical Data Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter Options | 12-inch (30.5 cm) & 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Filtering Area | Varies by cell count (approx. 1.8 m² for a 16″ 16-cell module) |
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Standard grades: 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 µm) |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring (standard industry fits) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel (Optional) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone |
| Max Operating Temp | ~180°F (82°C) depending on gasket/media selection |
Media Composition: Micro-Media®
The standard Pak cartridges generally utilize Micro-Media®. This proprietary formulation includes:
- Cellulose Pulp: The structural backbone of the filter sheet.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Provides high surface area and porosity for fine filtration.
- Wet Strength Resin: Imparts the Zeta Potential (positive charge) and ensures the media does not break down when wet.
Primary Applications
The ErtelAlsop Pak is designed for versatility. While it excels in any application requiring the removal of haze or fine particulate, it is particularly dominant in the following sectors:
1. Botanical Extracts & CBD Processing
Lenticular filters are the industry standard for winterization and dewaxing. The DE-impregnated media efficiently captures waxes, lipids, and fats from ethanol extractions without affecting the flavor or active cannabinoid profile. The high flow capacity allows processors to handle large batches of tincture quickly.
2. Food & Beverage
- Distilled Spirits: Polishing spirits (whiskey, vodka, gin) to remove char and haze before bottling.
- Syrups & Flavorings: Removing undissolved sugars or particulates.
- Wine & Beer: Clarification and bio-burden reduction.
3. Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
- Fragrances: Ensuring crystal clarity in perfumes and essential oils.
- Pharma: API filtration, decolorization (using carbon-filled modules), and pre-filtration for membrane protection.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Packs?
Superior Retention Efficiency: Due to the combination of mechanical straining and electro-kinetic adsorption (Zeta Potential), these filters can remove particles much smaller than their mechanical rating.
Ease of Use: Unlike plate and frame filters, which can be messy and time-consuming to change, a Lenticular Pak can be swapped out in minutes. This closed system also limits operator exposure to the process fluid.
Scalability: ErtelAlsop offers lab-scale discs that use the exact same media as the full-production 12″ and 16″ modules, allowing for linear scalability from R&D to manufacturing.
Get the Right Filtration for Your Process
Choosing the correct micron rating, media type, and housing configuration is vital for maximizing throughput and minimizing costs. Purecowater can help you size your system and select the ideal ErtelAlsop configuration for your specific stream.
Contact Purecowater for a Quote
Sources: ertelalsop.com, clearsolutionscorp.com