Product Overview: ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters

High-Efficiency Depth Filtration for Industrial Applications

In the world of industrial liquid filtration, precision and reliability are paramount. At Purecowater, we specialize in providing top-tier distribution and OEM solutions for complex filtration challenges. Among our premier offerings are the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. Designed for superior depth filtration, these cartridges are the “workhorse” of the industry, offering a versatile solution for sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to botanical extractions.

This article explores the technical capabilities, solid-liquid separation mechanics, and varied applications of the ErtelAlsop Pak® series to help you determine if this technology fits your process needs.

What are ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters?

ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges, often referred to as lenticular filter modules, represent an evolution in depth filtration. Unlike standard flat sheet filters, these modules are constructed from stacked filter cells. Each cell consists of a pair of depth filter media sheets—such as MicroMedia® or AlphaMedia®—sealed at the edges using a patented process.

The resulting assembly resembles a stack of double convex lenses, giving rise to the term “lenticular.” This design maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, allowing for high flow rates and exceptional solids loading capacity.

Key Operating Principle: Depth Filtration

The Pak® filters function as depth filters, meaning they retain particles not just on the surface but throughout the thickness of the media matrix. This is achieved through:

• Mechanical Sieving: Physical capture of particles larger than the pore size.
• Electrokinetic Adsorption (Zeta Potential): The media is often positively charged, attracting and capturing negatively charged sub-micron particles (like certain bacteria and endotoxins) that are smaller than the nominal pore rating.

Technical Specifications

The ErtelAlsop Pak® series is designed for flexibility, available in various chemistries and configurations to suit specific chemical compatibility and filtration goals.

Feature	Specification Details
Diameters Available	12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm)
Micron Ratings	Nominal ratings from 0.25 µm to 15 µm
Cell Count	Typically 5 to 16 cells per stack (customizable)
Core Material	Polypropylene (standard) for chemical resistance
Gasket Material	EPDM, Flat Gasket, or Double O-Ring configurations
Filter Media Types	Zeta-Pak®: Impregnated with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) & Cellulose Bio-Pak®: Pharmaceutical grade AlphaMedia®: Pure Cellulose (no inorganic aids)

Key Features and Benefits

1. Superior Particle Retention

The incorporation of filter aids like Diatomaceous Earth (DE) creates a rigid yet porous cake structure. This matrix is highly effective at sieving out particulate matter while maintaining essential flow characteristics. The Zeta-Pak® series, in particular, leverages high zeta potential to remove haze and ultra-fine contaminants that standard pleated filters might miss.

2. Scalability

One of the strongest advantages of the lenticular format is scalability. Processes developed using 12-inch modules can be easily scaled up to 16-inch modules or multi-stack housings without changing the fundamental filtration media or efficiency. This makes them ideal for moving from pilot testing to full-scale production.

3. User-Friendly Design

Changing out plate and frame filters can be labor-intensive and messy. The Pak® lenticular design simplifies this process. The self-contained modules are easy to load and unload into housings, significantly reducing downtime and operator exposure to fluids.

Industries and Applications

Due to their versatile construction materials (removed of mineral components or fortified with DE), ErtelAlsop filters are utilized across a wide spectrum of industries.

Industry	Primary Applications
Botanical Extracts & Cannabis	Removal of waxes, lipids, and fine particulates (winterization). The media is compatible with ethanol and hydrocarbon solvents.
Pharmaceuticals	Clarification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), decolorization, and catalyst removal (e.g., Platinum/Carbon removal).
Food & Beverage	Haze removal in distilled spirits, filtration of syrups, flavorings, and edible oils. Use of DE media ensures no impact on taste or odor.
Utilities & Power	AquaKv-Pak® variants are specifically designed for processing dielectric fluids and insulating oils in transformers.
Chemicals	Bulk chemical filtration, silicone production, and polishing of specialty chemicals.

Why Choose Purecowater for Your Filtration Needs?

At Purecowater, we are more than just a distributor; we are partners in your process optimization. As a supplier of ErtelAlsop products, combined with our expertise in systems like Veolia and Fil-Trek, we understand how to integrate the right depth filter into your broader treatment train.

Whether you need to remove lipids from a botanical extract using a 5-micron Zeta-Pak® or require a pharmaceutical-grade Bio-Pak® for critical sterile filtration protection, we can guide you to the correct micron rating and end-cap configuration (Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket).