For industrial filtration challenges requiring high solids loading and superior particle retention, Purecowater offers the ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters. As a distributor/OEM for leading filtration brands, Purecowater provides these advanced depth filtration modules to solve complex liquid clarification problems across the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
This guide breaks down the technical capabilities, specification data, and specific applications of the Pak® Lenticular Cartridges, including the popular Zeta-Pak® and Disc-Pak® series.
What is a Lenticular Depth Filter?
Lenticular filters, often referred to as modules, are a hybrid technology that combines the depth filtration mechanics of plate-and-frame filter sheets with the convenience of a cartridge format. The ErtelAlsop Pak® design consists of stacked “cells”—distinct filter discs containing depth media. These cells are sealed using a patented process (typically with polypropylene) to prevent bypass and leakage.
The structure resembles a stack of double convex lenses (hence “lenticular”). Liquid flows from the outside of the cartridge, through the media, and into the central core. This design maximizes surface area and solids holding capacity within a compact footprint, making it significantly easier to service than traditional filter presses [ertelalsop.com].
Core Series: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
Choosing the right media is critical for performance. The ErtelAlsop line is distinguished primarily by the composition of the filter sheets used within the cells.
1. Zeta-Pak® (MicroMedia®)
The Zeta-Pak® is the workhorse of the lenticular line. It utilizes MicroMedia®, which is composed of cellulose, filter aids (such as Diatomaceous Earth or Perlite), and a wet-strength resin. This combination creates a filter with a high electrokinetic charge (zeta potential), allowing it to attract and hold negatively charged particles that are smaller than the micron rating of the media.
- Best For: Haze removal, protecting downstream membrane filters, and applications requiring high retention of ultra-fine particles.
- Key Feature: Contains Diatomaceous Earth (DE) for forming a rigid, porous cake [clearsolutionscorp.com].
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia®)
The Disc-Pak® is designed for applications sensitive to extractables. It uses AlphaMedia®, which is 100% pure cellulose with no inorganic fillers (no DE or Perlite) and no resins. This media is ideal when you need to preserve the specific chemical profile of a liquid without adding or stripping subtle characteristics.
- Best For: Distilled spirits, perfumes, dielectric oils, and syrups where active ingredients must remain unaltered.
- Key Feature: Very low ash content and chemically inert [clearsolutionscorp.com].
Technical Specifications
The Pak® cartridges are available in standard industry sizes to fit a wide variety of housings. Below is a specification matrix to help identify the correct fit for your system.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12-inch (30.5 cm) and 16-inch (40.6 cm) |
| Number of Cells | Typically 5 to 18 stacked cells per module |
| Micron Ratings | Zeta-Pak: 0.25 to 15 micron Disc-Pak: 1 to 10 micron |
| End Cap Configurations | Double O-Ring or Flat Gasket |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Buna-N, Viton, Silicone (EPDM standard) |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard), Stainless Steel optional |
| Operating Flow | High flow rates due to large surface area structure |
Applications & Industries
Lenticular modules are versatile and serve as a critical step in filtration trains, often placed after bulk solids removal and before final sterile filtration.
| Industry | Application Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Clarification of wines, spirits, and syrups; removal of haze-forming proteins; sugar polishing. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Filtration of Large Volume Parenterals (LVPs), Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and broth clarification. |
| Botanical Extracts | Removal of waxes and lipids from extracts (e.g., ethanol extraction) using Zeta-Pak® media [clearsolutionscorp.com]. |
| Chemical & Industrial | Filtration of dielectric oils, varnishes, lubricating oils, and organic solvents. |
| Cosmetics | Clarification of perfumes, colognes, and essential oils (often using Disc-Pak® to ensure scent profiles remain intact). |
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak® Filters?
- Sealed Construction: The patented potting process around the edges of the media cells ensures 100% integrity, preventing the fluid bypass issues sometimes seen in loose filter sheets.
- Scalability: Results achieved with small laboratory discs scale directly to these 12″ and 16″ production modules, as they use the exact same media grades.
- Ease of Use: Changing a lenticular module is significantly faster and cleaner than changing out dozens of loose sheets in a plate and frame press.
Purecowater is dedicated to providing high-quality filtration solutions ranging from depth media to advanced membrane technologies. Whether you need to retrofit an existing system or design a new process line, we can assist.
Need help selecting the right lenticular module for your application?