Advanced Depth Filtration with ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Tech
For industries requiring high-purity liquid filtration without the maintenance headaches of traditional plate and frame systems, ErtelAlsop Pak® Lenticular Filters represent the gold standard. As a premier distributor of industrial filtration solutions, Purecowater provides these advanced depth filter modules to tackle complex solid-liquid separation challenges across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical sectors.
This guide explores the engineering behind the Pak® lenticular cartridges, their specific media configurations (including Zeta-Pak® and Disc-Pak®), and why they are the preferred upgrade for modern processing lines.
What is Lenticular Filtration?
Lenticular filtration technology was originally invented by Alsop Engineering (now ErtelAlsop) to bridge the gap between heavy-duty plate & frame presses and disposable cartridge filters. The design consists of standard depth filter media sheets cut into discs and stacked onto a central core. This entire assembly is sealed within a housing to create a totally enclosed system.
The result is a solution that offers the high dirt-holding capacity and removal efficiency of depth media, but with the ease of use, zero-leakage, and sanitary benefits of a cartridge system.
Ideal for applications replacing open plate and frame filter presses.
Key configurations: Zeta-Pak® vs. Disc-Pak®
ErtelAlsop offers distinct media formulations to suit specific fluid properties. Understanding the difference between the Zeta-Pak® and Disc-Pak® is crucial for optimizing your process.
1. Zeta-Pak® (Micro-Media®)
The Zeta-Pak® is the industry workhorse. These modules are manufactured using Micro-Media®, which incorporates filter aids like Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite into a cellulose matrix. This structure creates a tortuous path for physical retention while providing a strong positive Zeta potential (electrokinetic attraction) to capture sub-micron particles, haze, and bacteria negatively charged in the fluid.
- Best For: Botanical extracts (dewaxing/lipid removal), distilled spirits, pharmaceutical intermediates, and haze removal.
- Micron Ratings: 0.25 µm to 15 µm.
- Composition: Cellulose, Filter Aid (DE/Perlite), Wet Strength Resin.
2. Disc-Pak® (AlphaMedia™)
The Disc-Pak® utilizes AlphaMedia™, which is 100% cellulose. It contains no mineral filter aids (DE or Perlite) and no synthetic fibers. This is critical for applications where the leaching of mineral components is a concern or where “ash content” must be minimized.
- Best For: Dielectric oils, lubricating oils, perfumes, and specific food applications requiring pure cellulose validation.
- Micron Ratings: 1 µm, 5 µm, 10 µm.
- Composition: 100% Cellulose.
Technical Specifications
The Pak® Lenticular Filters are designed for versatility and chemical compatibility. Below are the standard specifications available through Purecowater:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameters Available | 12-inch and 16-inch |
| End Configurations | Flat Gasket or Double O-Ring |
| Core Material | Polypropylene (Standard) |
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Silicone, Buna-N, Viton |
| Surface Area | High surface area per module (up to 18 cells) |
| Temperature Rating | Dependent on Gasket/Core choice (Standard up to 180°F) |
Advantages Over Plate & Frame Filters
Many facilities switch from manual plate and frame presses to ErtelAlsop Lenticular housings for operational efficiency. The benefits are immediate:
- Enclosed System: Prevents oxidation of the product and eliminates leakage onto the production floor.
- Quick Changeout: Modules can be replaced in minutes using the “Lock and Load” design, compared to hours spent cleaning and restacking press plates.
- Scalability: Since the media in the lenticular Pak® is identical to ErtelAlsop’s sheet media, scaling up from lab trials to full production is seamless.
Primary Applications
These filters are utilized wherever depth filtration is required to remove heavy particulate loads or ultrafine hazes.
| Industry | Usage Case |
|---|---|
| Botanical Extracts | Efficient removal of waxes, lipids, and biomass fines using DE-impregnated media (Zeta-Pak). |
| Food & Beverage | Polishing syrups, spirits, and wines; removal of haze-forming proteins. |
| Chemicals & Utilities | Clean-up of dielectric oils (transformer oil) and removing carbon fines from process fluids. |
| Biopharmaceuticals | Clarification of cell cultures and fermentation broths. |
Whether you require the high adsorption capacity of the Zeta-Pak or the pure cellulose profile of the Disc-Pak, Purecowater can assist in sizing the correct housing and module configuration for your flow rate and viscosity requirements.
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