Advanced Depth Filtration for Industrial and Sanitary Applications
For industries requiring rigorous solid-liquid separation—ranging from pharmaceutical production to distilled spirits—the ErtelAlsop Pak Lenticular Filter stands out as a premier solution. As a versatile depth filtration system, these lenticular modules offer the high capacity of plate and frame filters with the convenience and sealed hygiene of a cartridge system.
At Purecowater, we understand the critical nature of process filtration. This overview details how ErtelAlsop Pak® cartridges function, their specifications, and why they are the preferred choice for scaling up filtration processes efficiently.
What is a Pak Lenticular Filter?
The ErtelAlsop Pak® typically consists of multiple depth filter cells stacked vertically. Technically described as “lenticular” due to their lens-like cross-sectional shape, these modules are housed inside a sealed vessel. This design was originally invented by Alsop Engineering in the 1940s and remains a standard today for its ability to prevent leakage and providing a closed operator-friendly environment [ertelalsop.com].
Key Operational Advantages
- Enclosed System: Unlike open plate and frame presses, lenticular housings are fully sealed, eliminating liquid loss and preventing exposure to the atmosphere. This is crucial for volatile solvents or sanitary applications.
- High Solids Loading: The cartridges utilize depth media (often pre-impregnated with Diatomaceous Earth) which forms a rigid, porous cake capable of retaining significant amounts of particulate matter.
- Scalability: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch diameters with varying cell counts (up to 16+ cells), allowing users to scale filtration area without changing the footprint significantly [clearsolutionscorp.com].
Technical Specifications
The ErtelAlsop Pak filters are designed for compatibility with a wide array of solvents and operating conditions. The modules use a polypropylene core and support structure to ensure chemical resistance while the media does the heavy lifting.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Micron Ratings (Nominal) | 0.25 µm to 15 µm (Common ratings: 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 µm) |
| Diameters Available | 12 inch (30.5 cm) and 16 inch (40.6 cm) |
| Media Types |
|
| Gasket Materials | EPDM, Flat Gasket, or Double O-Ring configurations |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
Applications in Industry
Because these filters can handle high flow rates and provide superior retention of ultra-fine particles, they are utilized across diverse sectors:
- Botanical Extracts: The high surface area and DE content allow for the efficient removal of waxes and lipids from extracts without affecting flavor profiles [clearsolutionscorp.com].
- Distilled Spirits: Used for haze removal and polishing filtration to ensure product clarity.
- Full-Scale Pharmaceuticals: The enclosed design supports GMP compliance for handling high-value active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Chemical Processing: Effective for removing particulate contamination from solvents and various chemical streams.
Why Choose ErtelAlsop Pak Modules?
Transitioning from traditional presses to Pak modules reduces downtime. The design allows for quick change-outs—often a single-person operation—which drastically lowers labor costs compared to cleaning and re-sheeting a plate and frame press. Furthermore, the “Lock and Load” alignment system provided in many ErtelAlsop housings prevents cartridge misalignment, ensuring bypass-free filtration [ertelalsop.com].
Whether you require the adsorptive properties of carbon media or the fine particulate retention of diatomaceous earth, the Pak series offers a configuration to meet specific process parameters.
Ready to Optimize Your Filtration Process?
Purecowater is your trusted partner for sourcing high-performance filtration solutions like the ErtelAlsop Pak. If you have questions about sizing, media compatibility, or system integration, our team is ready to assist.