Lenticular Filter Operating Guide

Quick Operating Checklist

1. Housing Installation

1. Position the lenticular housing upright with enough overhead clearance to remove the dome safely.
2. Identify the bottom connections before plumbing. On typical setups, the inlet is the off-center lower connection and the outlet is the centered lower connection.
3. Install the inlet pressure gauge at the top dome port or at the inlet side with a sanitary tee. Install the outlet pressure gauge on the discharge side so you can monitor differential pressure across the housing.
4. Connect inlet and outlet valves with the proper gaskets and tri-clamps, then confirm all connections are secure.
5. Before operation, leave the vent valve partially open and confirm the drain valve is closed.

2. Filter Module Installation

1. Thread the correct center post into the base and place the stainless deflection plate at the bottom of the housing.
2. If your setup uses backflush support plates, install the bottom end plate over the deflection plate in the correct orientation before loading modules.
3. Load the filter modules onto the center post, adding intermediate backflush plates between modules when required by your setup.
4. Install the top end plate after the final module, then tighten the locking nut assembly until fully compressed. Back off slightly after full compression so the pack is sealed without over-stressing the assembly.
5. Confirm the filter pack is evenly seated and properly compressed before closing the housing.

3. Sanitizing Procedure

1. Fully wet the media first by circulating ambient water through the housing for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on system size. Make sure the housing is full and all air is vented.
2. For steam sanitizing, drain the housing after wetting, partially open the vent and drain, open the outlet fully, and begin steaming. Hold for 20 minutes once the outlet reaches 180 F.
3. For hot water sanitizing, continue from the wetting step by introducing hot water. Keep the vent and drains partially open and the outlet fully open so air can escape completely.
4. Hold hot water sanitizing for 20 minutes once the outlet reaches 180 F.
5. Cool the housing down slowly after steam or hot water sanitizing to help prevent thermal damage to the modules.
6. Purge residual water with low-pressure gas from the inlet side. A gentle 3 to 5 psi purge is typically used to push excess liquid out before service or storage.

Chemical Sanitizing Notes

Some operators use chemical sanitizers instead of hot water or steam, but compatibility depends on the module design and chemistry used. Acid-based options may be acceptable within controlled contact times, while highly alkaline or oxidative sanitizers can damage cellulose media.

Always confirm chemical compatibility and allowable contact time for your exact module before use.

4. Filtration Procedure

1. Start with the outlet valve closed and the vent valve open.
2. Slowly open the inlet valve and allow the housing to fill until product or water exits the vent without air.
3. Close the vent and slowly open the outlet valve to bring the filter online.
4. Begin at a conservative flow rate. A good starting point is under 5 psi differential pressure, then increase gradually toward a stable operating range of about 5 to 8 psi differential pressure.
5. If you see bubbles on the outlet side after startup, raise backpressure briefly and vent the housing again to help release trapped gas.
6. Check all connections for leaks and periodically crack the vent to release collected gas during operation.
7. Track differential pressure throughout the run. Rising differential pressure indicates the media is loading with solids and approaching regeneration or changeout.

Differential Pressure Guidelines

5. Module Regeneration

Regeneration is used to recover throughput and extend module life. The correct method depends on whether your media supports backflush cleaning. Backflushable modules can often use both reverse-flow and forward-flow cleaning. Non-backflushable modules should be regenerated with forward flow only.

Backflush Procedure

1. Clear residual product from the housing.
2. Connect the water source to the outlet side so flow moves in reverse through the modules, and route discharge to drain.
3. Open the top vent and backflush with ambient water for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the discharge runs clear.
4. If needed, use warm water up to about 120 F to improve cleaning.
5. Keep reverse-flow pressure controlled. Do not exceed about 7 psi during backflush.

Forward-Flow Regeneration

1. Remove product from the housing by draining or pushing it out with gas.
2. Run ambient water forward through the housing at the normal filtration rate or up to 2 to 3 times that rate.
3. Vent periodically to confirm the housing stays completely full of water.
4. Gradually raise water temperature into the 120 to 140 F range and continue flowing for about 5 minutes.
5. Let the modules soak at temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, then cool back toward ambient and resume high-flow rinsing.
6. Continue the forward flush for another 5 to 10 minutes, then drain the housing.
7. If required, perform a final hot water sanitizing step only after the warm regeneration cycle is complete.

6. Module Storage Between Uses

Modules can be stored inside the housing or in a separate food-grade container, depending on your process and storage duration. For larger modules especially, make sure residual liquid inside the media does not dilute the storage solution to the point that it loses effectiveness.

• Use a clean, food-grade storage vessel if modules are removed from the housing.
• If storing in solution, purge or recirculate first so trapped liquid does not overly dilute the storage media.
• Be cautious with long-term acidified sulfite storage inside stainless housings, since prolonged exposure can contribute to pitting.

7. Routine Maintenance

Regular inspection helps prevent bypass, leaks, and downtime. Build these checks into your normal service routine:

• Inspect the locking nut assembly for worn or damaged threads that could reduce compression on the filter pack.
• Check O-rings regularly and keep spare base O-rings on hand.
• Confirm the dome seal is seated correctly before tightening the housing.
• Keep eye bolt threads clean and lubricated with food-grade grease.
• Consider routine passivation and inspect stainless contact surfaces as part of annual maintenance.