Inventors:
Michael R. Foreman - Maurice LA
International Classification:
B01D 3704, B01D 3350
Abstract:
A system for filtering fluids uses the pressure differential across a filter element between an internal filter volume and an external filter volume to control the rate of fluid flow through the filter element. The internal filter volume communicates with a backwash volume contained in the external filter volume. The backwash volume may be movable relative to the filter element to clean accumulated filtrate from the filter element through backwashing. By increasing the pressure in the internal filter volume, the rate of backwashing can be increased while the rate of fluid flow into the internal filter volume is decreased. Particularly when the filter element becomes clogged, damage to a filter caused by an excessive pressure differential across the filter element may be decreased.