A process is provided for filtering a liquid containing solids having a substantially different specific gravity relative to the liquid. The process includes the steps of providing a filter element having a hollow interior communicating with an outlet and being bounded by a filter mesh, passing a liquid containing solids having a substantially different specific gravity relative to the liquid against the outside of the filter mesh so that the filtrate enters into the interior and leaves the filter element through the outlet, and establishing a pressure differential between the interior and the ambient space so as to form an elevated pressure within the interior of the filter element, thereby irregular filter cake formations of the solids are at least substantially avoided because of the pressure differential between the outside of the filter mesh and the hollow interior. A filter for performing this process is also provided.