Cross-flow filtration systems and corresponding methods for separation particulate matter from liquids. A representative system includes a cross-flow filtration zone (24) in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone (30) and further includes a fluid inlet (14) in fluid communication with one of the zones and a process fluid outlet (20) and in fluid communication with the other zone. A fluid treatment pathway (28) extends from the fluid inlet (14), through the cross-flow filtration and particulate settling zones (24, 30) to the process fluid outlet (20). A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28), and the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with a filtered fluid outlet (16). A recirculation pump (Z) in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and fluid inlet (14). A pressurizable recirculation loop (A) comprises the fluid treatment pathway (28) and recirculation pump (Z) and the recirculation pump (Z) is adapted for driving pressurized through the recirculation loop (A). A feed pump (Y) is adapted to introduce feed liquid into the system (10); and an effluent outlet (18) in fluid communication with the particulate settling zone (30). The feed pump (Y), effluent outlet (18) and filtered fluid outlet (16) reside outside of the recirculation loop (A).