Abstract:
Apparatus and method for filtering solids from liquid, including filter means, pump means and valve means operatively connected to one another in conduit means to alternately cause a substantially uniform flow rate forwardly through the filter for a predetermined time of from about 0.0001 seconds to about 1.0 second, and then to cause a substantially uniform flow rate of the filtered liquid reversely through the filter for a predetermined time of from about 0.0001 seconds to about 1.0 second, the ratio of filtered time to non-filter time being substantially greater than 1:1, and not greater than about 15:1, to effect rapid cyclic filtration of solids from the liquid and to maintain a substantially fluidized, non-compacted bed of solids in front of the filter and to obtain a much higher net flow rate of filtered liquid than heretofore obtained, the net flow of liquid through the filter approaching that of a clean liquid through a clean filter.