SELF-CLEANING FLUID FILTER SYSTEM

摘要

A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus (12) and method for use with a pumping apparatus (14) which is lowered into a fluid to be filtered. The filter apparatus (12) includes a filter basket (54) having a manifold (50) with several tubes (38) extending therefrom. A filter element (34) encases at least a portion of the filter basket to block sand or other solid or dissolved particles from entry into the pump intake. Pressurized gas or fluid is directed to the manifold (50) and then through perforations (80) or jets distributed along the length of the tubes (38). Bursts of the pressurized gas are directed from the perforations (80) or jets to the interior of the filter apparatus (12) and then sprayed from the perforations (80) or jets in an outwardly direction against interior surfaces of the filter element (34). Air or fluid bursts from the perforations (80) impinge upon the interior surfaces of the filter (34) and dislodge or expel entrapped particulate material.