High efficiency backflush system for a filter

Abstract

A high efficiency backflush filter apparatus positioned on the downstream side of a filter frame that includes a bellows attached to the top of the filter frame. The backflush filter apparatus includes a collapsible bellows member having a first opening attached to an aperture in a plate member, a second opening attached to the filter frame, and a compression plate positioned above the plate member and having a one-way valve. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate member is slidably mounted on at least one guide member which is mounted to the filter frame and the plate member is spring biased away from the filter frame so that the bellows is in an expanded configuration. The backflush procedure is achieved by stopping the pump, and moving the compression plate, using air cylinders or some other device, until it is against the plate member and thereby trapping fluid inside the bellows. The compression plate then forces the plate member along the guide members towards the filter frame, thereby collapsing the bellows and forcing the fluid in a reverse direction through the filter element and flushing any impurities from the filter element. As the compression plate retracts and the bellows expand to their normal operating positions, the one-way valve on the compression plate opens to prevent any suction of the removed particles back to the filter element.