Method and apparatus for cleaning filter material in a filter apparatus

Abstract

A filter apparatus includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet, a filter frame disposed inside the tank between the inlet and outlet, and filter material supported by the filter frame. The filter material filters out suspended solids from liquid influent that is passed through the filter material as the liquid influent flows from the inlet to the outlet. The filter apparatus is provided a suction generating assembly having a positive displacement pump, and a suction member in fluid communication with the pump and positioned adjacent an inlet surface of the filter material. The suction generating assembly is operable to draw filtered liquid in a reverse direction through the filter material to remove filtered solids therefrom. The filter apparatus also utilizes spray nozzles for directing a liquid stream of a cleaning solution at high velocity to the filter material thereby washing the filter material. The suction member is positioned relative to the filter material such that substantially all of the spent cleaning solution which results from operation of the spray nozzles are removed from the filter material by the suction generating assembly.