Abstract: In the described embodiment of the invention, apparatus is provided for continuous filtration of a suspension or emulsion comprising a tank containing a bed of particulate filtration medium and an inlet arrangement within the filtration bed to introduce the suspension or emulsion. A transport pipe carries dirty filtration medium from the bottom of the tank to a wash device located above the filter bed zone which washes the medium as it passes downward along a washpath. An apertured cone disposed below the wash device distributes the cleaned filtration medium across the top of the filtration bed and an outlet for clarified liquid is positioned above the wash device, which has an inlet above the top of the filtration bed to receive clarified liquid.