Abstract: A system and method for controlling flow in filtering systems and for balancing the flow through fluid systems employs flow control devices that minimize suspended matter precipitation. Several embodiments are included. In a first embodiment, a smooth-walled flow control device (410) with no abrupt transitions is provided in a flow conduit section. In a second embodiment, a filter (305) acts as a flow control device. A variation of the latter locates a flow control device (300) immediately adjacent to the filter (305) and upstream of it. In other embodiments, a control system (950) detects the real time status of the load to provide on the fly critical balancing.