Abstract: In a dish-washing machine the bottom of the washing chamber has an outlet opening which is covered by a filter arrangement comprising a tubular part of a fine sieve. The tubular part is vertically and centrally disposed in a filter housing and extends through the whole housing. Liquid can pass through the tubular part radially in all directions. The lower part of the filter housing is connected to the suction side of a circulation pump by a conduit connected to the side wall of the housing. Further, a shield is disposed between the tubular part of the fine sieve and the filter housing, the shield having a construction and arrangement whereby the pressure drop across the tubular part of the fine sieve will become essentially evenly distributed around its periphery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a column for use in a continuous particle separation apparatus utilizing a centrifugal field. The column comprises a column base constituting an outer frame, a spacer having a cutout portion at its center, an intermediate ring having a slot and a variable diameter, and a top ring mounted inside the intermediate ring. The intermediate ring has an inlet port and an outlet port for introducing and discharging fluid near the slot. The intermediate ring has an inclined inner surface. The top ring has an inclined outer surface which is pressed against the inclined inner surface of the intermediate ring to expand the intermediate ring. Thus, the spacer is pressed against the base. A separation channel is formed between the inner wall of the base and the intermediate ring within the cutout portion of the spacer.