Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the dynamics of particle motion in a liquid-solid media including the rate of settling of particles, the identification of unsettled particle clouds, and the identification of unsettled particle clouds, and the identification and control of the bed level of settled particles in a slurry within a settler. The system includes an ultrasound transducer and a receiver for detecting echoes from particles in the slurry. The echoes are processed to determine the bed level of the settled particles, the position of unsettled particle clouds, and the rate of settling of the particle clouds.

Abstract: In a spin-on fluid filter assembly (10), means for magnetic filtration of ferrous-type particles upstream of the filter element is provided. The magnetic filtration means may include magnetizing the attachment plate (16) of the spin-on filter (12) and portions of the element housing (24). Magnetic spring clips (45) may be secured near the fluid inlet openings (30) in the attachment plate (16). A magnetic ring-like element (40) may also be secured adjacent the arrangement of inlet openings (30) in the plate (16). The invention produces magnetic force fields which attract and retain at the area of the attachment plate ferrous-type particles prior to the entry of the contaminated fluid into the filter element.