Abstract: The container is made of a single blow molded piece having a pair of vertical column chambers, inlet and outlet connectors and tubes connecting the inlet and outlet connectors to circulate fluid through the vertical column chambers in series. Each container is filled with a recyclable filter medium and the container can be recycled with the filter medium. When the filter container is replaced, the entire filter container is sent for recycling. The filter container can be attached to other filter containers to form a compact filter assembly or the container can be mounted to a wall to be stored out of the way. When the containers are connected together, they can be arranged to be easily connected in series and when replacing spent filter containers, it is possible to replace only some of the containers connected in series to leave partially spent containers in the fluid circuit for further use while new containers are added to an outlet side of the containers connected in series.

Abstract: In a device for dissolving water-soluble, powdery polymers which has a pipe with an inlet to introduce the polymer solution containing gel components and an outlet to discharge the polymer solution, the gel content in the polymer solution is reduced without reducing the viscosity of the polymer solution by means of the fact that the pipe is formed of a plurality of pipe sections which are provided with filters and can be connected with one another.

Abstract: A dual media fuel filter which combines the functions of filtering the fuel passing from a fuel source to a lift pump, and the function of filtering the fuel passing from the lift pump to the fuel injectors. The present invention provides a fuel pump with distinct primary and secondary fuel filter cartridges which are compression loaded into a self-contained oil filter canister adapted for threaded attachment to an engine block. The primary filter cartridge is provided to filter fuel drawn under suction from a fuel source into a lift pump, and is therefore provided with a relatively coarse filtering medium to allow for adequate fuel to pass therethrough even under negative pressure and cold temperature conditions. The secondary filter cartridge is provided with a relatively fine filtering medium to filter the fuel passing from the lift pump and into the fuel injectors.

Abstract: An orifice filter suitable for placement in, among other environments, a motor vehicle transmission assemblage, includes a plastic body member with an orifice and filtration material overlying both orifice outlets, all received within a metal housing. A plastic overmold is provided outboard of the filtration material. The filter allows for bidirectional flow of fluid through the assembly, provides for a means of bleeding pressure between fluid volumes in an assemblage, and maintains the secure positioning of the orifice in the assemblage over a range of ambient and operating temperatures. Further, a method of forming a filter assembly, including coining the metal housing of the filter assembly, allows for providing proper dimensional tolerances of the housing axial length and/or housing flange.

Abstract: A three-stage cardiotomy filter/defoamer dispenses with the conventional tricot sock covering by forming the secondary defoamer as a small-pore foam impregnated with a much heavier concentration of defoaming agent than the primary large-pore defoamer.

Abstract: Improved magnetic separators, devices and methods for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.

Abstract: An expansible, compressed foam is used a s a filter medium and captured particulates are released from the foam by expanding the foam to open its pores. Micro-organisms such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia cysts may be trapped and recovered at high eficiency in a small volume of wash liquid easing further analysis. A foam filter element comprises thirty discs (36) of retriculated foam compressed between end plates (28,30) to about one tenth of their original thickness.

Abstract: Means and method of straining process streams of liquid-suspended solid particulates includes a primary industrial strainer having means periodically to remove deposited solids by generating a backwash stream. A backwash retention device (BRD) is provided for straining the backwash stream from the primary strainer. Periodically, after a predetermined number of backwash cycles, solids deposited in the BRD are removed by blowing down the BRD, producing a by-product stream more concentrated in suspended solids than the backwash stream.

Abstract: Described is a hemo(dia)filtration apparatus (10) with two blood filters (60) and (12) connected in series and a sterile filter (38) connected upstream thereof. The first chambers (64) and (14) and the second chambers (68) and (16) of both blood filters (60) and (12) are connected to one another, respectively, by connecting lines (72) and (74). A means (76) is arranged in one of the connecting lines (72) and (74), which generates a positive transmembrane pressure in the direction of the blood path in one of the blood filters (60, 12) and a negative transmembrane pressure in the direction of the blood path (80) in the other blood filter (12, 60). This eliminates a costly substituate line with additional devices arranged therein, since the dialyzer fluid is passed as a substituate solution through the membrane of the one blood filter directly into the blood. Furthermore, with the use of suitable devices it is possible to precisely determine and individually adjust the filtrate and substituate flows.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for processing relatively small volumes of waste water such as that found in residential home use. The system first comprises a chamber adapted to hold the waste water. The system further comprises a first filter adapted to remove coarse material from the waste water and a second filter adapted to remove fine materials from the waste water. The system further comprises a disinfectant chamber adapted to disinfect the waste water. The system comprises a pump adapted to pump the waste water from the chamber through the first and second filters, and the disinfectant chamber.

Abstract: A filter mat for use in reverse rinsing filter devices consisting of at least two filter mat devices and one static rigid filter mat base. The filter mat produces evenly distributed reverse rinse channels that provide even distribution of pressure in the filter mat.

Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering means that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting means and an adsorbing means and, optionally, an ultrafiltration means as an additional filtering means, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.

Abstract: A chemical and particulate filtration system and method are disclosed. The method includes contacting a liquid to be filtered, in a reverse flow manner, with a molecular absorption filter media and a submicronic filter media. The system/method removes, as a particulate, dissolved organic and inorganic contaminants, pollutants and particulate from a liquid. The removal of contaminants is evidenced by a color change in the filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering plastic melts, which comprises a filter housing (1) having at least one cylindrical filter receiving chamber (8), and with a tubular filter cartridge (2) mounted in the chamber. An annular melt flow space (9) for the plastic melt is defined between the outer periphery of the filter and the inside wall of the chamber, such that the melt flows radially inwardly through the filter medium of the filter cartridge and into the central passage of the filter cartridge and then to an outlet opening of the housing. An additional melt flow outlet channel (12) is positioned adjacent the downstream end of the filter cartridge, and in one embodiment, the melt is able to flow via the additional melt flow outflow channel to the outside of the housing. In a second embodiment, the melt can flow via the additional melt flow outflow channel and an additional filter (11) and return to the main flow.

Abstract: A filter device or apparatus is provided for the separation of materials, especially biomaterials from a fluid sample, under a force such as centrifugation, positive pressure, vacuum, or gravity. The device comprises two or more in-line tubular elements, one or more of which is a module that houses a filter media. The elements have complementary connection structures (e.g., elastomeric seal, O-ring, threads, Luer fittings, compression fittings, bayonet fittings, snap fittings, and the like) such that they can be assembled or reassembled in a train to form a conduit structure for leak-proof passage of a fluid sample volume. The assembly can be disassembled for collection and processing of retentate and filtrate material resulting from the filtration.

Abstract: A shale shaker having two feeds, two screens, two mud outlets and a removable tray between the screens is disclosed. Each screen receives one feed and produces one outlet of cuttings and another outlet for separated mud for either bypass or direct feed to the mud tank or the other screen. The removable tray or trays facilitate the two screens acting in cascade. Valves are provided to control the overall flow rate to the shaker and to the lower level screen.

Abstract: An iodine capture system, and related method, comprising a biological liquid conduit and, disposed therein, a polyvinyl acetate-alcohol-acetal porous body, and methods of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Spray paint equipment combining a paint gun and stand. The stand serves to adjustably support a primary paint supply; filters for filtering paint; a gravity feed tank for the spray gun and the spray gun when it is not in use. To this end the stand is formed with a horizontal base dimensioned to support the paint supply. An upstanding vertical post extending from the base has adjustably mounted thereon an initial filter holder supporting a filter to filter paint as it is delivered into the paint supply. Also adjustably arranged on the vertical support post is another filter supporting holder and final filter mounted above an adjustable gravity tank support and gravity feed paint tank for the spray gun permitting selective positioning of the componets necessary to effect spray painting.

Abstract: A device for filtering and separating a flow medium by reverse osmosis, microfiltration, ultrafiltration or nanofiltration has a pressure-tight housing with an inlet for the flow medium and a first outlet for the retentate and a second outlet for the permeate. A plurality of stacked units comprised of spacer elements and membrane filter elements is provided. The spacer elements and the membrane filter elements are stacked alternatingly atop one another to form a stack. The stacked units further comprise two receptacle parts forming a receptacle for enclosing a stack of spacer elements and membrane filter elements. The stacked units are positioned adjacent to one another in the housing. The flow medium flows in sequence through the stacked units.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids has a side wall enclosing an interior space. A bottom is connected to the side wall adjacent a lower edge of the side wall and has an aperture formed therein at a position above the lower edge. The bottom extends upwardly and inwardly toward the aperture such that as the device is forced downwardly into a combination of liquids, a liquid floating on top of another different liquid is forced through the aperture and contained by the side wall and the bottom portion.

Abstract: A compact sludge dehydrating apparatus having a replaceable upper part, with a lower part, a replaceable upper part having a sludge inlet, a plurality of columns for detachably mounting the upper part to the lower part with a space, a first sludge dehydrator for performing a first dehydration of the sludge waste and being provided in the upper part, a second sludge dehydrator for performing a second dehydration of the sludge waste and being mounted on the lower part. This second dehydrator communicates with the first dehydrator through a pipe. The first and the second cases are interconnected. A plurality of drains is provided to drain the waste waters extruded from the sludge waste as a result of sludge dehydration to a water collection tank of the lower part. The apparatus provides, for the upper part being replaceable for different kinds of the wastes to be treated, which reduces the moisture content of the resulting sludge waste.

Abstract: A filter device comprised of a monoblock piece (1) made up of two cylindrical bodies (2) set to horizontal plates (3) and (3') and vertical plates (4), interconnected on the inside by horizontal ducts (5) for mutual intercommunication and the interconnection of nozzles (6), (7), (8) and (9) set to the piece (1), further provided with internal vertical ducts (10) and lids (11).

Abstract: A separator comprises a cyclone for removing more dense particles e.g. sand and a filter for removing less dense particles e.g. organic material from a liquid e.g. water. The arrangement is such that the filter experiences a shearing/scouring force which assists in preventing blockage.

Abstract: A cartridge containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is disclosed. The cartridge comprises a plurality of fibers arranged in a bundle and at least one end of the bundle embedded in a tubesheet. The tubesheets are fitted with end caps to provide a chamber for the permeate. A feed tube extends longitudinally through the bundle and a permeate discharge tube is housed, preferably concentrically, within a feed tube. The cartridge does not require a high pressure seal, such as an O-ring seal, against the inner wall of the pressure vessel. The cartridge is configured as a single unit adapted for simple drop-in installation into a pressure vessel. Multiple cartridges may readily be inserted into a pressure vessel, and arranged so as to operate in series or in parallel. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge is adapted for industrial performance with high volumetric efficiency and high solute rejection.

Abstract: An improved food, oil and grease accumulating apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The improved apparatus includes a pump station to discharge contaminated effluent at a higher flow rate at periodic intervals into a first food separation station for removing food particles. Effluent leaves the food separation station into a second food separation system and then an oil and grease separation station which uses an oleophillic material to attract and coalesce oil and grease particles and permit their advancement along channels to the top region of the oil and grease separation station. The oil and grease are removed through an evacuation system while the water is permitted to discharge from the oil and grease separation station into the sewer system.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator for sludge or the like comprising: a treating tank; means disposed in the treating tank for establishing a horizontal flow therein; and a plurality of stages of submerged filter systems arranged in the treating tank sequentially in the direction of the horizontal flow. This horizontal flow is used sequentially in the submerged filter systems so that the power to be consumed for establishing a scavenging flow can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention refers to filtering method and a filter device for filtering liquids, especially beverages. The filtering method and the filter device are to be reliable and simple without any negative influence on the quality of the filtrate. A filter is produced in a precoating station by precoating with a filter aid, the filters being then removed from the precoating station together with the filter carriers and introduced into a filtering station, where they are stacked up like a tower and pressed together.

Abstract: A solid/liquid separation apparatus in which a downwardly-inclined separator screen is supported across the open front face of a liquid collection chamber. The screen and chamber are mounted in an outer frame having spaced side walls. The screen has separate upper and lower sections and is adjustably mounted on at least one of the side walls at a position intermediate the upper and lower ends of the screen so that it can be moved inwardly and outwardly in a direction transverse to the plane of the screen to adjust the relative vertical angles of screen sections. In one version, the upper and lower screen sections are separate screens and are adjustable via separate adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus to effect the reclaiming of waste water includes a storage tank in operative communication through filtration tanks, that in turn receives water from an enclosed preliminary filtration container. From the storage tank, a delivery pump provides for the coupling of water hoses to obtain water from the storage tank structure.

Abstract: This invention provides an automatically controllable water reuse system having, in combination, a) a reservoir for water to be reused, b) a switch for controlling the level of water in said reservoir, c) an electrically powered timing mechanism which controls in a timed relationship filtering and pumping apparatus which can be turned "on" by a water level switch in the reservoir. The timer, pumping, filtering, and valve control combination is timed to provide at least four modes of operation including first and second modes to clean moveable solids from first and second filters, a third mode to pump filtered water for reuse to end points of use, e.g. to a toilet water storage tank or to garden irrigation end points and a fourth mode providing either a rest period before beginning the water pumping, filtering, distribution cycle again or for manual operation of the apparatus to direct the water for reuse to a desired reuse endpoint.

Abstract: An oil tank including an oil tank body for storing oil and an oil filter disposed between an oil inlet for allowing oil into the oil tank body and an oil outlet for sending oil out. An oil inlet chamber is formed, inside the oil tank body, from a portion of the side wall, a portion of the bottom wall and the inner wall of the tank body, and communicates with the oil inlet. The oil filter has a substantially flat shape and forms a portion of the inner wall. By the use of the oil filter having a reasonably large mesh area, independently of the diameter of the oil inlet, the oil filter is protected against a mesh damage and is prevented from being detached. Since no excessively large area mesh is required, no particular rise in material costs is expected. A substantially flat surface structured oil filter is easy to fabricate and less costly to fabricate as well.

Abstract: A solid/liquid separation apparatus in which a downwardly-inclined separator screen is supported across the open front face of a liquid collection chamber. The screen and chamber are mounted in an outer frame having spaced side walls. The screen has separate upper and lower sections and is adjustably mounted on at least one of the side walls at a position intermediate the upper and lower ends of the screen so that it can be moved inwardly and outwardly in a direction transverse to the plane of the screen to adjust the relative vertical angles of screen sections. In one version, the upper and lower screen sections are separate screens and are adjustable via separate adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention includes a pretensioned mesh insert and method for providing a pretensioned mesh insert for a traveling water screen basket. First and second mated screen panels are secured together to place one of the screen panels under tension and the other of the screen panels under compression so that it bows outwardly from the screen under tension. The structure of the invention operates to reduce the fatigue experienced by the screen panels.

Abstract: A filter of a water purifying apparatus main body which is housed in a sink is made as a positive electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by a dry battery cell, between the filter and a negative electrode in a purified water passage. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water purifying apparatus main body. A discharge pipe of the water faucet used exclusively for purified water is made as a negative electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by the dry battery cell, between the positive electrode in the outlet of a cartridge and the discharge pipe. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water faucet used exclusively for purified water.

Abstract: A fluid filter system for use with a positive displacement pump in an automatic power transmission having a main filter located on the suction side of the power transmission pump and an auxiliary bypass filter located on the pressure side of the pump wherein provision is made for controlling the fluid flow through the auxiliary filter whereby bypass flow path through the auxiliary filter is decreased when the flow demand on the pump is increased, the auxiliary filter being adapted to filter small particle sizes and the main filter being adapted to filter and to retain larger particles.

Abstract: A method for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing blood product, include subjecting a leukocyte-containing blood product to a first stage leukocyte-removing treatment to remove at least 60% of all leukocytes contained in the leukocyte-containing blood product, thereby obtaining a leukocyte-depleted blood product, and passing the leukocyte-depleted blood product through a microfilter element to perform a second stage leukocyte-removing treatment, the microfilter element having a non-woven or a woven fabric including fibers having an average diameter of from 0.3 to 1.6 .mu.m. A filter system for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing blood product, to includes a first filter element for the first stage and a second filter element for the second stage, wherein the first filter element communicates with the second filter element and is positioned upstream of the second filter element with respect to a direction in which a leukocyte-containing blood product is to be flowed.

Abstract: A recovery system for precious metal particles in wash solutions includes a pair of filter elements and a pump mounted within a closed tank. The first filter is of relatively large pore size, and traps layer particles. The prefiltered liquid is collected within the tank. A pump is mounted within the tank, and drives the collected liquid and remaining particles through the second filter, which is of a small pore size chosen to trap the remaining particles. After passage through the second filter the wash water may be discarded.

Abstract: The water reclamation system receives waste water from a small residential type source, such as one or more homes, a series of apartments or road houses, and processes the water so that it meets the standards of state and federal regulatory agencies for non-domestic services. The treatment in accordance with the system starts with biologic and enzymatic treatment of the materials in the waste water stream. Next, bacteria is killed by chlorination. Thereafter, mechanical filtration improves clarity. Finally, ultraviolet treatment kills any remaining bacteria. The final flow is useful for irrigation, washing of structures and automobiles, filling swimming pools, and for returning to toilet tanks for flushing purposes. The system includes a provision for backwashing the filters.

Abstract: A filter includes a pleated filter element having longitudinally extending pleats and a wrap member wrapped around the filter element. The wrap member is joined to the peaks of the pleats and has openings for increasing the dirt capacity of the filter. The filter element may be a composite of a filter layer, upstream and downstream support and drainage layers, a cushioning layer between the upstream support and drainage layer and the filter layer, and polymeric beads on the downstream side of the downstream support and drainage layer. An extruded polymeric mesh may comprise one or both of the upstream and downstream support and drainage layers.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil filtering unit has an outer housing completely enclosing all the filter stages and providing access to the stages for maintenance purposes via doors and removable closures. The housing has an inlet conduit for connection to a cooking vat drain outlet, and an outlet conduit for returning filtered oil to the cooking vat. A first stage filter in the housing is connected to the inlet conduit for filtering relatively large size particles from the oil, and the filtered oil is connected to at least one additional filter stage for filtering smaller particles from the oil. A pump is connected downstream of the final filter stage, between that filter stage and the outlet conduit, for drawing oil through the filter stages under vacuum rather than pumping it through the filters under positive pressure. One of the filter stages is accessible to allow oil-life enhancing chemicals to be added to the oil.

Abstract: A single filtration device containing coated filter membranes and absolute pore filters is provided in which the membranes and absolute pore filters are present in two sections of the filter device. The filter device will remove up to about 98% of the endotoxins in addition to removing viruses with an efficiency of at least 4.6.times.10.sup.5 and DNA to less than 10 picograms per 500 mg sample.

Abstract: A machining solution filtration apparatus for a machining device which includes: a filter, a filter medium which is arranged separately from the filter and supplied continuously; a unit for supplying a contaminated machining solution to the filter medium; a unit for generating a difference in pressure between the upper surface and lower surface of the filter medium; a unit for returning a machining solution filtered via the pressure difference to a filtered solution vessel; a unit for selecting the filter to allow the machining solution to be filtered only thereby for a predetermined period of time; a unit for detecting the presence/absence and/or remaining amount of the filter medium; and a unit for controlling the speed of supplying the filter medium.

Abstract: A system for filtering electric discharge machine dielectric fluid wherein the filtering apparatus is mounted on a moveable platform and attached to the electric discharge machine that needs it's dielectric fluid filtered of foreign matter. The filter system has a plurality of filter casings connected in parallel by each casings inlet and outlet fittings. Each filter casing consists of a tank having a removable lid and a replaceable filter element inside the tank. The fluid flows into the filter tank, through the filter element, into a perforated tube and out of the filter tank into the interconnecting piping system. The filter system is separate from the reserve dielectric fluid tank of the electric discharge machine and can be operated either with the reserve tank system or connected directly to the electric discharge machine.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for filtering a plurality of liquid or gas fluid samples containing particles to be filtered, such as bacteria or cells. The apparatus includes a filter; a device for simultaneously and independently filtering fluid samples on the filter; and apparatus for force filtering the samples. The device for simultaneously and independently filtering fluid samples includes at least one gasket including a plurality of through perforations held clamped in a sealed manner against one face of the filter by appropriate clamps. The clamps have perforations located for being brought into alignment with the perforations through the gasket and for cooperating therewith to put an upstream face of the gasket into communication, via the filter, with a plurality of independent inlets for samples of fluid to be filtered, and to put a downstream face of the gasket into communication with a plurality of likewise independent outlets for the fluid samples.

Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of blood and/or other body fluids (such as amniotic fluids) as well as synthetic fluids such as tissue culture medium whereby a fluid to be treated is mechanically filtered for elimination of particles contained therein which exceed 0.2 microns in size (or some other minutely small size) and in addition subjecting the fluid being treated to electric field forces in the microwatt/milliwatt region induced by relatively low voltage of a few volts and low current density which does not exceed values which could impair the biological usefulness and characteristics of the blood or other fluid being treated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for machine separation of blood into blood components, wherein a preselected fluid such as anticoagulant is added to at least two different locations through the fluid flow path of the set, in order to promote the different functional characteristics in different blood components. The method results in reduced incidence of citrate reaction in the blood donor and increased platelet yield in platelet rich plasma collected during the procedure.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and method for removing solid impurities contained within a fluid. A plurality of filters each define successive stages and are linked in series whereby the output from a first filter feeds the input of a second filter and so on. Successive stages remove impurities of progressively smaller particle size whereupon the last stage provides a fluid substantially clean of all impurities and polished for subsequent reuse. The specific environment associated with the instant apparatus and method involves cleaning cooking oil in deep fat fryers.

Abstract: Fluid separator apparatus comprising at least one cyclone (16A) for separating a fraction of less dense component(s) from predominantly fluid mixtures having at least one predominantly liquid component, said cyclone/s being provided with means defining at least one feed inlet (64), means defining at least one overflow outlet (72) for discharge of overflow comprising predominantly less dense component(s) of fluid mixtures, means defining at least one underflow outlet (66) for discharge of underflow comprising predominantly denser component(s) of said fluid mixtures, overflow conduit means (74) to receive and conduct said overflow away from said cyclone, said overflow conduit means (74) being connected securably to said overflow outlet means (72) of said cyclone (16A), support means (54) for supporting said cyclone/s in the form of a plate of pre-selected dimensions adapted to securably but releasably receive the body/bodies of said cyclone/s (16A) and receiving and transport means (78) to receive and transport

Abstract: A water purification system for treating grey water from household appliances such as baths, showers, vanity basins and washing machine (11-15) has branch-off pipes (29-33) from the usual drain pipes (17-21) these branch-off pipes lead to a storage tank tank (35). The branched off water is filtered by a screen filter (51) then circulated by a pump (53) in series to a heater (55). The system also includes a sediment filter (57), a carbon filter (59), color filter (61), an ultraviolet radiation unit (63), and hence via a shut-off valve (71), to a storage tank (73). The purified grey water can be used for car-washing, and garden and lawn irrigation. The system can be retrofited to an existing home or installed in a new home.

Abstract: A filtrating apparatus is disclosed in which a filter unit and a washing unit for effecting a fluid washing are unified into one system. A plurality of filter elements of main filters provided in the filter unit are made of sintered material containing metallic fiber. A nominal filtration rating of the filter elements is greater than 0.3 .mu.m but smaller than 2 .mu.m. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the smooth filtration of beer funguses without any necessity of interchanging filter elements. It is therefore possible to reduce a running cost and filtration cost and to save a space for the apparatus.