Abstract: This disclosure relates to new filtration systems, granular substrates, granular media and processes that are highly effective for removing suspended oil, particulates and oily particulates from an oil-water mixture. The new filtration media comprises a microporous granular substrate having a combination of specified micro-porosity, hardness and additional characteristics, the substrate being modified by an infused or coated absorption composition. This resulting filtration media displays excellent filtration performance, including outstanding durability and robustness to sustain its excellent performance over a large number of backwash cycles.

Abstract: A filter media retainer has a plate having a first end wall, a second end wall, and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls connected to opposing sides of the first end wall and the second end wall. The plate has a top surface opposite a bottom surface. A plurality of hopper-shaped compartments are formed on the top surface and have a first sloped wall and a second sloped wall angled toward the first sloped wall in a direction from the top surface toward the bottom surface. The plate further has a top sidewall on the top surface of the plate separating adjacent hopper-shaped compartments from each other. The plate further has at least one first slot extending through at least one of the first sloped wall and the second sloped wall, and at least one second slot extending through the top sidewall.

Abstract: A manifolded 3-stage water filtration system includes a deep sand filter assembly, a hydro-cyclone, and a filter and valve manifold assembly fluidly coupled together. The filter and valve manifold assembly includes a pre-filter fluidly coupled with the hydro-cyclone, a first hollow membrane filter fluidly coupled with the pre-filter, a second hollow membrane filter fluidly coupled with the pre-filter and the first hollow membrane filter, and a backwash system. The backwash system includes valves fluidly coupled with pipe sections, the pre-filter, and the first and second hollow membrane filters. Selected valves are closable so that clean water flows from one of the first and the second hollow membrane filters to the other of the first and second hollow membrane filters. Material occluding the other of the first hollow membrane filter and the second hollow membrane filter is removed by the clean water without adding contaminants to the filter.

Abstract: A multi-path aquarium filtration system has multiple chambers adapted to receive different types of treatment systems, and has a bypass gate assembly and at least one alternative flow path. By adjusting the bypass gate assembly volumetric flow rate between certain chambers is managed.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, associated component parts, and assemblies of the pre-filtration systems, that are useful for treating storm water entering underground storm water management systems. The invention further provides methods to pre-filter storm water prior to entering underground water management systems. The invention reduces pollutant loading in storm water runoff with minimal footprint, flexibility of use and ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A gas-particle processor comprising: a chamber having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and one or more particle inlets; a gas flow arrangement operable to flow gas through the chamber from the gas inlet to the gas outlet at a first controlled mass flow-rate; and a particle flow arrangement operable to introduce particles in one or more streams into the chamber at a second controlled mass flow-rate, each particle stream flowing through respective processing regions in the chamber, wherein the processor is operable to control the first and/or second controlled mass flow-rates to provide a gas-particle mixture porosity in a substantial portion of each processing region of 0.900-0.995.

Abstract: A method for reclaiming and reusing a substantial portion of the waste water creating during the backwashing of a pool filter. The system uses a separate floating debris filter to remove solids before pumping the waste water into a sediment retention tank. The waste water is stored in the sediment retention tank for about a day, during which time the suspended solids settle to the bottom. The water in the sediment retention tank is then pumped back into the circulating pool system.

Abstract: A highly efficient means for progressively backwashing and fluidizing filter media in packed media filtration systems utilized for removing contaminants from wastewater is disclosed. The means is suited for use with a generally unsaturated filter with air and water flowing concurrently in a downward direction during treatment. During periodic backwashing, a pump provides treated wastewater from a holding tank to an underdrain and a pressurized water jet configured as an eductor within the filter vessel to progressively fluidize, backwash and redistribute the media. Fluidized media flow induced by the water jet is turbulently transported to the top of the filter vessel in an upflow pipe, wherein excess biofilm is scoured from the media. Scoured biofilm leaves the filter with backwash water through an overflow conduit and an exit port. Backwashing removes excess solids caught in the filter media and controls the biofilm thickness and the nature of the biofilm.

Abstract: Compacted filter beds comprising a non-sintered, buoyant filter medium may be useful in fluid filtration apparatuses and methods. For example, a method may include filtering a first fluid through a filter bed that is compacted, the filter bed comprising a non-sintered, buoyant filter medium that is mechanically compacted; and backflushing a second fluid through the filter bed so as to fluidize the non-sintered, buoyant filter medium.

Abstract: Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite pressure vessel containing a distributor plate. The distributor plate comprises a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening. The disk is provided with a plurality of radial slits, which define fluid flow passages through the disk between the central opening and the perimeter edge. The fluid flow passages through the disk are adapted to swirl fluid flowing through the disk from the bottom side to the top side such that it swirls around the central opening. The perimeter edge of the distributor plate is joined to an inner side of a thermoplastic liner during or immediately after the thermoplastic liner is formed by a blow-molding process or a rotational molding process.

Abstract: A filtering system for water and other liquids includes different filtering stages in the same element, with its cleaning being done automatically by a new procedure. The filtering system includes a cylindrical outer casing with the pipe of the water to be filtered penetrating tangentially through its base, using centrifugal force in the first filtering stage to separate the particles with greater density. Then the liquid takes a helicoidal path and passes through different filtering devices, such as mesh or rings with the filtered and, therefore, clean water finally being collected in an appropriately perforated central pipe that comes out of the filter through the center of its lower base. The system is used for the cleaning of liquids, basically water, in agriculture for localized irrigation, in industry, or the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from a carbon based synthesis gas including a reaction chamber having a rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades mixing and circulating carbon based synthesis gas and particulate catalyst upwardly generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a stripping chamber located above the reaction chamber having a second axial rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades driving hydrocarbon fuel radially outwardly, a source of hot stripping gas, an annular filter surrounding the stripping chamber and an annular gas collection chamber surrounding the filter. The blades in the stripping chamber are rotated independently at a greater velocity than the blades in the reaction chamber and the reaction is controlled by the temperature of the synthesis gas and the rotational velocity of the mixing blades in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising a hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous media-mediated high speed filtration device for easy backwash, wherein the inflow water to be filtered is guided to an upper portion of the high speed filtration device and is filtered by downflow and porous media are backwashed for maintaining optimum filter efficiency by blocking the flow of inflow water and water to be treated after sensing the level of the inflow water or the change in the flux of the water to be treated, supplying backwash water and/or air by upflow through a backwash equipment to separate pollutants in the porous media by the collision and friction between the porous media by flowing of the porous media through the stream of the backwash water, placing the porous media in a stationary location, and discharging the pollutants through a discharge pipe of the high speed filtration device before the pollutants settle. In addition, the present invention comprises a backwash method of the high speed filtration device using porous media.

Abstract: A method for cleaning process apparatus used for production of liquids, especially for cleaning filters, for example membrane filters. The apparatus is contacted with a solution of peroxydisulphate. It is especially preferred that the cleaning process is carried out at a temperature between 15 and 95° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to clean water filtration media in a filtration bed. The process includes applying a granular cleaner to the water filtration media and applying an activator to the water filtration media. This causes a chemical reaction between the granular cleaner, activator and water filtration media resulting in the cleaning of the water filtration media. The residual granular cleaner and activator, along with suspended and dissolved contamination from the water filtration media, are removed by rinsing with water.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a raw water supply tube, mixed raw water stream jet nozzles each communicating at one end thereof with the raw water supply tube and having at the other end thereof a raw water outlet from which mixed stream of raw water and air is jetted out, a filtering tank housing a filter layer disposed below the mixed raw water stream jet nozzles with a predetermined distance between the surface of the filter layer and the raw water outlet of the mixed raw water stream jet nozzles, a filtered water takeout tube provided in the filtering tank for taking out water filtered through the filter layer, a reverse stream cleaning water supply tube provided in the filtering tank for supplying reverse stream cleaning water to the filter layer, filter layer cleaning jet nozzles each communicating at one end thereof with a filter layer cleaning water supply tube and having at the other end thereof a cleaning water outlet from which cleaning water is jetted out, and an overflow outlet provided in

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: A phosphorus removal system is operable to remove phosphorus from an influent. The system includes a first section receiving the influent and discharging a first flow. A first coagulant inlet is positioned upstream of the first section and is in fluid communication with the influent to introduce a first coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. A second section receives the first flow and discharges a second flow, and a third section receives the second flow and discharges an effluent. A second coagulant inlet is positioned downstream of the first section and upstream of the third section to introduce a second coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for treating wastewater in a filter media apparatus having a draft tube system. The filter media may be walnut shell media.

Abstract: A filter includes a filter chamber of adjustable volume. The filter chamber encloses a compactable filter medium through which fluid to be filtered may flow. The filter medium includes a plurality of filter particles. A filter particle has an initial shape and is deformable upon application of a deforming force, being capable of substantially regaining its initial shape upon removal of the deforming force. The porosity of the filter medium is adjustable by adjusting the volume of the filter chamber so as adjust the compaction of the filter medium.

Abstract: A media retainer assembly for retaining filter media in a filter assembly includes a top plate for supporting the filter media, the top plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; a bottom plate having a top surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; and scouring media, the scouring media being adapted to abrade the surfaces of the top and bottom plates. The top plate is connected to the bottom plate such that the top surface of the bottom plate is spaced from the bottom surface of the top plate to define at least one chamber between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top surface of the top plate is in fluid communication with the chamber via the openings in the top plate. The scouring media is supported by the bottom plate within the at least one chamber.

Abstract: An automatic priming method in which an arterial-side chamber is maintained in a normal position during priming, as in a case of dialysis treatment, and in which forward and backward rotations of a blood pump are employed, and a speed of rotation, in particular, backward rotation, is adjusted to be low, so that air or the like is reliably prevented from entering a dialyzer. The priming method for use in a blood purification circuit in which priming is conducted by supplying physiological saline into a circulation circuit formed by connecting an arterial blood circuit with a venous blood circuit includes filling the venous blood circuit with a priming solution (physiological saline), discharging the priming solution for cleaning the arterial blood circuit, conducting a treatment in a direction opposite to the overflow step, which may be followed by a forward direction re-circulation step, and re-circulating in a forward direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a reverse-flow reactor comprising at least one catalyst bed which is preceded and followed by at least one bed containing selectively adsorbing material, and its application for in a process for the removal of contaminants from a process stream.

Abstract: A vortex generator for use in a fluid filter operable in both a normal filtering mode and a back flushing mode. The vortex generator including a flapper valve that moves between an open position and a closed position in correspondence to the direction of fluid flow through the fluid filter. In the open position, fluid is permitted to flow through openings formed in a base of the vortex generator. In the closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing through the openings.

Abstract: A fluid treatment and media management device having concentric inner and outer perforated cylinders defining a chamber therebetween for containing a media. A case surrounds the perforated cylinders and forms an annular space between the case and the outer perforated cylinder. Respective end caps engage the opposite ends of the case and perforated cylinders to support such members. One or both of the end caps provide ports to the central core of the inner perforated cylinder, to the media chamber and to the annular space. The media can be removed from the fluid treatment and media management device without disassembly of the device for the purpose of disposal and/or regeneration of the media.

Abstract: A water recycling tank 40 for a filtration system 10 including a filter 30 and pump 20, the tank: (a) in communication with the filter and the pump; (b) that has a substantial height difference between the upper internal space and the lower internal space of the tank whereby the tank is adapted to permit water-borne sediments 47 to settle near the base 52 of the tank over time; (c) has a waste outlet 44 near or on the base; (d) has a recycling outlet 43 above the waste outlet and in communication with the pump; and (e) has an inlet 42 above the recycling outlet in communication with the filter.

Abstract: A filter apparatus may be provided. The filter apparatus may include a multi-port valve; a strainer coupled in flow communication to the multi-port valve, wherein the strainer may include a conical portion and an attachment portion extending away therefrom; a diffusing column coupled to the strainer and coupled in flow communication to the multi-port valve; and an equalizer column coupled in flow communication to the strainer.

Abstract: Hot Water Sterilization of Activated Carbon beds or other adsorbents in filter tanks by including an electric or steam heating coil in the tank, alternately in the gravel underdrains, or in a plenum underdrain, or in an external canister.

Abstract: Process involving repeatedly applying some of the liquid composition to the granular filter media to remove water from the liquid composition by passing through the granular filter media with the particulate solids collecting on top surface of granular filter media. Water is first allowed to fill from below to just above the top layer of the filter media. A non-porous liner is located on the inner, bottom surface of the container. A drain pipe, having small openings, is located on top of the liner in the valley. A porous layer of large filter media, with the drain pipe therein, is located in the bottom of the container. A grid having open passageways, with fine filter media therein, is located on top thereof. A layer of fine filtrate sand is located on top of the grid.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for removing sediment from water is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tubular filter assembly comprising a support member; and a filtratable element surrounding the support member, the filtratable element comprising a backing mesh; and a fibrous batting. A system for removing sediment from water is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system includes a filter chamber to receive a liquid having suspended particles therein; at least one filtration cartridge housed within the filter chamber, wherein the filtration cartridge comprises at least one elongated filtratable element, each filtratable element comprising a support member, and a filtratable media adapted to surround the inner core. A method for removing sediment from water is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly distributing fluids (e.g., washing and in-service) through a filter bed of a filter. The system and method of the present invention can be used with any type of filter that uses media to remove impurities from a fluid. The filter bed can include one or more layers of media. The media can be natural (e.g., sand, gravel, anthracite, etc.) or can be fabricated (e.g., plastic). The filter media can be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, the filter media can be supported by a porous plate or other support designed to replace the gravel layers. The present invention includes a system having a distribution member configured to uniformly distribute a fluid through a filter bed of a filter. Preferably, the distribution member can be readily installed by relatively unskilled labor in both existing filters and new filters. The distribution member is preferably configured to occupy only a small percentage of space in a portion of the filter system (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly distributing fluids (e.g., washing and in-service) through a filter bed of a filter. The system and method of the present invention can be used with any type of filter that uses media to remove impurities from a fluid. The filter bed can include one or more layers of media. The media can be natural (e.g., sand, gravel, anthracite, etc.) or can be fabricated (e.g., plastic). The filter media can be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, the filter media can be supported by a porous plate or other support designed to replace the gravel layers. The present invention includes a system having a distribution member configured to uniformly distribute a fluid through a filter bed of a filter. Preferably, the distribution member can be readily installed by relatively unskilled labor in both existing filters and new filters. The distribution member is preferably configured to occupy only a small percentage of space in a distribution chamber (e.g., a flume).

Abstract: A filtration vessel has an inlet for inflow into the filtration vessel of liquid media to be filtered, a body of filter media in the filtration vessel, and a drain to receive filtered liquid media for take off from the filtration vessel. The inlet is configured to induce rotating flow about the vessel of unfiltered liquid present in the vessel; and/or, the drain is configured in backwash mode to force backwash liquid through the filter media in rotating flow about the vessel; and/or the drain includes drain limbs inclined to the horizontal and providing for draining of filtered liquid along the inclined limbs to outlet.

Abstract: A filter underdrain system and a method for measuring the water flow through the underdrain filter system. The apparatus includes panel members assembled to form a perforate grid on the filter base structure of an underdrain block. The panels are generally rectangular and have an upper and lower surface. Multiple apertures are provided in the panel member. The number and/or size of the apertures are dimensioned to prevent the egress of filter media and to obtain substantially uniform backwash flow in the underdrain thereby reducing or eliminating water maldistribution.

Abstract: Presented is a liquid filtering apparatus and method that overcomes the disadvantages encountered with prior bed filtration systems by providing a filtering apparatus that incorporates a super-buoyant filter medium having a specific gravity very substantially lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. This feature enables a majority of the medium to float on top of the process liquid. Due to the significant differences in specific gravity between the media and the process liquid, super-buoyant media produce a highly advantageous means of naturally, gravimetrically separating both clean and contaminated filter media and process liquid into separate “phases”. Under normal filtering operation, the filter media is contained within a filter housing by a bed support near the top of the filter housing, and particulate material is filtered from a process liquid that passes through the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for removing particulates from a liquid. The invention comprises a first chamber having an outlet and an inlet, operably configured to receive into the first chamber a liquid stream having particulates suspended therein. The device further includes a second chamber having an inlet, a top, a bottom, a processed liquid outlet and a sealable settlement outlet, the inlet being in fluid communication with the outlet of the first chamber and being disposed within the second chamber closer to the bottom of the second chamber than the top; and, a third chamber being in fluid communication with the processed water of the second chamber and having an exit line operably configured to deliver processed water. The first chamber further includes a floor and the inlet of the first chamber is operably configured to direct the liquid stream is a direction substantially parallel to the floor.

Abstract: An oxidation filtration system for cleaning groundwater, the system having an aeration tower and a filtration tank. Within the filtration tank is an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contained within the lower chamber is a plurality of Styrofoam™ filter media. Separating the upper chamber from lower chamber is a filter media mash which keeps the filter media from entering into the upper chamber. The aerated water from the aeration tower enters into the base of the lower filter chamber and rises through the filter media into the upper filter chamber. As the water passes through the filter media, the dissolved solvents fallout of the groundwater and attach themselves to the Styrofoam™ media. An automated back flushing and clarifying process is also provided using a back flush port and a clarification port, a higher level water sensor in the aeration tower and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A filtration system that includes a plurality of underdrain blocks arranged to define a plurality of laterals. Each underdrain block defines an interior and an exterior and has an orifice that provides fluid communication between the exterior and the interior. The system also includes a plurality of media retaining plates. Each plate includes a plurality of slots that extend through the plate. Each slot has an average width of less than 0.065 inches. Each plate connects to only one of the plurality of underdrain blocks such that the slots provide fluid communication between the exterior and the orifice of the underdrain block to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a filter underdrain for supporting a filter media between at least two dividers forming at least one cell, which includes at least one porous plate for supporting the filter media for filtering a fluid, the porous plate spanning across at least one of the dividers; and a plurality of support members beneath the porous plate, the support members containing at least one port for draining the fluid after the fluid passes through the porous plate. The porous plates may be bound together by a lap joint and an end section may be included between at least two of the support members, the end section containing at least one pocket for holding the porous plate.

Abstract: The invention recites a filtration tank including a chamber for holding liquid to be filtered, the filtration tank includes a fluid inlet for providing liquid to the chamber. The filtration tank further includes a fluid outlet and at least one filter block disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the at least one filter block includes a porous cap having an average pore size of up to about 250 microns.

Abstract: The filter contaminant loading capacity of a depth granular media filter is increased by imposing a so-called “back-slip” on the filter bed. At intervals between normal backwashing, a volume of liquid is passed upwardly through the media bed under flow conditions selected to displace at least some of the contaminants upwardly in the bed while essentially removing none of the contaminants from the filter vessel. Preferably, the filter bed comprises at least two media types of different but uniform particle sizes and densities, the media types each forming a distinct layer in which the effective particle size of the media in each successive layer decreases in a downward direction in the vessel.

Abstract: The invention recites a filtration system including a block including a first wall and a second wall substantially parallel to the first wall. A top surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first wall is disposed between, and coupled to, the first and second walls to at least partially define an inner chamber. The top surface further includes an orifice defining a passageway between a block exterior and the inner chamber. A plate including a plurality of slots, each slot having a width of less than about 0.065 inches, and a slot outlet, is coupled to the top surface of the block. The slot outlets in the plate are substantially coplanar and the plate, when coupled to the block, substantially covers the orifice.

Abstract: A modular filter system and a method of repairing and/or replacing one or more components thereof. The modular filter system includes a traveling backwash hood assembly and a plurality of filter cells having media contained therein. The traveling backwash hood assembly includes a hood and a baffle assembly. Preferably, the hood has at least one opening formed therein and a cover plate operably associated with the at least one opening. The baffle assembly includes a plurality of baffles for directing the flow of fluid. The baffle assembly is detachably connected to the hood to permit the baffle assembly to be moved relative to the hood to permit an individual to readily gain access to the baffle assembly to repair or replace one or more components thereof.

Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic backwash filter system that includes at least one influent port for introducing a fluid to the filter; a plurality of partitions forming a plurality of compartments for holding a filtering media for filtering the fluid; at least one porous plate for supporting the plurality of partitions; wherein each of the partitions is mounted atop a continuous portion of the porous plate; and at least one effluent port for draining the fluid away from the compartments. The filter may also include a filter media comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of sand, anthracite coal, and activated carbon.

Abstract: A filtration and backwash system for a water source such as a swimming pool is provided including a fluid source, a pump, a filter and a specially designed five-port valve which is easily adaptable for automatic use in the filtration mode and in the backwash mode. The valve uses a rotatable deflector plate which is positioned to divert the fluid in one direction in the valve for the filtration process and is positioned to divert the fluid in the other direction in the valve for the backwash process. An automatic timing device is also provided and is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with the valve whereby no manual intervention or electronic means is needed to change the valve from the filtering mode to the backwash mode or vice versa. The timing device automatically senses the pressure buildup in the filtration system due to accumulation of debris in the filter and automatically changes the valve from the filtration mode to backwash mode when a predetermined system pressure is exceeded.