SELF-CLEANING FLUID FILTER UNIT

A high volume, self-cleaning filter unit (10) includes at least one cage support (18) with a downwardly angled surface having a direct path filter media (12) sealed thereto, with a suction source (14) to extract filtered fluid from the interior of the cage support (18). During operation of the filtering, particulates clog the filter media (12), and a backwashing (16) is effected by either backflushing with air or the fluid being filtered. Extremely high volumes of fluid can be filtered to a high degree, generally on the order of a few microns, in one step with a very economical filter unit (10). The downwardly angled surface holds the filter media (12) in such a position that a small mesh filter cloth is filtering a nominal size of particles out of the fluid. Oil is rejected by the filter unit (10) at a high rate, making this an effective oil/water separator as well.