BYPASS FILTER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OBTAINING A FILTERED SAMPLE

A bypass filter assembly and method of obtaining a filtered sample from a process stream or the like in which the process stream is introduced into a filter chamber so as to produce a symmetrical bifurcated flow pattern of fluid therein which promotes a counter-rotating scouring or cleaning action on the membrane filter in the chamber. The housing of the assembly is divided into two sections. The inlet and outlet ports for the process stream and the filtered sample port are all located in one section of the housing so that the other section, namely the filter cap, may be removed from the first section without disconnecting any flow lines from the cap, thus facilitating rapid removal of the cap and replacement of the filter element therein.