Method and apparatus for increasing the operating lifetime of gas filters by an acoustic field

A method for slowing down the increase in pressure drop across a gas filter caused by clogging as a result of a contaminant particles layer being formed on the filter. The method includes applying acoustic waves from an acoustic wave source to a gas to be filtered as it flows into the filter; thereby producing steady secondary acoustic streaming around dust particles already deposited on the filter, thus reducing pressure drop across the filter initially caused by clogging.