How Different Types of Self-Cleaning Filters Work

Self-cleaning filters work differently depending on their type: mechanically cleaned or tubular backwash. Mechanically cleaned filters use internal wiping discs that sweep debris away while your system continues running. Tubular backwash filters reverse the water flow to flush away trapped particles when pressure builds up. 

Both auto clean filter systems protect your equipment and improve efficiency by cleaning themselves routinely based on parameters you set.

How Automatic Self-Cleaning Filters Operate

Self-cleaning filtration systems use pressure differentials as triggers for cleaning cycles.

When debris collects on the screen, pressure increases between inlet and outlet points.

Once this differential reaches the preset threshold (typically 7psi), the system activates its filtration cleaning mechanism.

The filter continues processing fluid during this entire cleaning cycle—maintaining productivity without interruption.

Benefits of Choosing Self-Cleaning Water Filters

Self cleaning water filter technology offers several advantages over traditional manual filters:

• Reduced maintenance time. These systems let you forget about regular cleaning schedules and focus on your core operations instead.
• Lower operating costs. You get more productive hours and spend less on maintenance because your system rarely needs to shut down.
• Continuous operation. Your processes keep running even when filters are cleaning themselves, so you never lose production time.
• Remote location friendly. They’re ideal when you have installations in places where sending technicians is expensive and time-consuming.

How Mechanically Cleaned Filters Work

Mechanically cleaned filters are straightforward but ingenious solutions for self cleaning filtration. They use a stainless steel housing that contains a cylindrical screen where all the filtering happens.

When water flows into the filter, it passes through this screen with solid particles getting trapped on the inside surface. The clean water continues flowing out while the contaminants stay behind, gradually building up on the screen.

What makes these filters special is how they clean themselves without stopping your system. When the filter needs cleaning—either based on time, pressure differences, or when you manually activate it—a clever mechanism kicks in.

The cleaning happens through a simple but effective process:

• A spring-loaded disc moves up and down inside the filter
• This disc wipes the screen clean as it moves, like a squeegee
• The debris gets pushed down to the bottom of the housing
• During the downward movement, a flush valve opens briefly
• All the collected debris gets expelled from the system

“Your water keeps flowing the entire time, meaning no interruptions to your operations while this filter automatic system maintains itself.

How Tubular Backwash Filters Work

Tubular backwash filters take a completely different approach to keep themselves clean. These systems are particularly good at handling high water flow with smaller granular particles.

Unlike mechanical filters, tubular systems direct water from the outside of the filter element inward. This means all the debris collects on the outside of the filter rather than the inside.

As particles build up on the exterior surface, the system monitors the pressure difference across the filter. When that difference reaches a certain point, it knows it’s time to clean itself.

The cleaning process is elegant in its simplicity:

• The system reverses the water flow direction
• This backward flow pushes trapped particles off the filter surface
• All the dislodged debris gets flushed away
• The waste and contaminants exit through a drain
• Normal filtration immediately resumes afterward

These self cleaning water filter systems come in two main types: external models that use fresh water for cleaning, and internal versions that use the existing process fluid to flush away contaminants.

Key Differences Between Filter Types

While both systems effectively clean themselves, they work in fundamentally different ways.

Feature	Mechanically Cleaned Filters	Tubular Backwash Filters
Particle Collection	Interior filter surface	Exterior filter surface
Flow Direction	Inside to outside	Outside to inside
Cleaning Mechanism	Physical wiping disc	Reverse flow pressure
Best For	Varied contaminant types	Granular particles
Flow Rate Handling	Moderate flow rates	High flow rates
Maintenance Needs	Very low	Very low
Installation Footprint	Larger	More compact

Both deliver excellent filtration cleaning performance, but each excels in specific applications.

Choosing the Right Self-Cleaning Filtration System

When selecting between self cleaning filtration options, consider these important factors:

• Application requirements Evaluate your flow rates, pressure capabilities, and the types of contaminants present in your system.
• Particle characteristics Mechanical filters generally handle sticky or fibrous materials better, whereas tubular backwash systems excel with granular particles.
• Space constraints Consider which design fits better within your existing infrastructure and available footprint.
• Maintenance capabilities While both systems are low-maintenance, understand your team’s capacity to monitor and service each type.

If you’re looking for quality filtration products, our collection of strainers includes options for various applications, from Y-strainers to basket designs. Whether you need to filter out large debris or capture fine particulates, we have filtration solutions engineered for optimal performance in your specific industrial environment.

Conclusion

Self-cleaning filters represent a significant upgrade for any industrial water system. Whether you choose mechanically cleaned or tubular backwash technology, these auto clean filter systems deliver consistent performance with minimal maintenance requirements.

As filtration cleaning technology continues to advance, these systems become even more efficient and adaptable. Consider upgrading to a self cleaning water filter system today to experience the difference in your operations—cleaner water, consistent pressure, and significantly less maintenance headaches.