Inlet filter and method of use

A system comprising:

• a plurality of inlet filters configured to be coupled together to filter a feed stream to a storm sewer inlet, the plurality of inlet filters comprising a first inlet filter, a second inlet filter and a connecting filter;
• each inlet filter in the plurality of inlet filters comprising:
• a frame;
• filter material;
• a feed stream inlet configured to receive the feed stream, the feed stream comprising a fluid and solid materials carried by the fluid;
• and
• a filtrate outlet down stream of the feed stream inlet and configured to discharge a filtrate stream comprising at least a portion of the fluid in the feed stream that passes through the filter material and any solid materials that pass through the filter material;
• the frame being configured so that an exterior of the frame is shaped like a wedge, the frame comprising a thick portion configured so that the thick portion is too thick to pass through a reference rectangle and the frame comprising a narrow portion opposite the thick portion, the narrow portion configured so that the narrow portion is thin enough to be inserted into the reference rectangle;
• and
• the thick portion of the frame comprising the feed stream inlet;
• the connecting filter comprising a first side portion and a second side portion opposite the first side portion, the first side portion of the connecting filter configured to be coupled to and to slidably engage the first inlet filter, and the second side portion of the connecting filter configured to be coupled to and to slidably engage the second inlet filter;
• the frame of the connecting filter being configured so that a lower surface of a top portion of the frame of the connecting filter can be spaced from an upper surface of a top portion of the frame of the first inlet filter, an upper surface of a top portion of the frame of the second inlet filter, or any combination thereof, thereby facilitating slidability of the connecting filter relative to the first inlet filter, the second inlet filter or any combination thereof;
• and
• the system configured so that a frontal top portion of the frame of the connecting filter is separable from a front portion of the frame of the connecting filter to provide a discontinuity in the frame of the connecting filter, the frame of the connecting filter comprising a flexible material configured to permit the frontal top portion of the frame of the connecting filter to be moved away from the front portion of the frame of the connecting filter.