High capacity filter media, method of use in filtration and method of formation

A method of depth filtration wherein a sheet of depth filter media is adapted for use in a filter press to separate a chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber and wherein fluid to be filtered is caused to flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber through the depth filter media sheet, comprising the steps of

• selecting the depth filter media sheet to include a filter septum layer adjacent a wet strength layer with one lateral surface of the depth filter media sheet formed by the filter septum layer and an opposite lateral surface of the depth filter media sheet formed by the wet strength layer, the filter septum layer being formed as a matrix from a furnish of both an initial fiber providing substantial loft and porosity throughout the thickness of the depth filter septum layer and a second relatively fine fiber for reducing pore size developed in the filter septum layer by the initial fiber and for structurally reinforcing the initial fiber,
• arranging the depth filter media sheet between filter plates of the filter press with a lateral surface of the filter septum layer being substantially totally exposed to the inlet chamber so that the porous depth of the filter septum layer is available for receiving and capturing particulate solids from a fluid passing through the depth filter media from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber, a lateral surface of the wet strength layer being exposed to the outlet chamber, and
• initiating a depth filtration process with fluid flowing into the inlet chamber and contacting the totally exposed lateral surface of the filter septum layer so that particulate solids from the fluid are received and captured throughout the porous depth of the filter septum layer.