Deep media filter

A deep media filter for removing suspended solids from a liquid flow, which includes:

• a filter casing having a liquid inlet port, a liquid outlet port, and a filter bed composed of a volume of granular filter media and located between said inlet port and said outlet port;
• and
• a screen, selectably movable between a first operative position and a second operative position within said filter casing, whereat in said first operative position said screen maintains said filter bed in a packed state so as to permit filtration therethrough of a liquid flow from said inlet port to said outlet port, and whereat in said second operative position said screen does not maintain said filter bed in a packed state such that in the presence of a liquid flow from said inlet port to said outlet port said volume of filter media expands so as to enable separation therefrom of suspended solids accumulated during filtration of the liquid flow therethrough;
• whereat in said second operative position, said screen is positioned so as to be protected from suspended solids carried in a flow of liquid from said inlet port to said outlet port;
• said filter further including a buffer plate disposed within a downstream end portion of said filter casing transversely to a direction of flow of liquid from said inlet port to said outlet port, and operative to divert a flow of liquid about itself, such that in said second operative position said screen is positioned immediately upstream of said buffer plate, and suspended solids carried in a liquid flow from said inlet port to said outlet port flow around said screen and said buffer plate.