Automatic Self-Cleaning Filters
An automatic self-cleaning filter removes solids from a liquid stream continuously, renewing its own filter media without stopping the flow — no cartridges, no bags, no operator. The K Factor filter has run on automotive paint lines, machining coolant and process water since 1987.
The K Factor filter — six sizes
| Model | Flow GPM | Flow LPM | Inlet | Outlet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K70 | 70 | 265 | 2" | 3" |
| K150 | 150 | 568 | 3" | 4" |
| K300 | 300 | 1,136 | 4" | 6" |
| K600 | 600 | 2,271 | 6" | 8" |
| K1100 | 1,100 | 4,164 | 8" | 10" |
| K1500 | 1,500 | 5,678 | 10" | 12" |
Flow rated at 25 micron nominal; K1500 rated at 50 micron.
- Body
- Powder-coated carbon steel or 304 stainless steel
- Controls
- Allen-Bradley Micro850 PLC with Optix touchscreen HMI
- Media
- Roll media, selected for the application; media-out sensor
- Options
- Inlet valves, float shower, overflow protection, rewinder, tank-mounted with pump and level control, top cover with window, 240/380/575 V feeds
How it works
Even distribution
The liquid enters through a header box that spreads it evenly across the media.
Solids captured
The dirty liquid is held between two sealing wheels and the media captures the solids.
Automatic cleaning cycle
As the liquid level rises, a float starts the cleaning cycle: fresh media advances in, soiled media exits.
Filtered liquid returns
Filtered liquid returns to the process.
What it replaces
Stopping the line to change filters
Every bag and cartridge change is a stop. A self-cleaning filter advances media on its own while the line runs.
Heavy lids and manual bag changes
Multi-bag housings need two people and sometimes a winch. Here the operator loads a roll and walks away.
Consumables and labour
Bags, cartridges and the hours to change them show up every month. Roll media and an unattended cycle do not.
Proven on the line
A Tier-1 automotive assembly plant in the US has run K Factor filters on its paint pretreatment line for more than ten years, with the same operating cycle described above.
Named references available on request.
Four variants on the same principle
CMF — Compact Media Filter
Small footprint. Full performance.
The same principle in a compact, vertically stacked design for lathes, machining centres and parts washers.
Heavy Sludge Filter
Built for high-solids loading.
For heavy particle loads such as grinding swarf, paint sludge and mill scale.
Plastic Filter
Corrosion-resistant by design.
Made from chemical-resistant plastics selected for the process liquid and corrosive agents.
Questions
What is an automatic self-cleaning filter?
An automatic self-cleaning filter removes solids from a liquid stream continuously, renewing its own filter media without stopping the flow — no cartridges, no bags, no operator.
How is it different from a bag or cartridge filter?
A bag or cartridge holds the solids until someone stops the flow and changes it. A self-cleaning filter advances fresh media automatically when the old media is loaded, so the flow never stops and nobody changes anything.
What micron rating does it filter to?
25 micron nominal on the standard units; media is selected per application, and the K1500 is rated at 50 micron.
Send us your process
Flow, what the solids are, and what the filter feeds. We study it before we quote.