Continuous filtration
The filter surface is cleaned without routinely stopping the filtration process to replace a disposable element.
Industrial liquid filtration
Industrial Self-Cleaning Filters for Continuous Liquid Filtration
Filtra International supplies stainless-steel self-cleaning wedge wire filters for continuous removal of suspended solids from water, paints, coatings, adhesives, resins, oils, chemicals and other industrial process liquids.
The FSC range combines a precision wedge wire filter element with a mechanical scraper cleaning system, allowing accumulated solids to be removed from the filter surface while filtration continues. This reduces reliance on disposable filter bags and cartridges and can significantly reduce maintenance in high-solids and demanding process applications.
25–3000 µm
DN25–DN100
Up to 70 m³/h
Stainless steel
Made in the EU
Technology explained
What is a self-cleaning filter?
A self-cleaning filter is an industrial liquid filtration system that removes suspended solids from a process fluid while automatically cleaning its reusable filter surface.
In a scraper-type self-cleaning filter, the process liquid flows through a cylindrical wedge wire element from the outside to the inside. Solids remain on the outer filter surface and are mechanically removed by a scraper. The separated contamination collects in a lower sediment chamber and can then be discharged from the filter housing.
Reusable wedge wire element
Precision stainless-steel wedge wire provides a strong, reusable filtration surface with ratings from 25 to 3000 µm.
Mechanical scraper cleaning
A motor-driven scraper removes deposited solids from the screen, making the technology particularly useful for high-solids and more viscous process liquids.
Operating principle
How does a self-cleaning wedge wire filter work?
The FSC system uses external-to-internal filtration combined with mechanical surface cleaning and controlled solids discharge.
1
Liquid enters the filter
Unfiltered process liquid enters the stainless-steel housing and reaches the outside of the cylindrical wedge wire element.
2
Particles are retained
Liquid passes through the precision slots while particles larger than the selected filtration gap remain on the external screen surface.
3
The screen is scraped clean
A geared motor rotates the internal assembly so the scraper removes accumulated contamination from the wedge wire surface.
4
Solids are discharged
Removed solids settle in the lower chamber and are discharged using system pressure, manually or through an automated discharge arrangement.
FSC filter range
Select an industrial self-cleaning filter
The FSC range covers compact process filtration through to high-flow industrial systems. Connection size, required flow, viscosity, solids loading and filtration rating should all be considered when selecting a model.
Compact self-cleaning filter
FSC-50
For lower-flow industrial liquid filtration and compact process installations.
ConnectionsDN25 / DN32 / DN40
Max. reference flow3.5 m³/h
Filtration25–3000 µm
PressureUp to 16 bar
DN50 self-cleaning filter
FSC-70
Medium-capacity scraper filter for industrial process and liquid filtration.
ConnectionDN50
Max. reference flow13 m³/h
Filtration25–3000 µm
Pressure0–10 bar*
DN65 self-cleaning filter
FSC-110
Medium-to-high capacity filtration for demanding industrial process systems.
ConnectionDN65
Max. reference flow25 m³/h
Filtration25–3000 µm
Pressure0–10 bar*
DN80 self-cleaning filter
FSC-175
Higher-capacity continuous filtration for industrial liquids and process lines.
ConnectionDN80
Max. reference flow35 m³/h
Filtration25–3000 µm
Pressure0–10 bar*
DN100 high-flow filter
FSC-325
Large filtration area for higher-flow and demanding industrial applications.
ConnectionDN100
Max. reference flow70 m³/h
Filtration25–3000 µm
Pressure0–10 bar*
Manual alternative
FSC-50M
A simple manual wedge wire alternative for lower-flow filtration applications.
Connections1" BSP / DN25
Max. reference flow3.5 m³/h
Filtration25–3000 µm
PressureUp to 16 bar
* FSC-70, FSC-110, FSC-175 and FSC-325 are rated for 0–10 bar in the standard configuration; higher pressure configurations up to 16 bar may be available on request. Reference flow capacities are based on water at approximately 100 µm. Actual capacity depends on viscosity, solids concentration, filtration rating and process conditions.
Technical comparison
FSC self-cleaning filter specifications
Compare standard connection sizes, reference flow capacities, filtration ratings and operating limits across the FSC industrial filter range.
| Model | Cleaning | Connection | Max. reference flow | Filtration | Operating pressure | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSC-50 | Motor-driven scraper | DN25 / DN32 / DN40 | Approx. 3.5 m³/h | 25–3000 µm | 0–16 bar | +10 to +80 °C |
| FSC-70 | Motor-driven scraper | DN50 | Approx. 13 m³/h | 25–3000 µm | 0–10 bar* | +10 to +80 °C |
| FSC-110 | Motor-driven scraper | DN65 | Approx. 25 m³/h | 25–3000 µm | 0–10 bar* | +10 to +80 °C |
| FSC-175 | Motor-driven scraper | DN80 | Approx. 35 m³/h | 25–3000 µm | 0–10 bar* | +10 to +80 °C |
| FSC-325 | Motor-driven scraper | DN100 | Approx. 70 m³/h | 25–3000 µm | 0–10 bar* | +10 to +80 °C |
| FSC-50M | Manual | 1" BSP / DN25 | Approx. 3.5 m³/h | 25–3000 µm | 0–16 bar | +10 to +80 °C |
Reference maximum flows are indicative values for water at approximately 100 µm. They should not be used as the sole sizing criterion. Viscosity, solids loading, pressure drop, temperature and required filtration rating can significantly affect the required filter size. *Up to 16 bar configurations may be available on request.
Choosing the right technology
Self-cleaning scraper filter vs backwash, Bernoulli, bag and cartridge filters
There is no single filtration technology that is best for every liquid. The correct choice depends on particle type, viscosity, solids concentration, filtration rating and whether the process can tolerate regular filter changes.
| Filter technology | Often suitable for | Main advantage | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scraper / wedge wire self-cleaning filter | Viscous liquids, coatings, resins, oils, adhesives and high-solids process fluids | Mechanical cleaning with a reusable screen and no routine disposable filter changes | Application must be checked for particle shape, required filtration rating and screen compatibility |
| Backwash filter | Water and relatively low-viscosity liquids | Automatic cleaning using reverse liquid flow | Requires sufficient hydraulic conditions for effective backwashing |
| Bernoulli self-cleaning filter | Cooling water, process water and other water-like liquids | Automatic cleaning with very limited interruption to main flow | Generally more application-specific for water-like fluids and particle characteristics |
| Bag filter | General industrial filtration and processes with moderate solids loading | Simple and economical initial installation | Filter bags require replacement and disposal |
| Cartridge filter | Fine and polishing filtration | Very broad choice of media and fine retention ratings | High solids loads can result in frequent cartridge replacement |
Industrial applications
Where are self-cleaning filters used?
Scraper-type self-cleaning filters are particularly useful where suspended solids must be removed continuously and disposable filter changes create excessive maintenance, product loss or process downtime.
Industrial water
Removal of suspended particles in process water, recirculation systems and equipment-protection applications.
Paints & coatings
Filtration of paint, coatings, dispersions and related process liquids where accumulated solids must be removed efficiently.
Adhesives & resins
Mechanical self-cleaning filtration for viscous adhesive, resin and polymer processes.
Oils & lubricants
Removal of particulate contamination from industrial oils, lubricants and recirculating process fluids.
Chemicals & solvents
Stainless-steel filtration systems can be configured according to chemical compatibility, temperature and seal requirements.
Emulsions & coolants
Continuous removal of suspended contamination in industrial emulsions and cooling-lubricant systems.
Polymer processing
Useful for polyurethane and other process fluids where viscosity and solids loading can make disposable filtration inefficient.
Food process liquids
Selected configurations can be used for suitable food-process liquids where materials, seals and cleanability meet the application requirements.
Filter sizing
How to select the correct self-cleaning filter
Flow rate alone is not enough to correctly size an industrial self-cleaning filter. The required filtration area and cleaning behaviour depend on the complete process conditions.
- Required flow rate in m³/h or l/min
- Required filtration rating in micron
- Liquid type and viscosity
- Particle type, size and solids concentration
- Operating pressure and temperature
- Required pipe connection such as DN50, DN65, DN80 or DN100
- Seal and material compatibility
- Manual, timed or differential-pressure controlled discharge
Quick capacity reference
FSC model selection by reference flow
Up to 3.5 m³/h
FSC-50
Up to 13 m³/h
FSC-70 · DN50
Up to 25 m³/h
FSC-110 · DN65
Up to 35 m³/h
FSC-175 · DN80
Up to 70 m³/h
FSC-325 · DN100
Reference values are based on water at approximately 100 µm and do not replace an application-specific sizing calculation.
Construction & compliance
Industrial stainless-steel construction
FSC self-cleaning filters are manufactured in the EU for demanding industrial liquid-filtration applications. Materials and sealing configurations are selected according to the process fluid and operating conditions.
Stainless-steel construction
FSC-70, FSC-110, FSC-175 and FSC-325 configurations typically use 1.4404 / 1.4571 stainless steel for the housing and 1.4404 stainless steel for the wedge wire filter element.
Seal options
Seal materials can be selected according to chemical and temperature compatibility, with EPDM, FKM/Viton and PTFE options available depending on model and configuration.
PED 2014/68/EU
Pressure-equipment conformity is specified according to the European Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. The applicable classification and documentation depend on filter model and final configuration.
Higher pressure ratings, alternative seals, electrical configurations, surface finishes and explosion-protected drive options may be available depending on application requirements. Confirm the final specification before ordering.
Technical FAQ
Frequently asked questions about self-cleaning filters
What is a self-cleaning filter?
A self-cleaning filter continuously removes suspended solids from a liquid using a reusable filter element that is cleaned during operation. In the FSC range, a stainless-steel wedge wire element is mechanically cleaned by a scraper.
How does a scraper-type self-cleaning filter work?
Process liquid flows through the wedge wire element from outside to inside. Solids accumulate on the external surface, where a motor-driven scraper removes them. The solids collect in the lower chamber and are discharged from the housing.
What micron ratings are available?
The FSC wedge wire range is available from approximately 25 to 3000 µm. Common ratings include 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 µm. The correct rating depends on the particle size and required process result.
Which connection sizes are available?
The FSC range includes connection sizes from DN25 through DN100. Standard configurations include FSC-70 DN50, FSC-110 DN65, FSC-175 DN80 and FSC-325 DN100. The FSC-50 is available with DN25, DN32 and DN40 options, while the FSC-50M also offers a 1-inch BSP configuration.
Which FSC model do I need for my flow rate?
Reference maximum flows are approximately 3.5 m³/h for FSC-50, 13 m³/h for FSC-70, 25 m³/h for FSC-110, 35 m³/h for FSC-175 and 70 m³/h for FSC-325. These figures are reference values for water at approximately 100 µm; viscosity, solids loading and process conditions must also be considered.
Can self-cleaning filters handle viscous liquids?
Yes. Mechanical scraper filters can be particularly suitable for viscous process liquids because contamination is physically removed from the screen surface instead of relying only on reverse liquid flow. Final suitability depends on viscosity, solids characteristics and filtration rating.
Can an FSC filter be used as a self-cleaning water filter?
Yes, FSC filters can be used for suitable industrial water applications. For cooling water or process water, the best filtration technology should be selected according to solids load, particle characteristics, flow rate and required micron rating.
Does filtration stop while the filter cleans itself?
The motor-driven FSC scraper system is designed to clean the wedge wire surface while filtration continues. Collected solids can subsequently be discharged from the sediment chamber using system pressure.
What is the difference between a scraper filter and a backwash filter?
A scraper filter mechanically removes solids from the filter surface, whereas a backwash filter uses reverse liquid flow to clean the screen. Scraper filters can be advantageous for viscous or adhesive liquids, while backwashing is often well suited to water-like liquids.
What materials are FSC self-cleaning filters made from?
The range uses industrial stainless-steel construction. Larger FSC models typically use 1.4404 / 1.4571 stainless steel housings and 1.4404 wedge wire elements. Seal materials are selected according to process compatibility.
What pressure and temperature can the filters handle?
FSC-70, FSC-110, FSC-175 and FSC-325 standard configurations operate from 0 to 10 bar, with higher-pressure versions up to 16 bar available on request. Typical operating temperature is +10 to +80 °C. The FSC-50 is rated up to 16 bar.
Are FSC self-cleaning filters manufactured in the EU?
Yes. The FSC range is manufactured in the EU. Pressure-equipment conformity is specified according to PED 2014/68/EU, with the applicable classification and documentation depending on the selected model and configuration.
Can solids discharge be automated?
Yes. Depending on the process, solids discharge can be manual, time-controlled or integrated with differential-pressure monitoring and an automated discharge valve.
Engineering support
Not sure which self-cleaning filter fits your process?
Send us your liquid type, flow rate, required micron rating, operating pressure, temperature and connection size. Filtra International can help determine the appropriate filter size and configuration for your application.