apparatus for removing suspended solids from electroplating solutions and the like includes a housed cluster of slotted plastic tubes about which are fitted fabric filter sleeves and through which the solution is normally forced into the tubes continuously in the course of filtering . the process is interrupted relatively briefly when likely to be impaired by solids build - up , and flushing with water at a common utility - source pressure is then uniquely valved to take place in the reversed direction sequentially through the several sleeves by way of relatively slender sparger pipes each mated within a companion one of the slotted tubes and proportioned to spray a multiplicity of fine high - velocity streams through the slots and forcefully directly against the surrounding filter sleeving , to dislodge particulate material for drainage .