What Is the Difference Between SelfCleaning and Backwashing Filters

JX Filtration September 17, 2025 Self Cleaning Filter

Fundamental Difference: Completely Different Working Principles

Although both are called “automatic filters,” their cleaning mechanisms are essentially different.

Cleaning Mechanism: Mechanical brushing + discharge. A motor drives a brush or scraper to physically remove impurities attached to the inner surface of the filter screen.
Process: Normal filtration → pressure differential/time trigger → motor starts, brush rotates and scrapes → drain valve opens briefly → impurities discharged → system resumes normal filtration.
Key Feature: Relies on mechanical force to directly remove deposits.

Cleaning Mechanism: Hydraulic reverse flushing. By reversing the flow direction, impurities on the filter screen are carried away by the countercurrent water flow.
Process: Normal filtration → pressure differential/time trigger → actuator switches flow path → reverse flushing water flow forms (from inside to outside or vice versa) → drain valve opens → impurities discharged with high-speed water flow → system resumes normal filtration.
Key Feature: Relies on hydraulic force to wash away deposits.