Patent attributes
A lateral filter, a method of its use, and a system incorporating at least one lateral filter are provided. The lateral filter includes a filter screen that includes a screen wire and screen support rod comprise a non-metallic material and are a unitary, integrated, inseparable, and singular component. In using the lateral filter, a fluid entrained with solids is introduced through an exterior-facing side and permeate forms in the interior of the filter. The solids remaining in the permeate, if any, have a smallest dimension that is less than a width of a slot in the filter screen. The permeate passes from the interior of the lateral filter. Lateral filters may be incorporated into a system comprising many lateral filter, such as sand filter is configured to filter raw seawater.