A filter assembly is disclosed for use in connection with the filtration
of products transported via pipelines, including high pressure gas
pipelines. The disclosed filter assembly is comprised of a plurality of
filter modules, a series of valves, inlet and outlet ports, connective
piping, and spool pieces. The filter assembly will temporarily redirect
flow from the pipeline, through one or more filter assemblies, and back
into the original pipeline a short distance downstream from the original
takeout point. If flanged connections are not readily available for a
particular section of pipeline, the filter assembly can be connected to
virtually any section of pipe through "hot tapping" technology, which
allows a valve to be placed on an active and pressurized section of
pipeline. The filter assembly of the present invention allows the
operator to replace expired filtering members by shifting product flow
from one filter module to another, thereby avoiding the need to take the
pipeline out of service during filtering operations. The filter assembly
may also be mounted on a skid and/or a mobile trailer.