A method of utilizing a filter having a filter body removing solid particles from a fluid, in order to extend the life cycle of the filter body before cleaning or replacement thereof is required, characterized in applying to the fluid, upstream of the filter body, an AC electrical field of a frequency and intensity to agglomerate solid particles in the fluid reaching the filter body, such as to reduce the number of smaller particles in the fluid tending to clog the filter body. Also described are a plurality of filter constructions for extending the life cycle of the filter body in accordance with the above method.