A voraxial separation system having an auxiliary filter is disclosed for
separating flowable composite media into components. The voraxial
separation system receives a flowing stream of composite media and
utilizes centrifugal force to separate the stream into component radial
layers according to specific gravity whereafter one or more radial layers
may be extracted from the stream. An auxiliary filtration apparatus
includes a conduit having a flowable media input, a generally cylindrical
filter disposed within the conduit, and filtered and unfiltered media
outlets. An elongate spray tube is disposed within the tubular filter
substantially adjacent to the radially inner surface of the filter. The
spray tube is fluidly connected to a pressurized fluid source and defines
a plurality of spray outlets disposed in a direction radially outward so
as to direct pressurized fluid onto the cylindrical filter from the
filter interior thereof to clean the filter of accumulated substances. A
rotational drive system provides powered rotation of the spray tube, and
a spectrophotometer assembly monitors the accumulation of component
medium on the filter and adjusts rotation speed of the spray tube in
response to filter loading.