Figure 1:  The ML3 filter design has a series of patent-applied-for baffles and vents built right into the case itself. The baffles prevent any solids that might potentially rise up from the sludge layer via gas bubbles to be diverted from entering the filter case and therefore entering the filter itself. Those solids that do find their way into the case then encounter a large “quiet zone” or settling area. Research has shown that increasing the size of the flow path decreases velocity of effluent, allowing more solids to fall back into the septic tank. Keeping solids out of your filter and increases the service life of the filter.

Figure 2:  Inevitably, some solids do find their way into the filter cartridge. Fortunately, the innovative design features of the ML3 series of filters do not end with the case. The patent-applied-for multiple baffle walls nested between inclined settling plates not only at least doubles the amount of filtration in a more compact size than other filters currently on the market, but allows solids that do make it inside to easily settle back into the septic tank instead of becoming trapped inside the cartridge. If small diameter solids do make it all the way through the filter, they are presented with a second “quiet zone” to again promote settling. And because the baffles’ design allows flow to be both under and over the baffle wall, these solids can easily settle back into the septic tank.

Figure 3:  It has been common practice for companies to design filters with very small inlet openings for the effluent to enter the filter. These openings, generally less than 3 square inches, cause an increase velocity of flow, which as a natural process carries all those solids right along with that flow. Not only does a small inlet for the effluent increase velocity, but as everyone knows in septic applications, the inlet can easily become blocked by debris such as wrappers from various products routinely flushed down toilets. Even considering multiple openings commonly found on filter plates, calculating inlet surface area usually adds up to less than 40 square inches. Because of the Bear Onsite filter’s unique design, inlet surface area on the ML3-916 and ML3-932 filter cartridges is 96+ square inches; yet is achieved in a more compact and efficient package.

Figure 4:  This animated clip gives you a glimpse inside the filter cartridge. Notice the three distinct baffle walls with flow going both under and over. The first baffle blocks large solids from entering the cartridge. Then, the two subsequent baffles remove progressively smaller and smaller-sized solids. It’s like having three filters, placed in series inside the same septic tank. One filter, three times the filtration power!