The CanFil filter is a fully automatic, backwash system that operates continuously. Small diameter wedgewire or metal fiber fabric candles are used to capture solid particles on their inside surface. After a preset pressure differential has been reached as a result of solids build-up on the surface of the candles, one or alternatively two candles are isolated and cleaned at a time. During this step, a small volume of unfiltered fluid is used for backwashing while filtration continues during the sequence.