Filtration is a separation process used to remove solids from liquids by passing them through a porous medium, called the filter medium. The document discusses various theories, equipment, and applications of filtration in pharmaceutical processes, such as sterile product production and wastewater treatment. It also covers equations like Darcy's and Kozeny-Carman for calculating filtration rates, as well as different types of filters, including plate and frame filter presses and cartridge filters.