FILTER ELEMENT WITH FLOW DIRECTING END CAP

摘要

A filter element (16) includes a ring of filtration media (54) circumscribing a central axis, and first and second end caps (60, 62). The first end cap (60) includes i) an annular body portion (66) defining a central opening (68) around the central axis, sealingly bonded to the first end of the media ring (54), ii) an annular sealing ring (80) having an annular, peripheral resilient sealing portion (82); and iii) axial support stanchions (98) around the periphery of the body portion (66). The stanchions (98) support the sealing ring (80) at a location spaced apart from the body portion (66), and define radial flow openings (92) between adjacent stanchions (90). One or more non-radial flow members (94a, 94b) extend from each stanchion (90) along the outer surface (72) of the annular body portion (66) to direct flow in a spiral or helical manner, where the flow then passes through the flow openings (92) and downwardly along the outer surface of the media (54) in a swirling manner.