Filter element and method for manufacture thereof and micro-filtration filter having the filter element

摘要

A filter element includes unit members and spacers interposed one each between adjacent ones of the unit members. Each unit member includes a supporting plate having a pair of planar porous membranes joined to the opposite surfaces thereof and also having an opening for insertion of a spacer and removal of a cleaned fluid. The opening has an inner peripheral surface and a stepped part. Each spacer having an outer peripheral part and a stepped part. The stepped part of the opening of one unit member and the outer peripheral part of one spacer define a first axial seal part therebetween, and the inner peripheral surface of the opening of another unit member and the stepped part of the one spacer define a second axial seal part therebetween. The unit members and spacers are interconnected by tightly joining the supporting plates and the spacers at the first and second axial seal parts. The filter element is manufactured by forming the first axial seal part by means of thermal fusion in the axial direction, forming the second axial seal part by means of thermal fusion in the axial direction, and repeating the formation of the first and second seal parts. A micro-filtration filter has the filter element accommodated therein.