TUBULAR FILTER ELEMENT

There is disclosed an axially folded tubular filter element for the filtration of fluids. The ends of the radially extending folds are in abutment at the internal folds with a support core and in abutment at the externally facing folds internally with an outer support grid. The support has a plurality of perforations. The ends of the tubular filter element are enclosed by a cap which encloses the ends of the tubular filter element in a sealing manner. The outside of the support core which supports the internally facing fold edges has a series of outwardly extending corrugated sections with rounded corrugated outwardly extending ridges, and the said perforations are located in the valleys of the corrugations. The corrugated structure extends in a longitudinal direction, is relatively flat and runs in a circumferential direction. A drainage pathway is also supplied along the outer surface of the support core.