Filter element

A filter element adapted to be sealingly clamped in a filter housing. The element comprises a porous hollow cylindrical integral self-supporting bonded fibrous structure. The structure has thermally melt bonded to at least one end thereof, a thermoplastic polymer closed cell foam sealing gasket. The gasket is adapted to provide a sealing surface between the end of the cartridge and the sealing edge of the filter housing. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing edges of the filter housing used in conjunction with the aforedescribed filter element comprises at least two circular sealing edges concentric to the axis of the cylindrical filter element. Such a combination provides a means for determining whether there is leakage past the sealing edges by the discoloration of the sealing gasket area between the concentric sealing edges by the liquid being filtered.