Multi-panel fluid filter with equalized contaminant passages

A filter (200) filters fluid flowing along an axial flow direction (14) and includes a plurality of panels (206, 208, 240, 242) of pleated filter elements (44), each filter element having a plurality of pleats defined by wall segments (50) extending along a transverse direction (210) between first and second sets of pleat tips at first and second sets of axially extending bend lines (46, 48), the transverse direction (210) being perpendicular to the axial direction (14). Each of the panels (206, 208, 240, 242) extends along a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the axial direction (14) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (210). The wall segments (50) extend axially between upstream and downstream ends (52, 54), and define axial flow channels (55) therebetween which are alternately sealed at the upstream and downstream ends. Transverse gaps (214, 236, 238, 244, 246, 248) are provided between panels and the housing at upstream and downstream ends (52, 54), providing additional fluid flow axially therethrough and equalized contaminant passages.