Non-woven depth filter element

The present invention relates to the field of fluid filtration, and in particular to depth filters. Specifically, the present invention relates to depth filters formed from non-woven melt-blown polymeric fibers. A new non-woven depth filter element is formed in a continuous process whereby a mass of very fine diameter polymer filaments overlaid by mass of larger diameter polymer filaments are continuously accumulated on a spinning mandrel and advanced along and off of the mandrel by a press roller. An inner cylindrical surface of the cumulative filament mass forming the depth filter element is calendered, which facilitates insertion of a core member.