KR20010072032A - Filter assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter assembly comprising a metal housing (10, 50) having casings (11, 51) surrounding the filter elements (12, 52). The casings 11, 51 include inlets 27, 80 and outlets 29, 78 for supplying fluid to the filter elements 12, 52 and for removing the filtered fluid. Casings 11 and 51 are self-supporting. In the second aspect, the filter elements 12, 52 have open centers filled by members 14, 54 that reduce the volume of the centers. Head elements 22, 62 are provided for the filter element and comprise a first passage leading to the center of the filter element and a second passage leading to the outer surface of the filter element. The filter element may comprise a filter element 52 having a first end closed by a head member 62 providing first and second passages with a second end closed by an end cap 53, The head member 62 includes a portion substantially the same as the end cap 53 and has a hole 66 leading to the first passage 78.

Description

Filter Assembly {FILTER ASSEMBLIES}

One form of known filter assembly includes a filter element contained within a housing. The housing includes an inlet for supplying the fluid to be filtered to the filter element and an outlet for removing the filtered fluid. In this filtration process, the filter element is gradually blocked from the fluid until it is replaced. For this purpose, the housing is opened so that the filter element is removed, processed and replaced.

This can be cumbersome because there will be fluid remaining in the housing and the material removed by the filter element can flow from the filter element taken from the housing. In addition to being cumbersome, this removal can be dangerous if the fluid being filtered presents a health hazard.

Many proposals have been made to solve this problem. In US-A-3344925, the housing is lined with a liner whose upper edge can be lifted or folded around the filter element, lifting the filter element from the haiing. GB-A-2176126 connects the filter element with an adapter and provides a thin film sleeve of membrane material around the filter element. EP-A-0555740 is similar to US-A-3344925 in that it provides a bag that can be wrapped around the filter element after the lid is detached from the housing. US 3684100 has a filter element in the form of a shell of thin plastic material with one end closed and the other open.

The present invention relates to a filter assembly.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a filter element, a casing (filter element is provided on the head member) formed by a head member surrounding the filter element and providing an inlet and an outlet, connecting with the head member A housing is provided that includes a casing and a filter assembly that includes a self-supporting bowl to receive the filter element.

"Self-supported" means that the bowl will retain its shape at room temperature when it is not supported by itself.

There may also be problems with this type of known filter assembly in which the filter element has an open center. That is, after use, it is filled with the volume of fluid to be treated with the filter element.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing comprising a filter element and having a housing having an inlet for a fluid to be filtered by the filter element and an outlet for the filtered fluid, the filter element having an open center through which a path between the inlet and the outlet is located. And an open center portion is provided that includes a member for reducing core volume.

Another problem with this type of known filter assembly is that the fluid passes at and from the inner and outer surfaces of the filter element.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a tubular filter element having a hollow center, an inner surface and an outer surface, an end cap for the end of the filter element, leading to a first path leading to the center of the filter element and to the outer surface of the filter element. A filter assembly is provided that includes a housing that includes a head member that provides a second path.

In this class of known filter assemblies, cost is a major factor. It is desirable to keep the number of parts to a minimum.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a first end and a second end comprise a tubular filter element, the first end being closed by a head member providing a first path and a second path, the second end being end caps. Closed by the head member, the head member includes a portion substantially the same as the end cap and is provided with a filter member having a hole leading to the first path.

In the following, some embodiments of the invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the drawings.

1 is a partially broken schematic cross-sectional view of a first filter assembly showing a housing, a casing and a filter element.

FIG. 2 is a plan view from the top of the tie tube of the filter assembly of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a partially broken schematic cross-sectional view of a second filter assembly showing the housing, casing and filter element.

In connection with FIG. 1, the first filter assembly comprises a housing, generally denoted 10, a casing, generally denoted 11, a filter element 12, an end cap 13 and a tie tube 14.

The housing 10 is made of metal, for example stainless steel, and includes a container 15 and a lid 16. The container 15 has a circular base 17 surrounded by a cylindrical side wall 18 which terminates at the upper end in the outwardly oriented cylindrical flange 19. The radially inner end of the top surface of the outer oriented flange 59 is formed in step 20 for the purpose described below.

The lid 16 is generally circular, the diameter of which is generally the same diameter as the diameter of the container 15 across the flange 19. The lid 16 has an outer circumferential surface that engages the flange 19 and may be connected to the flange 19 by fastening means such as bolts (not shown) or clamps (shown schematically with 45). As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 16 is provided in step 21 to extend around the container 15 between the flange 19 and the lid 16 in accordance with the step 20 of the cylindrical flange 19. Form a cylindrical channel.

The casing 11 is formed from a suitable plastic material and includes a head 22 and a bowl 23. The head 22 is shaped and comprises a generally disc shaped body 24 formed by the inlet passage 25 and the outlet passage 26. The inlet passage 25 extends through an inlet tube 27 protruding upward from the top surface 28 of the head 22. Similarly, the outlet passage 26 extends through the outlet tube 29 protruding upward through the upper surface 28 of the body 24. Both the inlet passage 25 and the outlet passage 26 are through towards the lower surface 31 of the body 24.

Both inlet tube 27 and outlet tube 29 are provided at their respective upper ends with respective cylindrical grooves 32 extending about the outer surfaces of the joined tubes 27, 29. These grooves 32 are adapted to receive connectors (not shown) at both ends of each inlet and outlet pipe to form a fluid sealing coupling between these pipes and the tubes 27, 29. Of course, other end shapes may be provided for cooperation with different connectors.

The inner surface 31 of the body 24 is provided with a cylindrical protruding knife edge 33. This extends into the filter element 12 in the manner described below.

The bowl 23 is molded from a plastic material. This can be translucent. The bowl 23 has a shape similar to the container 15 with a circular base 34 surrounded by an upright cylindrical sidewall 35 that terminates at its upper end in the outwardly directed cylindrical flange 36. The diameter of the bowl base 34 and the bowl sidewall 35 has a diameter shorter than the diameter of the casing vessel base 17 and the container sidewall 18. The bowl 23 is self-supporting, ie, the bowl 23 will maintain its shape when standing on the surface at room temperature and when not in use. To achieve this, the thickness of the bowl 23 will generally be greater than 0.50 mm.

The cylindrical flange 36 of the bowl 23 is welded to the periphery of the lower surface 31 of the head 22. Thus, the bowl forms a closed casing that is only accessed through the inlet tube 27 and the outlet tube 29. As shown in the figure, the welded peripheral edge of the head 22 and the bowl cylindrical flange 36 are received in a channel formed between the steps 20, 21 of the housing 10. This positions the casing 11 in the housing 50.

The end cap 13 is molded from a suitable plastic material and is generally disc shaped. The end cap 13 has an upper surface 37 formed by the cylindrical knife edge 38 and has an opening 39 extending between the upper surface 37 and the lower surface 40. The opening 39 is offset from the center of the end cap 13, the function of which will be described below.

The filter element 12 is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical outer surface and a cylindrical inner surface surrounding the open center of the element 12. The filter element may be formed from any suitable material, such as a fiber, and may or may not be pleated. The filter element may be provided with a wrap and drainage layer as needed. Suitable filter elements are known in the art and will not be described in detail. The perforated core 30, which may be formed of a plastic material, supports the cylindrical inner surface of the filter element 12. The diameter of the cylindrical inner surface is such that the inlet tube 27 and the outlet tube 29 are present in the imaginary extension of the cylindrical inner surface.

The filter element 12 has a radially extending upper cylindrical surface 41 and a radially extending lower cylindrical surface 42. The knife edge 33 in the head 22 protrudes towards the upper surface 41, and the knife edge 38 in the end cap 13 extends toward the lower surface 42. Thus, the head 22 acts as the upper end cap of the filter element 12. This positions filter element 22 with respect to head 22 and end cap 13. The filter element 12 is fixed in this position by a tie tube 14 connected between the head 22 and the end cap 13. The tie tube 14 shown in the cross section of FIG. 2 includes an outer tube 43 and an inner tube 44. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner tube 44 has an axis that is offset from the axis of the outer tube 43, and a portion of the inner tube 44 is formed by a portion of the outer tube 43.

The outer tube 43 is smaller than the inner diameter of the filter element 12 such that the inner surface of the filter element 12 is radially spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the outer tube 43. The diameter of the outer tube 43 is such that it comprises an inlet passage 25 but is radially spaced inwardly from the outlet passage 26. The inner tube 44 has a diameter similar to both the inlet passage 25 and the opening 39 of the end cap 13, and the inlet to form a continuous closed passage between the inlet passage 25 and the opening 39. Axially aligned with passage 25 and opening 39.

The tie tube 14 is welded to the inner surface 31 of the head 22 at one end and to the upper surface 41 of the end cap 13 at the other end. Thus, the tie tube fixes the filter element 12 in place of the head 22. In addition, the core 30 may also be welded.

In use, the inlet tube 27 is connected as described above to the inlet pipe that supplies the fluid to be filtered. The outlet tube 29 is connected to a receiver that receives the filtered fluid through a connector. As can be seen, the inlet tube 27 has an axial length that is smaller than the axial length of the outlet tube 29. This allows the inlet tube 27 and the outlet tube 29 to be positioned in close proximity to each other on the head body 24 while allowing the connector to be attached by sufficient access.

The fluid then passes through the pipe and inlet tube 27 before passing through the tie tube 14 and the inner tube 44 of the opening 39 at the end cap 13. In this way, the inner tube 44 acts as a delivery tube to guide the fluid into the bowl 23 and passes through the space between the end cap 13 and the base 34 to pass over the outer surface of the filter element 12. do. The fluid then moves radially inside the through core 30 and the filter element 12 into a cylindrical space between the core 30 and the outer surface of the outer tube 43 before passing through the outlet tube 29 and the outlet pipe. Pass in the direction. If the filter assembly is inoperative, a portion of the bowl 23 remote from the bowl flange 36 will have some space from the associated face of the container 15 as shown in the figure. This space is sufficient to lift the bowl 23 into and out of the container 15 and, at operating pressure, to support the container 15 when the bowl 23 is forced against the container 15. Small enough This action can also be influenced by the temperature of the fluid being filtered, where the fluid being filtered is at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature, which increases the flexibility of the bowl 23 and the bowl is not used at room temperature. The case will be forced against the container 15 despite being self-supporting.

If the filter element 12 needs to be changed, the connector to the tube is disconnected at the inlet tube 27 and the outlet tube 29. The lid 16 is removed from the container 15. The casing 11 can then be removed and placed in one piece. The casing is replaced by a fresh casing 11 with an associated filtration element 12, end cap 13, and tie tube 14, the lid 16 being reloaded into the container 15 to close the housing 10. Connected. The inlet pipe and outlet pipe can then be reconnected to the inlet tube 27 and outlet tube 29 respectively and resume filtration of the fluid.

Referring to FIG. 3, the second filter assembly includes a housing generally indicated as 50, a casing generally indicated as 51, a filter element 52, a lower end cap 53, and a tie tube 54. It includes.

The housing 50 is made of metal, for example stainless steel, and includes a container 55 and a lid 56. The container 55 has an annular base 57 surrounded by a cylindrical side wall 58 which terminates at the top end at the outwardly facing flange 59. The radially inner end of the top surface of the outwardly facing flange 59 is formed in step 60 for the purpose described below.

The lid 56 is generally circulated to a diameter that is generally equal to the diameter of the container 55 opposite the flange 59. The lid 56 has an outer circumferential surface mating with the flange 59 and can be coupled to the flange 59 by fastening means such as bolts (not shown) or clamps (shown schematically as 95). . As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 56 coincides with step 60 at the cylindrical flange 19 to form a cylindrical channel extending around the container 55 between the flange 55 and the lid 56. 61 is provided. The purpose of this will be explained below.

The casing 51 is formed of a suitable plastic material and includes a head member 62 and a bowl 53. Head member 62 includes a body formed of any suitable plastic material with molded upper end cap 64 coupled to head molding 65. The end cap 64 is a disc shaped portion like a plate, starting from the center, between the first (lower) face 67 of the end cap 54 and the second (top) face 68 of the end cap 64. It is provided in the hole 66 extending from. The inner cylindrical rib 69 surrounds the hole on the second face 68, and the second face 68 also carries an outer cylindrical rib 70 having a larger diameter than the inner rib 69 so that the inner rib ( 69 and has an axis starting from the axis of the end cap 64.

The head molding 65 is also a disk shaped portion like a plate but has a larger diameter than the upper end cap 64. The head molding 65 has an upper surface 71 and a lower surface 72. The cylindrical rebate 73 extends around the lower surface 72 around the head molding 65 for the following purposes. The head molding 65 is provided in the outlet hole 74 and the inlet hole 75. The inner cylindrical rib 76 extends around the outlet hole 74 on the bottom surface 72 of the head molding 65 and is connected to the inner rib 69 on the upper end cap 64. The two ribs 69, 76 in this way form a spacer that separates the upper end cap 64 and the head moldings holding these parts in parallel with each other. The outer cylindrical rib 77 is also provided on the lower surface 72 of the head molding 65. The outer cylindrical rib 77 surrounds the inner cylindrical rib 76 and is sized to fit and is connected to the outer rib 70 on the end cap 64. The two ribs 70, 77 thus separate the upper end cap 64 and the head molding 65 to form a second spacer so that the interior of the body of the head member 67 is concave. In this way, the opening 66 of the end cap 64, the inner ribs 69 on the end cap 64, the inner ribs 76 on the head molding 65, and the exit hole above the head molding 64 ( 74 forms a continuous passageway 99 through the head 632. This passage is continued by an outlet tube 78 which projects upwardly and connects to the upper surface 71. In addition, the outer ribs 70 on the upper end cap 64 on the head molding 65 and the outer ribs 77 on the head molding 65 form a closed chamber 79 that surrounds the inner ribs 69, 76. do. This reduces the useless space.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer rib 77 passes adjacent the inlet hole 75. Inlet tube 80 fits into this inlet hole 75 and runs on top surface 72 of head molding 65. Thus, the axes of the outlet and inlet tubes 78, 80 are parallel but spaced and parallel to the axes of the end cap 64 and the head molding 65. In this way a radially extending passageway 81 is formed between the end cap 64 and the head molding 65 and guides the inlet tube 80 from the inlet hole 75 to the periphery of the end cap 64. Extends generally along its axis.

The outlet and inlet tubes 78 and 80 are such that the attachment of connectors (not shown) at the ends of each of the inlet and outlet pipes is not presented so that the fluid between these pipes and the tubes 78 and 80 can be tightly coupled. Can be shaped.

Bowl 63 is molded from a plastic material. This can be translucent. The bowl 63 is shaped like a container 55 with a circular base 84 surrounded by an upright cylindrical sidewall 85 that terminates at its upper end in an outwardly oriented cylindrical flange 86. The diameter of the bowl base 84 and the bowl sidewall 85 is smaller than the diameter of the casing container base 57 and the container sidewall 58. Bowl 53 is self-supporting, ie this bowl will retain its shape when kept on the surface at room temperature and when not in use. To achieve this, the thickness of the bowl 53 is generally greater than 0.50 mm.

As shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the head molding 64 is such that its outer peripheral portion extends over the peripheral edge of the upper end cap 64. The cylindrical flange 86 of the bowl 63 is welded to the lower surface 72 of the peripheral portion of the head molding 65 with the flange 82 fixed in the rebate 73. In this way, the cylindrical flange forms a closed casing which is only accessed through the inlet tube 78 and the outlet tube 80. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the welded peripheral edges of the head molding 65 and the bowl cylindrical flange 86 are received within the channel formed between steps 60 and 61 in the housing 50. This positions and supports the casing 51 in the housing 50.

The lower end cap 53 is molded from a suitable plastic material. This is substantially the same as the upper end cap 64 (in this case the same shape), which reduces the number of parts in question and does not include the short holes 66. Thus, the parts common to the lower end cap 53 and the upper end cap 64 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the first surface 67 of the end cap 53 is the upper surface and the second surface 68 is the lower surface.

The filter element 52 is generally cylindrical. It may be formed of a suitable material, such as a fiber, and may be pleated or non-pleated. It may be provided with an envelope and drainage layer as needed. Suitable filter elements are known in the art, and thus filter element 52 will not be described in detail. Perforated core 87, which may be made of plastic material, supports the inner cylindrical surface of filter element 52.

The filter element 52 is formed of a radially extending upper cylindrical surface portion 88 connected to the upper end cap 64 and a radially extending lower cylindrical surface portion 89 connected to the lower end cap 53. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the peripheral edge of the upper end cap 64 coincides with the outer surface of the filter element 52. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the inner diameter of the filter element 52 is such that the outlet tube, the inlet tube 78, 80 is within the virtual extension of the inner surface of the filter element 52. As such, core 87 is radially outwardly oriented outward from the radially outer edge of hole 66 in end cap 64. As such, the outlet tube 78 is in communication with the interior of the filter element 52.

The tie tube 54 is a cylindrical tube of plastic material extending through the center of the filter element 12 and connected to the upper end cap 64 and the lower end cap 53. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the diameter and position of the tie tube 54 is such that the tie tube does not overlap the hole 66 in the upper end cap 64. As such, the tie tube 54 and the upper and lower ends 64, 53 are surrounded by a cylindrical volume formed between the outer surface of the tie tube 54 and the core 87 of the filter element 12 therebetween. Form a closed chamber. Tie tube 54 may be welded to upper end cap and lower end cap 64, 53.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the outer surface of the filter element 52 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the bowl 63. Lower end cap 53 is also spaced apart from base 64 of bowl 63 although it may not be necessary and there may be no unnecessary volume between lower end cap 53 and base 84 of bowl 63. It is.

In use, the inlet tube 80 is connected to an inlet pipe that supplies the fluid to be filtered. The outlet tube 78 is connected to a receiver for receiving the filtered fluid through the connection. As shown in the figure, the inlet tube 80 has an axial length that is longer than the axial length of the outlet tube 78. This allows the inlet tube 80 and the outlet tube 78 to be positioned close to each other on the head 62 while being sufficiently accessible to attach the linkage. The fluid is then pumped through the pipe and inlet tube 80 and then passes through the second hole 75 and spreads radially outwardly and circumferentially to the edge of the upper end cap 64. The fluid then passes between the outer surface of the filter element 52 and the inner surface of the bowl 64 and then passes between the core 87 and the tie tube 54 through the filter element 52 and the core 87. Passes through the cylindrical volume. From this, the filtered fluid exits through the hole 66, the hole 75 and the outlet tube 78. The head member 62 provides a passage from the center of the filter element to the outer surface of the filter element as well as the end cap 64 for the filter element 52.

The space between the bowl 63 and the container 55 lifts the bowl 63 into and out of the container 65, but at the operating pressure the bowl 63 is pressed against the container 55. Small enough to be supported by the container 55. This action is also affected by the temperature of the filtered fluid, which is maintained at a temperature higher than ambient temperature, which will increase the flexibility of the bowl 63 and the bowl 63 is not used at room temperature. In this case it is pressed against the container 65 even if it maintains its own support. If the filter element 52 requires a change, the connection to the tube is separated from the inlet tube 78 and the outlet tube 80. The clamp 95 is removed to allow the lid 56 to lift from the container 55. The casing 11 can then be removed from the unit and placed in one piece. This is replaced by a clean casing 61 associated with the filter element 52, end cap 53 and tie tube 54, with the lid 56 reconnected to the container 65 to seal the housing 50. . The inlet tube and outlet tube can then be reconnected to the inlet tube 80 and the outlet tube 78, respectively, and filter the fluid.

It will be appreciated that the filter assembly described above with reference to the drawings has a number of advantages. Since the bowls 23 and 53 are self-supporting, the bowl can be manufactured to be precisely fixed inside the housing 10, 50 without the possibility of snaging or folding. In addition, the space between the bowls 23 and 53 and the containers 15 and 55 can be accurately sized to provide the necessary level of support in operation.

Providing constituent means to the heads 22, 52 to receive the connectors (groove 32 in FIG. 1) reduces the number of parts because it eliminates the requirement for air chambers. In addition, the provision of inlet and outlet tubes 27, 28, 80, 78 extending through the housing minimizes the amount of outlet when replacing the filter element since no fluid remains in the housing. The filter assembly uses a single large diameter filter element 12, 52, so that the cylindrical gap between the filter element 12, 52 and the bowls 23, 53 is kept to a minimum. This allows the upstream volume of the fluid to be kept to a minimum, which is advantageous when the casings 11 and 51 are removed. In addition, the large diameter of the filter elements 12, 52 allows the inlet passages 25, 80 and the outlet passages 26, 79 to be positioned within the inner diameters of the filter elements 12, 52. The presence of tie tubes 14, 54 is also advantageous. This tie tube not only provides a support member for supporting the filter elements 12, 52 but also performs multiple functions of connecting the end caps 13, 53 to the heads 22, 52. The presence of the inner tube 44 in the outer tube 43 in the case of FIG. 1 and the presence of the tie tube 54 itself in the case of FIG. It can be evaluated to reduce the volume that can be. This presence also reduces the volume of fluid taken when the casings 11 and 51 are removed and placed.

The tie tubes 14, 54 need not have circular cross sections. These tie tubes can have any cross-sectional shape. Tie tubes 14, 54 are not the only means that can be used to reduce the central volume of filter element 12. Solid members may also be used. In addition, such a solid member need not be used with the filter assembly described above with reference to the drawings. The member may be used with any filter assembly that has a filter element having an open center where fluid flows into the passage between the inlet and the outlet and includes a housing having an inlet for the fluid to be filtered and an outlet for filtered fluid. In this case, the member need not extend over the entire length of the central portion, but can extend along only a portion of the length.

It will be appreciated that there are various modifications to the filter assembly described above with reference to the drawings. Although it is advantageous to take a single filter element 12, 52, multiple filter elements may be used. Containers 15 and 55 and bowls 23 and 53 are shown in circles, but they need not be circular. Tie tubes 14 and 54 form a preferred configuration for supplying fluid to filter elements 12 and 52 and for removing filter element 12 filtered fluid, although other arrangements may be used, particularly in FIG. 1. . In particular, the inlet and outlet do not need to be in the heads 22, 62, they may be in different positions within the casing, or one may be located in the heads 22, 62 and the other in the bowls 23, 53. Can be. Bowls 11 and 51 are described as self-supporting due to the thickness of the material being produced. It may be self-supporting as a result of a stiffener or rib formed separately or integrally or a batten with material therein.

Although the filter elements 12, 52 are shown in FIG. 1 as having knife edges 33, 38 protruding into the upper and lower surface 41, the knife edges are omitted and the filter element 12 is headed. It may be welded, bonded, glued, or otherwise attached to the 22 and the end cap 13. This case is illustrated in FIG. 3. The filter elements 12, 52 are described as cylindrical above. Such filter elements may be of any tubular shape with or without circular inner and outer cross sections. In this case, the inlet and outlet tubes 27, 29, 78, 80 will be in a virtual extension of the inner surface of the filter element at the end of the filter element 12, 52 adjacent to the tube.

The direction of flow may be reversed.

The second filter assembly of FIG. 3 need not be as shown and described above. The head member 62 may be configured to provide a passage from the inlet tube 80 to the outer periphery of the filter element 52, as shown, other than shown. The use of the spaced apart upper end cap 64 and the head member 65 reduces the number of various parts that are manufactured (because the upper end cap 84 is substantially the same as the lower end cap 53). This configuration is arbitrary.

In addition, the head member 62 may be used to provide inlet and outlet flow passages for the filter assembly in a manner different from that shown in FIGS. The head member may be used in a filter assembly comprising a housing having any suitable tubular filter element at the hollow center, the inner surface and the outer surface. In this case, the head member 62 provides an end cap for the filter element and also provides a first passage leading to the center of the filter and a second passage leading to the outer surface of the filter element.

The head member 62 / end cap 53 combination may be used for the end cap filter element in addition to those described above. In this case, the filter element comprises a tubular filter element having a first end and a second end. The first end is closed by a head member providing a first passageway and a second passageway. The second end is closed by one end cap. The head member includes a portion substantially the same as the end cap and has a hole leading to the first passageway.

Claims (76)

Inlet with filter element 12, 52, filter element 12, 52 having a first end and a second end mounted on head member 22, 62 with a first end of filter element 12, 52. Casings 11 and 51 surrounding the element, which are casings 11 and 51 formed by head members 22 and 62 providing 27 and 80 and outlets 29 and 78, and head members 22 and 22, respectively. 62, self-supporting bowls 23 and 63 for receiving filter elements 11 and 52, and head members extending through housings 10 and 50 for connection to a supply of fluid to be filtered. A housing 10, 50 comprising casings 11, 51 having inlets 27, 80 and outlets 29, 78 on 22, 62 and a receiver for receiving the filtered fluid, respectively; Filter assembly. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the bowl (23, 63) is formed from a plastic material. 3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the bowl (23, 63) is formed by molding from a plastic material. 4. Assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bowl (23, 63) generally has a thickness of greater than 0.50 mm. 5. The head according to claim 1, wherein the head members 22, 62 comprise inlet passages 27, 80 forming an inlet and outlet passages 29, 78 forming an outlet, respectively. The passages 27, 29, 80, 78 have a first end and a second end, the first end of which ends in the casing 11, 51 and the second end of the housing 10 in connection for attachment to the pipe. 50) An assembly characterized in that it terminates externally. 6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the head member (22) is molded into one piece from plastic material. 7. The housing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head member (22, 62) has a housing (10) in which one tube (27, 80) forms an inlet and the other tube (29, 78) forms an outlet. An assembly characterized by having a disc shaped body (24, 64) having two tubes (27, 29; 78, 82) extending through the body (50) and projecting upwardly from the body (24, 64). 8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein one tube (29, 78) has a greater longitudinal axis on the body than the other tube (27, 80). 9. The head member 22, 62 and the bowls 23, 63 are made of plastic material, and the head members 22, 62 and the bowls 23, 63 together. An assembly characterized by being welded to form a casing (11, 51). 10. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the filter elements 12, 52 are generally cylindrical with first and second ends, the first ends being mounted on the head members 22, 62. And the second end is equipped with an end cap (13, 53) closing the second end. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bowl (23, 63) is of circular cross section. 12. The inlet 27, 80 is in communication with the outer surface of the filter elements 12, 52 and the outlets 29, 78 are in communication with the inner surface of the filter element 12, 52. Assembly characterized in that. 13. The delivery tube 44 is connected to the outer surface of the filter element 12 via a filter element 12 for an outlet at the end cap 13 for the passage of fluid to be filtered from the inlet 27. Assembly characterized by its name. 14. An outer tube (43) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein an outer tube (43) extends between the head member (22) and the end cap (13), and the outer tube (43) is inward of the inner surface of the filter element (12). An assembly having a radially spaced outer surface to form a cylindrical space therebetween, the outlet (29) being in communication with the cylindrical space. 15. The delivery tube 44 and the outer tube 43 are integrally formed in such a way that the delivery tube 44 is in the interior of the outer tube 43. assembly. 16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the delivery tube (44) and the outer tube (43) are each circular in cross section on a parallel axis. 19. The assembly according to claim 15 or 18, wherein the delivery tube (44) and the outer tube (43) are coextruded from the plastic material. 18. The transfer tube (44) and the outer tube (43) are welded to the head member (22) at one end and welded to the end cap (13) at the opposite end. assembly. 13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the head member (62) comprises a radially extending passageway from the inlet (80) to the outer surface of the filter element (52). 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the head member 62 is formed from a cylindrical end cap 54 spaced apart from the head molding 65 by one or more ribs 69, 70, thereby forming a space therebetween. An assembly characterized by forming a passageway having an inlet communicating with the space. 21. The outlet according to claim 20, wherein the outlet comprises holes 66 in the end cap 54 and holes 74 in the head molding 65, using two ribs 69, 76 each well fitted. And is surrounded by each rib (69, 76) and connected to each other to form an outlet portion between the holes (66, 74). 22. Each of the end caps 54 and head moldings 65 further comprise additional cylindrical ribs 70, 77, each additional rib 70, 77 coupled ribs 69, 76. Wherein the two additional ribs (70, 77) are connected to each other to interconnect and space the end cap (54) and the head molding (65) and form a closed cylindrical chamber (79). 23. The container (15, 55) in which the housing (10, 50) houses the bowl (23, 63) and the removable rib (16) that closes the container (15, 55). And 56, wherein the rib (16, 56) has a passageway for the inlet (27, 80) and the outlet (29, 78). 20. The assembly according to claim 19, wherein the housing (10, 50) is metal. 25. The bowl according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the bowls 23 and 63 are made of plastic material and the extension of the bowls 23 and 63 on the passage of fluid bears against the bowls 15 and 55. An assembly characterized in that the container (15, 55) supports the bowl (23, 63) by spacing (23, 63) and the container (15, 55) before use. The filter elements 12, 52, the inlets 27, 80 for the fluid to be filtered by the filter elements 12, 52, the outlets 29, 78 for the filtered fluid and the fluid with the inlets 27, 80. A filter element 12, 52 having an open center flowing through a passageway between the outlets 29, 78, and a housing 10, 50 having a center including a member 14, 54 for reducing the volume of the center. Filter assembly. 27. An assembly according to claim 26, wherein the filter elements (12, 52) comprise tubular filter media, the central portion is defined by the tubular central portion, and the members (14, 54) extend along the central portion. . An assembly according to claim 27, wherein the filter medium (12, 52) has an outer surface and an inner surface and the members (14, 54) are spaced apart from the inner surface along their length. 29. The filter media according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the filter media 12, 52 have a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being respective first and second end caps 13, 22, 53. 64, wherein the member (14, 54) extends between the first end cap (13, 53) and the second end cap (53, 64). 30. The assembly according to claim 29, wherein the member (14, 54) is connected to the first and second end caps (13, 22, 53, 64). 31. The end cap 22, 64 comprises openings 29, 66 for the flow of the fluid, the openings 29, 66 having a member 14, 54 and a filter. Assembly with a reduced central volume formed between media (12, 52). 32. A tube according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the member extends between the first and second end caps (13, 22, 53, 64) and is spaced apart from the filter medium (12, 52). 14, 54). 33. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that the member (14) passes the fluid along the length of the filter element (12) by providing a passageway (44). 34. The assembly according to claim 33, wherein the member (14) passes fluid from one end cap (22) to the other end cap (13) by providing a passageway (44). 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the first end cap 22 comprises an opening 27 and the second end cap 13 comprises an opening 39 and the passage 44 between the openings 27 and 39. An assembly characterized in that it extends to pass fluid from one end cap (22) through the filter element (12) to the other end cap (13). 35. An assembly according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the passage is formed by a tube (44) extending between the first and second end caps (22, 13). 37. The assembly according to claim 36, wherein the member (14) is formed by a tube (43, 44), the tube also providing a passageway. 37. The assembly according to claim 36, wherein the member (14) is formed by a tube (43) having an interior, the interior being differential to form a passage (44). 39. The housing (10, 50) according to any one of claims 26 to 38, wherein the housing (10, 50) comprises containers (15, 55) and lids (16, 56), and the filter elements (15, 52) And an inlet and outlet (27, 80, 29, 78) pass through the lid (16, 56). 40. A filter according to claim 39, wherein the filter elements (12, 52) are connected to the head members (22, 62) at the ends of the filter elements (12, 52) adjacent the leads (16, 56). , 63 is connected to the head members 22, 62 to receive the filter elements 12, 52, and the housings 10, 50 include the head members 22, 62 and the bowls 23, 63. Assembly characterized in that. 41. The filter element according to any of claims 26-40, wherein the filter elements 12, 52 have a first end and a second end, the first end providing inlets and outlets 27, 80, 29, 78. An assembly characterized by being closed by a head member (22, 62). A tubular filter element 52 having a hollow center, an inner surface and an outer surface, a first passage 78 providing an end cap for the end of the filter element 52 and also leading to the center of the filter element 52 and A filter assembly comprising a housing (50) with a head member (62) providing a second passageway (99) leading to an outer surface of the filter element (52). 43. The device of claim 42, wherein the second passageway 99 extends normally normally with respect to the first portion 80 and the first portion extending at a distal end in a direction that lies within a virtual extension of the inner surface of the filter element 52. An assembly comprising a second portion thereof. 44. The head member (62) of claim 43, wherein the head member (62) comprises a body having an internal cavity, wherein a first portion of the second passageway (99) is formed by a tube (80) extending from the body, and a second Wherein the portion is formed in the body. 45. A body according to claim 44, wherein the body of the head member 62 comprises a first plate like member 64 and a second plate like member 65, wherein the first and second members 64, 65 are spaced apart. Assembly formed. 46. The assembly according to claim 45, wherein the first member (64) is connected to the joined end of the filter element (52). 47. The assembly according to claim 46, wherein the first member (64) comprises an opening (66) for bringing the central portion of the filter element (52) into communication with the first passageway (78). 48. The assembly according to any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein the first passage is formed by a tube (78) placed at the distal end in a virtual extension of the inner surface of the filter element (52). 49. The assembly according to claim 48, wherein the body comprises an extension of the tube (78) ending in the opening (66). 49. The method according to any one of claims 45, 46 and 49 or 48, wherein the first member 64 and the second member 65 each lie in a horizontal plane and the spacer member And (69, 76) separate the first and second members (64, 65) to form a second portion of the first passageway. 51. The assembly according to claim 50, wherein the first member (64) has an outer peripheral edge at the distal end that fits well with the outer surface of the filter element (52). 52. The assembly according to claim 51, wherein the second member (65) has an outer peripheral portion extending beyond the outer peripheral edge of the first member (64). 52. A bowl as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 52, characterized in that it comprises a bowl (63) connected to the head member (62) for receiving the filter element (52), wherein the housing (50) comprises a bowl. Assembly. 53. The bowl 63 is connected to the peripheral portion of the second member 65 of the head member 62 extending beyond the peripheral edge of the first member 64. Assembly made. 55. The assembly of claim 53 or 54, wherein the bowl is self supporting. 56. An assembly according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the housing (50) comprises a removable lead (56) covering the head member (62). 57. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 42 to 56 wherein the head member (62) is formed from a plastic material. 58. The assembly of any one of claims 42 to 57, wherein the filter element (52) is cylindrical with a cylindrical hollow center, a cylindrical inner and outer surface. The filter element 52 according to claim 42, wherein the filter element 52 has a first end capped by the head member 62 and a second end capped by the end cap 53. Assembly. 60. The first end cap portion of any of claims 1-25, 41, or 42-59, wherein the head member 62 is substantially the same as the second end cap 53. And a hole (66) comprising a (64) and leading to a first passageway (78). 61. The filter element according to claim 60, wherein the first end cap (64) is connected to the first end of the filter element (52) to provide an end cap for the first end. 62. The device of claim 60 or 61, wherein the first end cap 64 and the second end cap 53 each comprise a plate like member having first and second spaced apart surfaces 67 and 68, respectively. The first surface (67) of the filter element (52) is in contact with the connected end of the filter element (52). 63. The filter element according to claim 62, wherein the head member 52 comprises a body formed by the first end cap 64 and the second member 65 is spaced apart from the first end cap 64. . 64. The filter element according to claim 63, wherein the first end cap (64) and the second member (65) are spaced apart by one or more spacers. 65. The filter element according to claim 64, wherein at least one spacer is integrally formed using the first end cap (64) and the second member (65). 67. The method of claim 65, wherein one or more spacers are formed on the second surface 68 of the first end cap 64, and the second member 65 defines the first and second spaced apart surfaces 71, 72. And at least one spacer is formed on the second surface of the second member (65). 67. The second surface of claim 64, wherein the one or more spacers protrude from the second surface 68 of the first end cap 64 and the second surface of the second member 65. Formed by ribs (76) on top and the ribs (69, 76) fit together to form a spacer. 67. The method according to claim 67, wherein the ribs 69 surround the apertures 66 in the first end cap 64 and the corresponding apertures 74 in the second member 65. A filter element, characterized in that it is in communication with the first passageway (78) by forming a passageway flowing from the first passageway (78) through the head member. 70. The second ribs 70, 77 are provided on respective second surfaces 68, 72, and the second ribs 70, 77 are extended so that the aforementioned ribs 69, 76 are first mentioned. Filter elements, characterized in that the second ribs (70, 77) are connected to one another to form a closed chamber. 70. The filter element according to claim 69, wherein the second passage is in communication with the space between the first end cap (64) and the second member (65), the space being outside the closed chamber. 71. The filter element according to any one of claims 60 to 70, wherein the first end cap (65) and the second end cap (53) are substantially disc shaped. 72. The filter element of claim 71, wherein the second member is disc shaped. 75. The second member 65 has a larger diameter than the first end cap 64 such that a peripheral portion of the second member 65 protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the first end cap 64. Filter element, characterized in that the. 80. The filter element according to any of claims 60 to 73, wherein the bowl (53) is connected to the head member (62) to receive the filter element (52). 74. The filter element according to claim 74, wherein the bowl (53) is connected to the peripheral portion of the second member (65) extending beyond the peripheral edge of the first end cap (64). 76. The filter element according to claim 74 or 75, wherein the bowl (53) is self supporting.