Modular filter element frame

A filter element frame assembly comprising:

• one or more filter element frames, each filter element frame having an elongate body having a central tube forming a cylindrical bore extending axially through the elongate body, the elongate body in a cross-section having at least three smooth-ended lobes extending radially outwards from the central tube and that are angularly spaced about the central tube such that a longitudinally extending channel is formed along the elongate body between adjacent smooth-ended lobes, wherein a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures extend in the central tube and open into each longitudinally extending channel, wherein the elongate body has a first axial end with male protrusions extending axially from the elongate body and has a second, opposite axial end with complementary female indentations extending axially into the elongate body, so that the filter element frame can be mated to other filter element frames in a friction fit to form a filter element frame assembly of a selected length;
• a filter base at the second axial end of the filter element frame assembly configured to at least partially close the central tube at the second axial end;
• and
• a filter cap at the first axial end of the filter element frame assembly, the filter cap being adapted to secure the filter element frame assembly in a filter body,
• the filter element frame assembly being arranged to receive a filter sleeve such that the filter sleeve extends at least partially along an outer periphery of the filter element frame assembly and the smooth-ended lobes support the filter sleeve away from the central tube to prevent the filter sleeve from blocking the longitudinally spaced apertures in the central tube.