Filter element and method for servicing a filter system

A filter element comprising:

• a filter element for filtering a fluid comprising a filter medium pack extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and having:
• an axial inlet side at said first end for receiving unfiltered fluid;
• and
• a circumferential side forming a radial boundary of the filter medium pack;
• wherein said filter medium pack is configured for insertion into a housing so as to enclose or partly enclose said circumferential side of the filter medium pack with an outer sidewall of the housing;
• a bridge seal arrangement for sealingly bridging a gap between the radial boundary of the filter medium pack and the outer sidewall of the housing, said bridge seal arrangement having:
• a first collar-shaped portion comprising a first circumferential sealing surface sealingly coupled to said circumferential side of the filter medium pack or sealingly coupled to a border of said axial inlet side;
• and
• a second collar-shaped portion coupled with said first collar-shaped portion, and wherein said second collar-shaped portion comprises a second circumferential sealing surface configured for encircling and sealingly cooperating with the outer sidewall of the housing;
• wherein said bridge seal arrangement is configured for moving said second collar-shaped portion with respect to said first collar-shaped portion from an un-sealed position to a sealed position and vice-versa, and wherein said bridge seal arrangement comprises a rigid guiding element attached to said second collar-shaped portion for facilitating the moving of the second collar-shaped portion between the sealed position and un-sealed position.

A filter system comprising:

• a filter element for filtering a fluid comprising a filter medium pack extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and having:
• an axial inlet side at said first end for receiving unfiltered fluid;
• and
• a circumferential side forming a radial boundary of the filter medium pack;
• wherein said filter medium pack is configured for insertion into a housing so as to enclose or partly enclose said circumferential side of the filter medium pack with an outer sidewall of the housing;
• a bridge seal arrangement for sealingly bridging a gap between the radial boundary of the filter medium pack and the outer sidewall of the housing, said bridge seal arrangement having:
• a first collar-shaped portion comprising a first circumferential sealing surface sealingly coupled to said circumferential side of the filter medium pack or sealingly coupled to a border of said axial inlet side;
• and
• a second collar-shaped portion coupled with said first collar-shaped portion, and wherein said second collar-shaped portion comprises a second circumferential sealing surface configured for encircling and sealingly cooperating with the outer sidewall of the housing;
• wherein said bridge seal arrangement comprises one or more handles coupled to said second collar-shaped portion;
• and
• one or more protruding elements provided on said outer sidewall of the housing;
• wherein said second circumferential sealing surface is encircling and sealingly cooperating with the outer sidewall of the housing, and wherein each of said one or more handles is coupled to a corresponding protruding element for keeping the bridge seal arrangement in place.