Filter element with self-contained electrostatic buildup protection

A filter element comprising:

• a first endcap;
• a second endcap disposed axially away from the first endcap;
• filter media extending axially between the first endcap and the second endcap, the filter media comprising a filter media surface, a central opening is defined within the filter media, the central opening is disposed radially inward from the filter media surface;
• a support element disposed within the central opening, the support element being conductive;
• a conductive mesh disposed within the central opening between the support element and the filter media, the conductive mesh in contact with the support element and the filter media;
• a first pole formed by conductance along a filter media surface, the first pole having a first charge;
• and
• a second pole formed by counterions downstream of the filter media surface, the second pole having a second charge, the first charge opposite in charge to the second charge,
• wherein the conductive mesh, the support element, and the filter media surface form a first conductive path from the counterions to the support element to the conductive mesh to the filter media surface, causing a charge transfer to occur at the support element, and
• wherein the conductive mesh, the support element, the filter media surface, and at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap are in electrical contact and form a second conductive path from the counterions to the support element through the conductive mesh and the at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap.