Filter element for separating solids from liquids and gases

A method of separating solids from liquids and/or gases comprising:

• providing a filter element having a first perforated plate and a second perforated plate, the two perforated plates being arranged parallel to one another and being covered by a filter covering, wherein the two perforated plates are displaceable in the longitudinal direction relatively to one another from a non-displaced state into a displaced state and the plates have spacers on the mutually facing inner sides, which spacers are constructed in such a manner that the spacing between the plates is larger in the displaced state than in the non-displaced state, so that the filter covering is tensioned in the displaced state of the plates, and wherein at least one latching element is provided, which fixes the plates to one another in the displaced state;
• and
• capturing solids as a liquid and/or gas stream containing solids flows through the filter covering and into an interior of the filter element, the solids being retained on the filter covering.