Filter element with flow directing end cap

A filter element, comprising:

• a ring of filtration media circumscribing a central axis and having first and second ends;
• first and second end caps attached to respective first and second ends of the media ring;
• the first end cap including i) an annular body portion defining a central opening around the central axis, and sealingly bonded to the first end of the media ring, ii) an annular sealing ring having an annular, peripheral resilient sealing portion;
• and iii) support members extending between the body portion and the sealing ring and supporting the sealing ring at a location apart from the body portion, radial flow openings between the support members, and non-radial flow members across a major portion of the annular body portion to define non-radial flow paths along an outer surface of the body portion, the non-radial flow paths in fluid communication with the flow openings, wherein the flow members direct flow received against the annular body portion of the first end cap in a spiral or helical manner across the first end cap.

A filter element, comprising:

• a ring of filtration media circumscribing a central axis and having first and second ends;
• first and second end caps attached to respective first and second ends of the media ring;
• the first end cap including i) an annular body portion defining a central opening around the central axis, and sealingly bonded to the first end of the media ring, ii) an annular sealing ring having an annular, peripheral, resilient sealing portion and supported apart from the annular body portion;
• and iii) a series of support members extending between the body portion and the sealing ring and defining flow openings between the support members, and the first end cap including non-radial flow directing means in fluid communication with the flow openings, for directing flow received against the annular body portion of the first end cap in a swirling manner across the first end cap.