Filter center tube with standpipe and flow fins

A center tube for use with a filter element, the center tube comprising:

• a unitary body having a generally cylindrical outer configuration that defines a longitudinal axis, a radial direction and a length along the longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end;
• a standpipe that defines a length along the longitudinal axis and a central flow passage that extends the majority of the length of the center tube along the longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of radially extending flow fins attached to the standpipe, the flow fins spaced axially from one another along the standpipe to define radial flow channels, wherein each of the fins further defines a first aperture between the fin and the standpipe, the apertures together defining a first outer axial flow passage that extends along the majority of the length of the standpipe without fluid communication with the central flow passage of the standpipe;
• and
• wherein the standpipe defines a cross-section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that includes a rectangular shape, defining an inner perimeter that defines the flow area of the central flow passage.

A filter system comprising:

• a canister that includes an open end and a closed end;
• a base that includes an inlet channel for allowing fluid into the canister filter system and an outlet channel for allowing fluid out from the canister filter system and attachment structure for allowing the attachment of the canister;
• a drain that penetrates through the closed end of the canister and that includes attachment structure, and
• a filter element that includes a generally cylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis, and a radial direction, the filter element comprising:
• a center tube having a length along the longitudinal axis, the center tube including:
• a standpipe that defines a length along the longitudinal axis and a central flow passage that extends the majority of the length of the center tube along the longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of radially extending flow fins attached to and extending from the standpipe, the flow fins spaced axially from one another along the standpipe to define radial flow channels, wherein each of the fins further defines first and second apertures between the fins and the standpipe, the apertures together defining first and second outer axial flow passages that extend the standpipe, wherein the standpipe further defines at least one radial flow passage that is in fluid communication with the outer axial flow passages and the central flow passage;
• and
• an annular filter media surrounding the center tube and the central flow passage and contacting the flow fins;
• and
• a closed end joined to the center tube opposite the open end disposed along the longitudinal axis, the closed end including an end cap, wherein the fins define a flow area for the first and second outer axial flow passages that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the standpipe defines a flow area for the central flow passage that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the flow area of the first and second outer axial flow passages combined is approximately the same as the flow area of the central flow passage.