Filter assembly

Abstract

A filter assembly comprises a plastics housing and a filter element held in the housing. The housing can be sterilized by subjecting the interior of the housing to steam under pressure while the exterior of the housing is at atmospheric pressure. The filter element comprises a water wettable filter medium. The ends of the filter medium are embedded in first and second plastics end caps. The first and second end caps form respective water-wettable joints with the filter medium and the characteristics of the filter medium are not materially changed.

1 . A filter assembly comprising 
 a plastics housing providing an inlet port and an outlet port, the material of the housing being such that the assembly can be sterilized by subjecting the interior of the housing to steam under pressure while the exterior of the housing is at atmospheric pressure without damaging the housing,    a filter element held in the housing and comprising 
 a filter medium of water wettable material having a central passage extending between first and second ends of the filter medium,  
 the first end of the filter medium being embedded in a first end cap of a plastics material at a first joint to close said passage and the second end of the filter medium being embedded in a second end cap of a plastics material at a second joint, wherein the characteristics of the filter medium at the joints are not materially changed,  
 said second end cap providing a fluid connection between said passage and one of said ports,  
 the first and second end caps forming respective water-wettable joints with the filter medium.