Abstract: A filter for removing micron and sub-micron molecular-sized particulate matter from a moving gas stream and comprising an enclosed filter module having a gas inlet for being connected to a source of gas to be filtered and gas outlet for discharging filtered gas from the module. A filter element is positioned in the filter module in gas flow interposed relation downstream of the gas inlet and upstream of the gas outlet in such manner that the gas must pass through the filter element in order to reach the gas outlet. The filter element comprises a multiplicity of hollow fibers each defined by a membrane wall formed of a microporous material surrounding a centrally-disposed lumen wherein filtration occurs by passing the gas from an upstream side of the hollow fiber through the membrane wall of the fibers to a downstream side thereof.

Abstract: A filter module for enclosing a filter medium for removing particulate matter from a moving fluid stream, comprising a base having a base gas inlet for being connected to a source of gas to be filtered and a base gas outlet for discharging filtered gas. An enclosed replaceable and disposable filter module housing is provided for being releasably received in and supported by the base, the filter module housing having a module fluid inlet adapted for sealing fluid flow connected to the base fluid inlet, and a module fluid outlet adapted for sealing fluid flow connection to the base fluid outlet for discharging filtered fluid from the filter module housing and base. A filter element is sealingly positioned in the filter module housing in fluid flow interposed relation downstream of the module fluid inlet and upstream of the module fluid outlet in such manner that the fluid must pass through the filter element in order to reach the module fluid outlet.