Abstract: A filter element for a filter cartridge has an upstream or prefiltering membrane with frustoconical pores converging in the direction of liquid flow through the filter element and a final filtering membrane at the downstream side with cylindrical pores smaller than the smallest diameter of the frustoconical pores.

Abstract: A multipart filter case assembly for holding at least one cartridge-shaped filter element for sterile filtration of fluids comprises means to detect and detour leaking fluids, and includes a bell-shaped top part; an intermediate plate, which closes off the top part; an end cap; a filter-chamber, which closes off the intermediate plate; at least two ring-shaped packings arranged at a longitudinal distance on the end cap against the top part; a filtrate chamber, which closes off the intermediate plate; and at least one leakage control channel, which connects the space between the two ring packings with the outside of the case.

Abstract: A multipart filter case for holding at least one cartridge-shaped filter element, particularly for the sterile filtration of fluids, has a bell-shaped case with a top part into which the filter inlet side protrudes. The filter outlet side is held downstream in an intermediate plate and ends in a filtrate space below the intermediate plate. The filtrate space is defined in part by a dish-shaped base plate parallel to the intermediate plate, and has a filtrate outlet therein. The inlet for the medium to be filtered extends through the base plate and intermediate plate into the top part of the case, and comprises a tubular part integral with the intermediate plate and which detachably penetrates the base plate.