Abstract: An elongated tubular filter element prevents certain types of fluffy foreign matter entrained in an airstream admitted into the filter element from clogging the outlet of the tube during operation of a separator in which the filter element is installed. A major portion of the length of the tube tapers at a predetermined rate from one end, and a minor portion of the length tapers at a greater rate adjacent the other end of the tube to provide the tube with a flare at one end. The filter element is installed in the separator with its flared end down, so that the foreign matter falls freely through the bottom of the tube during operation of the separator or during cleaning of the tube.