Abstract: This disclosure relates to an encapsulated filter unit, a system and a method of filtering fluids. The filter unit has a generally cylindrically shaped, membrane filter body with a plurality of filter elements. An anti-telescoping connecting element at each element end joins the filter elements end to end and coaxially to one another. The joined elements are housed by a relatively rigid outer shell. A filter head at each end of the unit enables connection of the units to one another while capping the unit ends. The shell comprises a barrier tube encased by a first helically wrapped layer of a first material, and each filter head includes an adapter encapsulated by a first hoop wrapped layer of a second material. The respective layers abut one another such that a continuous, generally uniform, relatively rigid composite outer wrapped layer is formed for effectively encasing the unit. The adapter has a slot located on an interior peripheral surface for receiving a sealing member.

Abstract: A membrane element filtration unit comprises at least one membrane or filter element, and in the case where the unit comprises two or more membrane or filter elements said elements being coaxially connected to each other by means of interconnecting elements thus forming an assembly, having each of its ends provided with an end member, the assembly being surrounded by a composite glass fiber and resin layer which when hardened forms a rigid cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A system for filtering fluids, which comprises a plurality of filter units, each unit including a membrane filter body with a plurality of filter elements. The filter elements are joined end to end and coaxially to one another using connecting elements between them. An outer shell houses the joined elements, the elements having peripheral portions configured for snug engagement within the outer shell. Members are provided at opposing ends of each unit for joining the units in series and end to end. Each member includes a filter head and a clamp associated with the filter head, the head having interior peripheral edges for engaging cooperating peripheral grooves in a corresponding end member of the filter unit. A ring gasket is provided inside the clamp such that the tightness of the connection between the filter head and the respective end member increases with increasing pressure in the filter unit.