Abstract: A filter system including a filter assembly having a housing, a filter element disposed within the housing, an inlet passage extending through the housing, and an outlet passage extending through the housing, the outlet passage in communication with the inlet passage through the filter element; and an element condition monitoring assembly including an inlet pressure transducer in communication with the inlet passage, an outlet pressure transducer in communication with the outlet passage, and a microprocessor linked to the inlet and outlet pressure transducers. The inlet pressure transducer gauges the pressure in the inlet passage, and the outlet pressure transducer gauges the pressure in the outlet passage. The microprocessor calculates a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet pressure and calculates an element condition status using at least one element condition parameter, which may include the pressure differential.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly including a canister having a canister wall, a first passage and a second passage. A center tube is disposed within the canister and defines a length between a first end and a second end. The center tube includes a center tube wall having a plurality of apertures and defining a central bore, which is aligned with and is in communication with the first passage. The center tube wall includes a resilient valve seam, which extends along the length of the center tube and has a closed position and an open position. A filter element is mounted on the center tube and is disposed within the canister. When the valve seam is in the open position, the bore is in unfiltered communication with the second passage through a gap formed at the valve seam.