Abstract: Filtering apparatus provided for separating contaminants from a fluid flow includes a hollow housing having an inlet and an outlet therein adapted to permit the flow of fluid therethrough, and a hollow, generally concave shaped, porous, self-supporting filtering membrane having an opening into the interior thereof at its base end. The filter membrane is secured in the housing intermediate the inlet and outlet, so that the fluid flow enters the interior portion of the filtering membrane through the opening at its base end and exits therefrom through the porous filtering membrane to the outlet.