Abstract: A filter assembly includes a frame shaped generally as a circular cylinder and having an inlet opening at one end for orienting fluid axially; and a plurality of filter elements arranged in a circular array about the frame and being supported thereby. The filter elements are arranged for allowing passage of fluid therethrough radially outwardly. The circumferentially adjoining filter elements define a space therebetween. Angled spacer elements bridge and maintain the space between any two adjoining filter elements. Each filter element is sealed relative to the frame. The filter elements constitute interconnected blocks of a single filtering unit formed of a continuously folded strip-like filter material, and adjoining blocks of the filtering unit are angled to one another to present a polygonal pattern as a whole, whereby the flanking blocks of the filtering unit are in a contacting relationship and free ends of the filter material in the flanking blocks are bonded to one another.