Abstract: A method and filter element for filtering flowable material. The filter element includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a middle plate sandwiched therebetween. The top plate includes a first outlet to receive unfiltered material. The middle plate is interposed between the top plate and bottom plate and supports a meshed surface in order to strain oversized particles therefrom. The filter element is designed such that the axial length between the first outlet of the top plate and the middle plate is less than the axial length between the middle plate and the second outlet. The filter member of the middle plate is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the flow of material passing through the first outlet such that the approximate entire surface of the middle plate is used in the filtering process.