Abstract: Flat, stackable filter disk elements include a deep bed filter material for removing particulates from a flow of unfiltered fluid and thereby obtain a filtered fluid. The filter material has a thickness extending between a pair of major parallel planar surfaces which define a filter element plane, and include a first flow openings for the filtered fluid, a second flow opening for unfiltered fluid, and a collection opening for collecting one of the filtered and unfiltered fluids. The collection opening and the first and second flow openings extend through the filter material between the planar surfaces. The first and second flow openings also respectively define first and second flow surfaces for the filtered and unfiltered fluids which are substantially perpendicular to the filter element plane and which establish a fluid flow path between the first and second flow openings through the filter material which is substantially parallel to the filter element plane.