US Patent 8225940 Filter element

A filter element includes a filter material (10) having individual filter folds (12) folded in a star-like manner. At least one fluid-permeable support element (26) extends at least partially in the space between two adjacent filter folds (12) and/or on the inner peripheral side and/or external peripheral side of the filter folds (12). The support element (26) is provided with filter-active substances or is made of filter-active substances. A certain type of filter auxiliary agent can be obtained which is used to reduce influences of fluid components which reduce the service life, in the form of specific ageing products or in the form of other agents which damage the fluid.