Replaceable filter elements including plural filter media and related filtration systems, techniques and methods

Abstract

One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
   
   
       41 . A method, comprising:
 directing a flow of fuel to a filter;   directing the entire flow of fuel through a first multi-layered filter media which is designed to coalesce water in the flow of fuel form water droplets that flow toward a lower portion of the filter and designed to capture particulates contained in the flow of fuel;   allowing the coalesced water droplets to flow toward the lower portion of the filter by introducing the entire flow of fuel into a gap formed between the first multi-layered filter media and a second multi-layered filter media;   directing the entire flow of fuel from the gap through the second multi-layered filter media which is designed to separate remaining water droplets from the flow of fuel and designed to capture particulates contained in the flow of fuel; and   directing the entire flow of fuel from the second multi-layered filter media into an internal fluid chamber of the filter from where the fuel is directed out of the filter.   
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein first multi-layered filter media comprises a coalescing filter media. 
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the second multi-layered filter media comprises a water separating filter media. 
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 41 , comprising a vertical gap between a lower portion of the first multi-layered filter media and a lower portion the second multi-layered filter media, and allowing the coalesced water droplets to exit the filter near the vertical gap. 
   
   
       45 . (canceled) 
   
   
       46 - 59 . (canceled)