A filter assembly is provided for removing entrained material from a fluid stream. The assembly includes a manifold with a port through which the fluid is received into or removed from the assembly, and a housing into which is inserted a tubular filter element having walls of a filtration medium. The housing and the manifold have joining formations which allow them to be joined together and separated apart by relative rotation. The filter element has an end cap thereon which sealingly engages with the manifold. The end cap has an opening therein which accepts fluid received through the port and feeds the fluid into the interior of the filter element or which accepts fluid received from the interior of the filter element and feeds the fluid to the port. The filter element is insertable into the housing along the axial direction of the filter element.