The fuel is directed down through the centertube.
Fuel rises upward and most of the solid contaminants and water settle into the bowl's quiet zone.
As the fuel rises upward, any remaining small water droplets collect on cone, baffle and bowl surfaces. The size and weight of the droplets gradually increase causing the droplets to flow downward into the sump. Fuel is then filtered completely by the filter element. The clean fuel then continues up through the outlet port to the pump and injection system.