An end cap for a filter element , the end cap comprising: an element receiver having a longitudinal axis ( Y ) being parallel to a longitudinal axis ( X ) of the filter element and being configured to receive an end of an inner tubular element to be coupled to a tubular member ; a base passage receiver , the element receiver and the base passage receiver being in flow communication with one another and permit fluid to flow into and out of the filter element ; an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base and a second side configured to face filter media ; end cap flow passages positioned around the base passage receiver and configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base , the end cap flow passages extending from the second side of the end cap barrier to the first side of the end cap barrier in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and a barrier edge associated with the end cap barrier and a peripheral seal coupled to the barrier edge and configured to provide a fluid seal with at least one of a filter base and a canister of a filter assembly , characterized in that the end cap flow passages each include a passage opening spaced a first distance ( d 1 ) from the first side of the end cap barrier , and the passage openings face outward away from the base passage receiver , and the base passage receiver terminates at a third distance ( d 3 ) from the first side of the end cap barrier , and the first distance ( d 1 ) is greater than the third distance ( d 3 ), and an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance ( d 2 ) from the first side of the end cap barrier , and wherein the first distance ( d 1 ) is greater than the second distance ( d 2 ) . an element receiver having a longitudinal axis ( Y ) being parallel to a longitudinal axis ( X ) of the filter element and being configured to receive an end of an inner tubular element to be coupled to a tubular member ; a base passage receiver , the element receiver and the base passage receiver being in flow communication with one another and permit fluid to flow into and out of the filter element ; an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base and a second side configured to face filter media ; end cap flow passages positioned around the base passage receiver and configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base , the end cap flow passages extending from the second side of the end cap barrier to the first side of the end cap barrier in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and a barrier edge associated with the end cap barrier and a peripheral seal coupled to the barrier edge and configured to provide a fluid seal with at least one of a filter base and a canister of a filter assembly , characterized in that the end cap flow passages each include a passage opening spaced a first distance ( d 1 ) from the first side of the end cap barrier , and the passage openings face outward away from the base passage receiver , and the base passage receiver terminates at a third distance ( d 3 ) from the first side of the end cap barrier , and the first distance ( d 1 ) is greater than the third distance ( d 3 ), and an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance ( d 2 ) from the first side of the end cap barrier , and wherein the first distance ( d 1 ) is greater than the second distance ( d 2 ) . <EOS>