A filter element (8), especially for use in backwash filtering systems,
includes a filtering element through which a contaminated fluid flows in
at least one direction (24). An intercepting device (62) has at least one
rod-shaped permanent magnet or electromagnet (64) that at least partially
removes magnetizable, especially ferritic portions from the fluid, before
the fluid flows through the filtering element. A detaching device (68)
removes the magnetizable portions from the intercepting device (62). The
detaching device (68) is configured by a stripper ring (70) that travels
along the rod-shaped magnet (64) and removes the portions retained by the
intercepting device (62). When the filtering element is backwashed, the
stripper ring (70), moved by the fluid flow, detaches the portions
retained by the intercepting device (62). This filter element requires
little construction space and allows for the automatic and energetically
favorable removal of magnetizable, especially ferritic portions, when the
filtering element is backwashed.