A filter media, in particular a separation module, characterized by a flow control strip (40) circumferentially surrounding the media at one end of the filter media, in particular a spiral wound membrane material, which strip extends only a relatively short distance (D) along the length of the filter media. The strip preferably is an open mesh material that cooperates with an overlapping portion of an open mesh net that surrounds the filter media over essentially the entire axial length of the media, to provide for controlled bypass flow through the overlapped strip and net while still enabling easy assembly of the filter media and surrounding net into a housing. The strip of material allows the filter media, such as a spiral wound membrane module, to be "sized" at one end of the membrane module for creating a compressible area that restricts bypass flow while allowing for easy installation and removal of the membrane module.