Push or Pull? Carbon Filters.

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DankSide

Member

• Jun 9, 2009

• #1

I have read over much debate about whether or not carbon filters work best with air pulled or air pushed through. Traditionally, I have seen carbon filters attached to the fan with air pulling through to exhaust.

Also, while researching, I came across someone who had a high times article that stated when air is pushed through a carbon filter, it is dispersed equally as well as muffled at the same time.

I am one of the few who cannot fit a large carbon filter into the cab, so I have it set up outside 'push' style and there appears to be no stress put on the little 4' vortex. It works as a muffler and pushes out warm air that appears to be filtered- (only time will tell).

Has there been a grand conclusion reached on this?

 

Rockster

Member

• Jun 9, 2009

• #2

Conclusion reached is that you can chill brother.

The general consensus,as far as I'm aware is that the best efficiency reached,vis a vie air scrubbing,IS when you pull not push on a system but the difference is I'm sure not one that bothers us.

I've run systems pushing through a filter rather than sucking and everything smells sweet downrange,if ya get my drift?

 

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dongle69

• Jun 9, 2009

• #3

Well, the grand (and best) conclusion is that it works for you!
I was in a situation similar to yours.
I was running a tent and I wanted to save room on the inside, so out the filter went.
It did muffle the sound and filter the air.
I don't know if the air was dispersed any better than by pulling, but it worked great.
You are gonna have a hard time finding a grand conclusion on just about anything on these forums, though.

 

johnipedestran

1%

Veteran

• Jun 9, 2009

• #4

bottom line is this....Is Your odor in check?

if not need bigger filter/and or fan

peace
jip

 

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Elcap

• Jun 9, 2009

• #5

Straight from the horse's (CAN's) mouth
http://www.canfilters.com/faq.html :

Can you push or pull through the filter?

You can both pull through the filter or push air through the filter, if you are going to push air through the filter it is recommended to take off the outer pre-filter and filter the air before the fan.

Is it recommended to push or pull through the filter?

It is recommended to pull air through the filter, the reason for this is because the filters utilize the most surface area of carbon to clean the air and you use the most of the pre filter to block dirt and debris from entering your carbon pore structure. Another advantage of pulling air through the filter is that your going to have clean air running through your fan instead of air possibly laden with VOC’s, dust, and other airborne particles that could stick to the fan blades and create air resistances.

Click to expand...

 

DonkeyPunch

Member

• Jun 9, 2009

• #6

I always pulled, but I can see how pushing would quiet things down.

 

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DankSide

Member

• Jun 9, 2009

• #7

Thanks for the input guys, I'll have some stinkers and I don't want anyone catching a wiff. I have to have it push style because the fan is also used to cool my small HID. Having the filter inside I'm afraid would allow too much heat down below because my hood is about the area of my tent. I'm guessing insulated ducting is the sure fire way to keep the smell inside with a push setup.

 

blynx

WALSTIB

Moderator

ICMag Donor

Veteran

• Jun 9, 2009

• #8

I push air through my scrubber. It sits outside my cab.

I go Light > duct > fan > duct > scrubber.

One thing to keep in mind is that using this method, the inside of the scrubber can get dirty (from dust) and reduce airflow.

 

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pigeonpie

Member

• Jun 9, 2009

• #9

DankSide

i'm a pusher for the same reasons and have no problems.

like blynx said be prepared the inside of the scrubber will get dusty. if your temps start rising its probably due to reduced airflow.

a good way to clean it is, if you can be arsed, to set your fan up to pull air through for about ten minutes or so once every few weeks as a precaution. or just disconnect the ducting and tap the dust out. works for me fine =)

 

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dongle69

• Jun 9, 2009

• #10

You can also use a small pre filter in the tent/cab.
It will keep the inside of your outside filter clean.

 

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tree d

Member

• Jun 9, 2009

• #11

I push.
And I can defintely attest to the fact that it muffles the sound.
When I switch the filter to the other end of the system and pull.......the resulting open ended exhaust stream sounds like a roaring, rumbling whatever. Its loud.
With it on the exhaust end, it serves 2 functions: odor removal and built in diffuser/muffler.

NOTE: You might need a more powerful fan to push and still maintain a negative pressure environment.

I have a stanley on high, pushing thru 6" flex duct, exhausting a 3'x4'x6' cab.
Cooling my 600w cooltube is a small dayton 60cfm blower.
This setup keeps the cab just a few above ambient on most days.

 

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DankSide

Member

• Jun 10, 2009

• #12

Yah, the biggest concern of pushing was lessening the effectiveness of odor blocking and exhaust blockage from dust. Good call on cleaning it out - I have mine all taped to it, time to find a more convenient way. Receiving mad suction on lower intake holes, must be negative pressure.