Cheap DIY carbon filter

[StoopheadFred]

So I've got an idea in the works and wanted to get some input.

I've read about allergy sufferers using 20"x20" household furnace filters taped on to regular 20" box fans to create a cheap air filter.

Well I built one of these for myself and while doing so stumbled on an interesting product from 3M / Filtrete. It's a household carbon filter designed for furnaces that is supposed to filter out odors like mildew and cigarette smoke.

The best part? The fan can be had for around $15-20 and the filter another $15-20. Using a regular cardboard box as an air controlling box you could easily adapt this to any traditional sized ducting.

Here's a link to some info on the filter:
http://www.filtrete.com/wps/portal/...Products/?N=4315+3294529207+3294573945&rt=rud

Anyways I'll have the filter in about a week so I'll update this thread and let you all know how it works.

 

[StoopheadFred]

Filter just got here! Anyone care to place bets? Throw your hat in the ring folks, will she stink or will she work?

 

[hush]

It's a fair concept, and it will certainly make a difference, but I'm not so sure it will eliminate odors completely. I think it ultimately depends on how small all the different terpene molecules are. I'm not sure, but I want to say that terpenes are smaller than mold spores and smoke particles. I didn't see a micron rating on that filter so who knows?

Anyway, it's an awesome idea, and in fact, I think it would make an EXCELLENT intake fan/filter for a mycology project, where you want positive pressure and a sterile environment.

Anyway, K+ to you.

 

[StoopheadFred]

Thanks for the input Hush! Looks like the MPR (micro particle rating) is 1200 according to filtrete's site... No idea what this translates to in terms of real world odor stopping abilities haha.

Interesting idea for the mycology deal! I'm going to some festivals this summer so I may have to pick up some spores and have a good ol time.

 

[aridbud]

I'd say add a layer of carbon filter material (black...comes in a roll).

 

[StoopheadFred]

Arid my concern would be how much carbon filter material blocks airflow. I've actually got some of the exact material you're talking about and had to stop using it because it restricted even my 4" inline too much.

These fans don't have a TON of static pressure power. It's enough to pull through these filters, but much more I'm not sure.

 

[Granger2]

One of the most common ways that growers get busted or ripped off is because they haven't controlled the smell. I wouldn't trust this filtration system to protect my freedom, happiness, and life. Good luck. -granger