Yet Another DIY Carbon Air Scrubber/Filter

Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
Hi Fellow RIU-ers!

Here's my DIY activated carbon air scrubber/filter.

Note: Please do not post replies until I give the go ahead - thanks!


I wanted to build a carbon air scrubber for odor control that also could be used as the main part of an exhaust system for my grow closet if I so desired. I wanted something a little bit more powerful than Zen’s great DIY filter/scrubber and also allow for a fast, simple change of the activated carbon used within.

I came up with some simple diagrams that allow me to use a squirrel fan and activated charcoal I had gotten off eBay in addition to some scavenged wood, drywall screws and other misc small items. The basic design can be modified to accept other fan design types which are small enough to fit in the enclosed fan chamber. Sorry but no dimensions for my plans are stated other than to say here that my finished box is approx 17”L x 8”H X 8”W.

As illustrated in the attached pics, air enters at the top of the unit and flows through the charcoal chamber (illustrated in blue in the 3rd picture). The air exits below the charcoal chamber and is pulled into the fan chamber through a baffle cut into the wall that separates the two chambers. The air is then pulled through the fan and exhausted outside the unit. The last picture shows the completed unit.
 

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Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
The next task was to actually build the thing. I cut the needed wood pieces, assembled a basic box and attached two cleats on the inside bottom of the interior walls. The cleats are used to support a removable screen that will be used in turn to support and contain the activated charcoal filtration medium. I attached two smaller cleats to support a removable plywood wall that separates the two halves (chambers) of the unit. Next I cut the wall that separates the chambers from a piece of plywood and into this I cut a baffle at the bottom to allow for air flow.
 

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Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
I next cut a frame out of plywood to fit into the charcoal chamber's bottom. The frame will support the screening used to contain the activated charcoal filtering medium which also allows for air flow through the charcoal. I also cut a top piece for the box and cut a window out over the filter chamber to act as an input air port. I cut some window screening and some carpenter’s cloth for added support which will be attached to the screen frame and to the underside of the unit’s top piece as input air port screening.
 

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Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
After test fitting the new parts I then detached the end piece opposite the filter chamber to layout the position of my squirrel fan which will be used to exhaust air from the box. The fan was oriented with its input port up so that incoming air has to travel around the fan, cooling it in the process. I drilled holes to be used when attaching the fan to the end piece and cut a 2 inch diameter hole for the fan’s exhaust to exit from. I attached the fan to the end piece which I then reattached to the box. I drilled a hole large enough for the fan’s power cord to fit through to provide for power and installed the power cord.
 

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Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
After another test fitting following the fan's installation, it was time to test drive my scrubber/filter. I took the bottom screen and fit a stocking over it (which just barely fit) to filter out any fine dust. The excess length of the stocking was simply draped inside the chamber along the frame's edge to be held down when covered by charcoal. I then loaded up the chamber with approx. 4 inches of activated charcoal and closed up the box by securing the unit’s top into place with drywall screws. I powered on the fan and found the noise from its operation a bit loud but nothing else to complain about. I put both of my hands over the input screen and felt a good draft and heard the motor straining under the load caused by my actions. Based on this little test it seemed that the 4 inches of charcoal wasn't too much for the fan so I left it as was.

 

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Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
I tested in an appropriate situation (hehe) and it had things smelling pretty good in no time. Looking at the box I was inspired to give it a name. In the final picture the finished unit looked to me like the TV claymation character Gumby so that became its name.

Eventually I'll put metal handles on it make it easier to move about as it's heavy due to it's sturdy construction. Also some flexible ducting is in order so I can dump the warm air onto the bottom of my grow closet to help moderate winter time temps.

When the warm weather arrives again I'll need to exhaust to the outside and can do so without fear of stinking up the house and neighborhood. It will be a breeze to change the charcoal when that time comes! I can't wait (doh, get a life). :lol:

It was a fun project and went quickly once it was underway. Thanks to all the others who've shared their DIY projects here at RIU which in turn inspired me to do likewise. I meant to post this in DIY sub-forun but screwed that up :sad: - Thanks to Chiceh for moving it for me!.

Post is now open for comments, cheers and jeers.

:peace:
QS
 

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clowdy

clowdy

Well-Known Member
i wounder how they would feel?
u think the pixels would be nice and squshy? or firm? lol
 
hehehemann

hehehemann

Well-Known Member
Great job! I'm definitely going to build one of these.

How long do you think the carbon will last until you have to change it out?

Where did you buy the squirrel fan?

Thanks.
 
deesbarrett

deesbarrett

Well-Known Member
hehehemann said:
Great job! I'm definitely going to build one of these.

How long do you think the carbon will last until you have to change it out?

Where did you buy the squirrel fan?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
What people will come up with..Awesome job...Im gonna build one myself using an inline fan.
 
Cuttings2Colas

Cuttings2Colas

Active Member
Very well done. This inspires me to make one that's nice wood, stained & finished nice. Definitely a step up in practicality & aesthetics from most carbon filters.
 
Quickset

Quickset

Well-Known Member
Thanks to Cuttings2Colas, deesbarrett, hehehemann and for your comments. Also where applicable thanks for the rep. I can't see who repped me so put your sig in the rep comments folks - don't be bashful. I like to give reps back.

:bigjoint:

I got the squirrel fan on eBay. I don't know how long the 4'' of carbon is going to last before needing a change. I only used my "Gumby" filter for approx. 2 months when my grow finished and it was no longer needed. It was still going strong till then. I hope that it lasts for some time before I need to change it. I've read of other folk's filters going 3-6 months before they needed to replace the charcoal.

QS
:peace:
 
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