Particulate respirator masks

[jbnebres]

Everyone knows those disposable and fairly cheap particualte masks,

but the material that it's made out of, how safe and practical would it be to use it to screen my filtered water? I have a lot of it, and I'm curious if i can fabricate it so that it polishes up filtered water. I figure it to be fairly safe in water, but I really can't think of any harmful consequences, other than it clogging up for some reason. Any ideas/feedback is appreciated.

 

[Arthur]

even if it's safe to use it may not flow very well, and/or get clogged very quickly. You could try picking up some felt from a fabric store, i'm pretty sure that's pretty cheap as well.

 

[Dr Joe]

Ok, Stick it over a large pyrex (for heat) glass and pour hot water thru it, then stuff it into the glass and let it set for 48 hours. If your don't see any particulates and the water doesn't smell or taste odd, your good to go. (The hot water accelerates the test process).

My first concern is they will fall apart.

If they clog up quickly, that's ok, they're doing their job. If it's used right before returning the water to the tank should minimize the clogging.

Dr Joe

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[oregonian]

Dr. Joe - does this technique work for other fabrics/foam etc. Just wondering because i work where i can get lots of hair nets, face masks and such (i.e. veterinary office) and it would be nice to use some of these materials after we're done with them.

P.S. in my ghetto filtration the spraybar on the powerhead is from a catheter container

 

[Dr Joe]

Yes, it works on alot of things, just need common sense as to what will dissolve and what has dangerous chemicals in it, but our taste buds can tell up alot before it's detrimental.

Hairnets make good bags for holding poly-fil (short fiber kind).

Also good for holding animal fur for HOB filters.

Or if you have enough stuff them in a HOB as filter media.

IV's make good chemical or medication drip systems.

The kink proof air tubing is a pain if you cut it to length but a little silicone goes along way.

Needles are nice for making accurate bubble counters for CO2.

Scalpels are great for trimming silicone, scoring plastic, scraping off algae and their original purpose.

Etc.Etc.Etc.

Most things have 3 uses plus their intended use (especially if you can bend them)

Dr Joe

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