I Simple suction air filter: items and preventing implosion

AI Thread Summary
A user is designing a simple air filter using an exhaust fan to create a vacuum in a sealed box, aiming for a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 250. They are considering a 40db, 8-inch, 1400rpm fan with a capacity of 450CFM, while questioning the necessity of HEPA and carbon filters due to their costs. Concerns about potential implosion from low pressure in the box have led to the idea of creating a pressure relief mechanism. The user seeks advice on making wood less air porous and is contemplating using cardboard as an alternative, despite fire risks. The primary goal is to filter out dust and PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants, with some interest in odor removal.
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I want to make a simple air filter(for dust and air pollution) but was a bit confused about some stuff. Basically I've decided to use an exhaust fan to create a vacuum in a sealed box and the air to come in through the filters. Box fans aren't available here, so that can't be used. I want to create a 'CADR' of 250(CFM is not accurate benchmark of purifier performance, since air might repeat through the system). Such filters are available here for 150$, so though this will not save much money(time) for me it could be helpful for other people here. Total cost would be 40$.

>I'm thinking of going with a 40db 8in 1400rpm fan, 450CFM. I've used this to get an idea of relationship between CFM and CADR - http://www.theairpurifiers.com/air-purifier-performance.html . A 6in 250CFM fan might be fine but not sure
>Do I really need HEPA / Carbon filters? They cost 15$ here, and since simple cloth might filter 50%, but isn't it the same if the air moves twice through it, and air will move faster though it anyway. Or does the 99.5% figure mean it filters 99.5% types of particles - don't think so
>One thing I'm afraid of is an implosion if pressure gets too low in the box, it could be a hazard. I'm thinking of making a hole and covering it with a plastic film so it pops before
>Does anyone know of some harmless coating or something that could make wood not air porous, so that I could use wood <1in? I was first thinking of using cardboard instead of wood first and maybe taping it, but that could catch fire

Keep in mind that I don't have that much knowledge or DIY experience. Just posted here since I though people here would have a good idea.

Thanks
 
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:welcome:
You haven't said anything about your filtering requirements. Do you want to filter out the smell of smoke? Biohazards? Insects?
 
Last edited:
anorlunda said:
:welcome:
You haven't said anything about your filtering requirements. Do you want to filter out the smell of smoke? Biohazards? Insects?
I want to filter out dust, PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutions. Filtering odors would be nice too, but I think a carbon filter would be necessary for that and that costs another 15$ here.
 
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