Air Filter for garage

[sbarton]

Any recommendations for an air filter system to help remove dust and vapors/gases commonly found in garages? Preferably a HEPA with active carbon, not an Ionic or ozone one. Will need to be able to clean 500-1000 sq-feet.

-Scott

 

[pseudorealityx]

For dust, you want a dust collection system. For vapors and gases, you want to exhaust the air. Filters aren't going to do what you want them to do.

 

[benjamming]

Why can't filters work? I agree that it is unusual (at least to me) but it would work just fine as long as many variables are thought through. Of course, those variables tend to get very expensive considering that the system might need to be XP rated due to metal dust, wood dust, flammable vapors, etc.

 

[pcmeiners]

To be very effective, a filter would need a very large surface pre-filter, and a large surface HEPA filter (expensive), both not the size of normal filter elements. Then to absorb gaseous odors, a large amount of activated carbon. The carbon filters sold for most filters, other then for large commercial use are a joke.
Years ago I made one which consisted of a 8' x3x3' rectangle, divided into 3 compartments, consisting of a large amount of fiberglass batting used as a pre-filter, 3 Hepa filters, stacked in parallel, and about a 100lbs of activated charcoal, with an axial fan to push air through it. Did very well in removing dust/smoke but even with 100lbs of activated carbon, odors persisted, though much less then without it. Most of the smoke was actually removed by the fiberglass, as I believe a slight electrostatic charge was created by the air flow over the plastic fan blades, forcing the smoke to adhere to the fiberglass (purchased a low current high voltage transformer to create a large static charge on the fiberglass, but never installed it).

 

[nate379]

Delta makes one, it's around $200 I think. Not an end all cure all, but will help.

 

[texasOFT]

Won't work for vapors bust a simple dust filter can be constructed by making a box with 2,3 or 4 pleated furnace air filters and use a box fan to move the air. Build a square box with filters on the sides and lay the box fan on the top to pull the air through the filters. Will clean dust out of the air very quickly.

 

[tcianci]

Open the door sometimes?

 

[sbarton]

I usually do open the garage door when I work in there, but in the winter its way too cold (currently in the teens).

Also when I clean up I usually sweep up, and then use the air hose to blow as much stuff as I can out the door. This usually creates a lot of dust. I would like to use the filter to collect all that dust instead of having it settle out on the floor and shelves.

But would also like to get a filter for gasses, so I can use aresol cans in the winter.

-Scott

 

[tcianci]

Sounds like you need a cheap shop vac. Aerosol fumes? Why in the world would we ever squirt anything that you can't sniff? Solvents make the world (or at least my head) go 'round!

 

[mad57]

build a small spray cabinet , with filters,look on here its been done.

 

[z28snksknr]

How about purchasing a respirator for yourself for the vapors?

I just learned the hard way that you can't spray paint (rattle can) for 2 hours in a closed garage. My eyes, face, and nostrils are just now (5 days later) returning to normal and stopped itching and swelling up. Evidently, I'm allergic to the fumes even though my total exposure time was <15 min in a 2 hour period and I had a box fan on with the garage door half way up between coats.

Lesson learned though - I will be buying a respirator ASAP this weekend.