How To Use Compressed Air Filters For Water Filtration

Compressed air filters already filter grease, dirt and dust particles out of air, but they can also filter water in the same way. Industrial applications of compressed air filters in water filtration are quite common, the most common being water treatment and sanitation plants. If you want to try and use compressed air filters on a smaller scale to filter water, here is how you could make that work.

What You Need to Make Compressed Air Filters Filter Water

Compressed air passes through a compressed air filter by force. Ergo, to make water pass through a compressed air filter you will need a few extra parts. Start with a compressed intake air filter in tube form, and then add:

  • a vacuum or suction tool that you can attach to one end of the filter
  • a length of hose to attach to the suction tool
  • a means to collect the water on the opposite end after it has passed through the filter
  • duct tape and/or circular hose clamps

An example of this type of contraption is your typical pool filtration system, but without the sand or earth particles as the filter. Air is the key filter source here, and by forcing/ sucking the water through the filter's chamber you can purify everything from your home pool to a body of water that is saturated in PCB's (polycarbonate biphenyls).

Putting the Device Together

You will need to make sure that as the water passes through your compressed intake filter, pressure remains constant. To do that, you have to seal off any potential air leaks.

  1. Check your compressor for openings. There should not be any unsealed or bent areas.
  2. Next, attach your chosen suction instrument to the same end as the filter. Leave the other end open for a hose attachment, which will pull the water up through the filter.
  3. Tape around the attachments and openings thoroughly to maintain the vacuum.
  4. On the same end as the filter and the suction tool, have an appropriately-sized collection tank for the purified water.
  5. Use circular hose clamps to tighten up the connections if the hoses are too loose with just duct tape.
  6. Test the machine. Then test the water with a purified water kit. 

You know you have successfully created a useful machine from a compressed intake filter when the water is devoid of discoloration, small particles of dirt/debris and foreign substances.

Where You Can Buy the Parts

Industrial equipment and supply manufacturers, like Compressor-Pump & Service, Inc., should be your go-to source first. Everything you need is available from these companies, since they provide all of these parts to larger industries as it is. Another good source is through industrial auctions. The auctions sell off factory parts after industrial sites close, although you will probably get older versions of the parts you need. There are a few discount merchants of industrial equipment that may have a tubular compressed air filter and a vacuum source, as well as some hoses, but it may take longer to get your parts if they are out of stock.


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