Are These Any Good?

Kitesurf · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 9:54 pm Post subject: Are These Any Good?

I was thinking of ordering these from eBlag:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem...item=280326726794

Plus a set of these for the rough filtering:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem...item=130294816322

Has anybody used these and if so what do you reckon?

RichardD · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:31 am Post subject:

In my very limited experience I find that plastic just bends and breaks. How big a container are you filtering into. I've seen an excellent adaptation of what I think is a bamboo strainer that is just the right size to fit inside a 200 litre steel drum.

I'll find a number for ordering one - ~£75 IIRC

paulmurray · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:45 am Post subject:

i have been using that system for a year now with great success.
i use a b&q bucket with a pipe fitting fitted into the bottom to support the 400 micron 'bucket filter' meaning it can be set above large or small containers and a slimline waterbutt with the 5 or 1 micron filter bag hanging in it giving a convenient tap at the bottom for decanting fuel from. Smile

Kitesurf · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject:

Thanks Richard and Paul. The sock filter looks to be a good idea. They are washable and reusable. I have also seen sheets of filter cloth for which you can make your own frames. I am using 3 x 20L storage boxes on a frame in a cascade arrangement. Top box is for settling. Each box has a tap fitted.

Kitesurf · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:14 pm Post subject:

The sock filters arrived yesterday, well packaged and clearly marked with the filter sizes.

This is the arrangement I am intending to use, due to limited space in my garage. I am going to hang the sock filters on heavy duty hooks, which will keep them away from the garage wall, with funnels underneath to direct the oil into the next filter stage. What do you experienced guys reckon?

I'll just have to make sure I sneak the filters into the washing machine when SWMBO is out. She makes enough fuss about washing my oily overalls. Laughing

paulmurray · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:36 pm Post subject:

no need for so many filters, i pour through the 400 micron bucket filter then settle for a week or two before going through a 5 or 1 micron sock filter. if you wish to use more filters you can just put them one inside the other with the coarsest on the inside and finest on the outside to save space.

Kitesurf · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:52 pm Post subject:

Nathaniel · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:56 pm Post subject:

Settle first.

Gravity is your friend.

No need to hang the bags above each other either.

Put them inside each other.

terence · Guest

I just settle, no filters until the last barrel,

5 mic.

always used it. no hassle.

no expense, cleaning , barrels have bottom taps to pour out crud.

fats and tallow fall out water and solids drop out, skim off floaties.

cost one filter cartridge. 4 x barrels and 8 15mm tank connectors and one 2.4 mtre length of 25mm copper.

9 years ago...

one small drawback doesnt like cold weather so i have to produce enough in summer to last all winter too....

Kitesurf · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject:

I am still thinking about putting a homebrew solar heater panel on the South facing sloping roof of the shed and putting and indirect coil in the settling barrel. The coil will be tinned so the copper doesn' come in contact with the oil. Even if it doesn't raise the temperature much in the Winter it will certainly speed things up in the Summer. I already have scrap central heating radiator that has been painted matt black. I just need to build it into a suitable box with a glass lid and some insulation. The pump will be switched by a small solar panel, so it will only pump when the sun is shining (at least that is the plan).