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Shop: North Spore Cultivation Supplies   Unfolding Nature Unfolding Nature: Being in the Implicate Order

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Help me choose a laminar filter
    #25838558 -

Been doing some reading in preparation for my first hood build.
I understand how to calculate sq. ft. and multiply that by 100 fpm.
Having trouble getting static pressure specs and unsure what the minimum static pressure is for laminar flow. Was reading 3" deep filters or filters less than 0.5" w.g. won't work?
I want a 2'x4' hood so my options are kind of limited.

Found these choices so far:

https://www.terrauniversal.com/product/3800-51
24" x 48" x 5-7/8" ULPA *No sp info

https://hepa.airflotek.com/item/hepa-filters-2/hepa-filters/22023
24" x 48" x 5-7/8" HEPA/ULPA *Recommended Final Pressure Drop 2" w.g.

https://www.spycor.com/BioMAX-HEPA-99-99-Wood-Frame-24x48x5-7-8-p/h19g3x1.htm
24" x 48" x 5-7/8" HEPA *No pressure info

https://www.airfilterusa.com/resource-center/hepa-air-filters
24" x 48" x 5-7/8" HEPA *1" Initial resistance

https://fungi.com/collections/laboratory-equipment/products/48-x-24-x-5-8-micron-filter
24" x 48" x 5-7/8" *No pressure info


Is there any obvious reason any of these wouldn't be good for laminar flow?
The 2" recommended pressure on the second filter confuses me. Is that a recommendation for if someone was using the filter for non-laminar purposes? Any downside to running a filter like that at just 1" w.g.?
Maybe I should just get the renown fungiperfecti one and be done with it.


Some bonus blower questions:
Most people seem to use 24x24" filters and the blowers seem to match up proportionally. Is there any concerns with having an extra-wide 48" filter being pressurized by a relatively small (but sufficiently powerful) blower? I'm worried that there might be less pressure at the wings of the filter that would be ~18" away from the blower's output. If there is a pressure gradient wouldn't that mess up the laminar flow? Obviously people use 48" wide filters successfully, but I'm wondering whether there would be any advantage to having two blowers that are spaced evenly to share the load?

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Icon] * 1
    #25838699 -

Icon said:
Maybe I should just get the renown fungiperfecti one and be done with it.




:shrug:

IDK, but here is a PDF with info about the Koch biomax filters.

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: El Chupacabra]
    #25838826 -

https://fungi.com/products/the-series-iii-laminar-flow-hood


https://fungi.com/products/36-x-24-x-5-8-micron-filter



Those are all expensive.. these are a little high also but if you have the money you can get a prebuilt or fuck with building one here .. and there are other sizes


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Boogieman47] * 1
    #25839733 -



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I have left life and loves behind me, to be blown about as the sea desires, to have the freedom of the open air, and to be witness to the making of the world.

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Johnny Dont]
    #25839860 -

Saw you listed one with final pressure drop. "Recommended final pressure drop" is the s.p. that you throw the filter away at because it is too clogged. Usually it is twice the starting static pressure, so a 2" final recommended drop means it has 1" s.p.

Order the Koch from ebay or that zoro site. It is cheapest with shipping included. You HAVE to ship a 24x48 via freight truck. If you don't, there is about a 95% chance you will regret it.


--------------------
- Sandbag Tek - How To Sterilize Spawn Bags - All About Static Pressure / Pressure Drop for DIY Flow Hoods - Sandman's LC Tek-

Marijuanaut escapes earth to cultivate - Grow-room is church temple of the new stoner breed

Edited by sandman420 (02/26/19 07:09 PM)

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: sandman420]
    #25839872 -

Also I highly recommend that all you home brew flow hood builders incorporate a 2" range Magnehelic gauge into your flowhood build so that you can monitor the filter life and also make sure everything is going right, no leaks etc. They are really cheap on ebay and easy to install.


--------------------
- Sandbag Tek - How To Sterilize Spawn Bags - All About Static Pressure / Pressure Drop for DIY Flow Hoods - Sandman's LC Tek-

Marijuanaut escapes earth to cultivate - Grow-room is church temple of the new stoner breed

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: sandman420]
    #25839879 -

pffft, if you stack enough paper towels on the intake of your blower it'll achieve laminar flow eventually for a fraction of the cost

Edited by Psilosopherr (02/26/19 07:17 PM)

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: El Chupacabra]
    #25839918 -

Johnny Dont said:
https://www.zoro.com/search?q=Hepa99.99



El Chupacabra said:
PDF with info about the Koch biomax filters.



:leocheers:

And thank you for explaining that sandman420.

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: sandman420]
    #25839936 -

I'm building an 18x24 hood VERY soon. Will be documenting it on the forum to share what ived learned from the Experience.  Anyhow, this Magnehelic gauge you speak of, interesting  for sure. Need to look into how to use it. I'm guessing its bolted onto the plenum maybe, with a small hole in it to measure the pressure buildup in the box? Total guess lol gonna go check it out now
Thanks for the heads up Sandman! :rockon:


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Rombino]
    #25839974 -

It has a high port and a low port. Long story short, you attach the high port to the plenum via a hose, and the low port to the room air via hose. You can mount the gauge flush in your pre-filter box for a clean professional look. It has 2 high ports and 2 low ports, one set on the back and one set on the side. You only use one set, the other set is plugged.


--------------------
- Sandbag Tek - How To Sterilize Spawn Bags - All About Static Pressure / Pressure Drop for DIY Flow Hoods - Sandman's LC Tek-

Marijuanaut escapes earth to cultivate - Grow-room is church temple of the new stoner breed

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: sandman420]
    #25839984 -

A lot of the ones on ebay are used and don't come with the hose barbs or plugs. In that case, it is 1/8 NPT threads. So you would need to order 2 of 1/8" NPT x 1/4" hose barbs and 2 of 1/8 NPT plugs.


--------------------
- Sandbag Tek - How To Sterilize Spawn Bags - All About Static Pressure / Pressure Drop for DIY Flow Hoods - Sandman's LC Tek-

Marijuanaut escapes earth to cultivate - Grow-room is church temple of the new stoner breed

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Icon] * 1
    #25840086 -

https://fungi.com/collections/laboratory-equipment/products/half-horsepower-blower-1654-cfm-1-sp

This is the blower for the 24"x48"  Fungi filter...

Should be allot cheaper at Amazon..


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: micelio]
    #25840154 -

Aah, ok I got ya, thats cool. So it can accurately measure pressure inside while compensating for altitude and its atmospheric differences in pressure. Saw one for 24 bucks on ebay, said it was new too. Hose connectors won't be a problem though. I just might look into getting one... hmmmmm :super:


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Rombino]
    #25840507 -

Found this analog manometer that I THINK will do the trick, and needs no calibration. Do you think this would do the job sandman?
Dwyer Series Mark II 25 Molded Plastic Manometer, Inclined-Vertical Scale, 0 to 3 inH2O Measuring Range, Red Gauge Fluid, 0.826 sp. gr. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009PAN3C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_geODCb0XHQJ80
Hope I'm not hijacking this thread...


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Rombino]
    #25840550 -

I suppose it would, it looks a more complicated to set up than a Magnehelic though. I couldn't offer you any support on that.

One thing about that type is that it will have to have the hose(s) on the outside and look way less clean, since it's not capable of flush mounting. Plus it looks way less cool than a magnehelic.

What you want is a Magnehelic 2002 model. I see a really shiny brand spanking new with all the hose-barbs and plugs for $50 shipped on ebay.


--------------------
- Sandbag Tek - How To Sterilize Spawn Bags - All About Static Pressure / Pressure Drop for DIY Flow Hoods - Sandman's LC Tek-

Marijuanaut escapes earth to cultivate - Grow-room is church temple of the new stoner breed

Edited by sandman420 (02/27/19 06:35 AM)

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: sandman420]
    #25844269 -

I hear ya there Sandman, it doesn't look as cool, kinda old school.... What caught my eye was that it doesn't need calibration. That was really what got my attention. I'll probably hold off until after the build is done. If it looks like I've got an issue then I'll probably get one then.


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Rombino]
    #25844294 -

there is no real calibration on a magnehelic. You just turn a screw on the front to zero the needle if needed and that's it. It couldn't be easier. I've never even had to zero mine.


--------------------
- Sandbag Tek - How To Sterilize Spawn Bags - All About Static Pressure / Pressure Drop for DIY Flow Hoods - Sandman's LC Tek-

Marijuanaut escapes earth to cultivate - Grow-room is church temple of the new stoner breed

Edited by sandman420 (02/28/19 05:58 PM)

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: sandman420]
    #25845290 -

sandman420 said:
there is no real calibration on a magnehelic. You just turn a screw on the front to zero the needle if needed and that's it. It couldn't be easier. I've never even had to zero mine.



Seriously?!? Haha! That's funny shit man! Why the hell would they call that a calibration..... zeroing a needle is far from a calibration, you're right, couldn't be easier.... lol Thanks once again for the info bud.


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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Rombino]
    #26015017 -

Ran into a snag with my flowhood build that I wanted to mention here for reference and maybe get some more advice.

I originally went with a 48" x 24" x 6" koch biomax filter from zoro.com. They had the best price for the filter. Well the filter arrived damaged, the wooden frame was cracked completely through on one side. Glued it back together thinking it looked fine enough, but after installing the filter in the plenum and turning on the 1/2 hp blower, a tear in the filter immediately appeared. (Pic included below)

When choosing that brand of filter, I was referencing the koch biomax chart El Chupacabra posted. Since it didn't actually have the 48" wide filter specs listed in the chart, it wasn't that useful but I noticed that it probably has the same 1"wg resistance as the other standard capacity filters in the chart. I also referenced the CFM capacities, but at the time didn't notice the chart is split by 6" deep and 11" deep filters. Neither of them are in the 48" wide size, so I just took the 24 x 24" filter capacity and doubled it, not realizing I was using the 11" deep capacity.

When I correctly double up the capacity for the 6" deep filter, I determined that the 48" wide filter's capacity is only 1100 cfm for the 1"wg standard capacity model. When choosing the filter, I paired it with the Dayton 1/2hp 1XJY1. Here's a PDF of the blower's CFM at different resistances. If you look at 1" for 1XJY1, depending on the speed it will deliver 1162 - 1654 cfm. If the 1100 capacity is correct and literal, then the 1/2hp Dayton at any speed would blow this filter. Adding .2" resistance for a pre-filter dials the fan down to an appropriate 846 - 1188 cfm. (still too strong on highest speed?)

I personally wired it to the 2nd lowest speed, which is 1393 cfm without the pre-filter. Knowing all this now, I can't say for sure whether the crack in the filter was caused by the cracked frame during the shipping, or if the filter just exceeded its capacity and immediately blew out.

According to the scaling on the smaller filters, the capacity of the 48" standard koch biomax should be just 1100 cfm but I can't find the figure directly printed anywhere online. The only two other sources for HEPA filters that weren't trying to ask me about its purpose were fungiperfecti and earthstongue. Both of these vendors advertise their 48" wide filters as 1250 cfm @ 1". I don't understand what this figure means, even after asking for clarification:

Quote:
Fungiperfecti - The static pressure of most of our filters is 1", including the 48 x 24.  That particular filter is rated for a minimum of 1200CFM at 1" static pressure. We recommend using the EAFB4 1/2HP blower, wired to the highest speed.



I don't understand how a filter could have a minumum cfm rating? Wouldn't the filter still create laminar flow at 100 fpm or a mere 800 cfm?

Quote:
Me - On the product page, it says 1250cfm@1".
What does this figure indicate? Is this a minimum or maximum cfm? What is the filter's cfm capacity? Which blower do you recommend pairing it with?
Earthstongue - Those are the WG pressure numbers on the filters. That is how they are measured for cfm rating. They flow at least 1250cfm.
At least 1/2 hp motor for this filter is enough.  3/4 hp tops.



"They flow at least 1250cfm (@ 1")" Also not sure what this is supposed to mean. Its capacity is at least 1250? Its minimum cfm is 1250?

At least they both seem to agree that a 1/2 HP blower on the highest speed is the sweet spot.

Basically, what I gathered after this epic failure is that the koch biomax brand of filters must be different from the brand that fungiperfecti and earthstongue use. If the koch biomax 48" wide standard capacity filter is really limited to 1100 cfm, then it would make a very poor choice for a flow hood because your window for laminar flow is just 800-1100 CFM. According to blower chart, you could hit that figure with the 1/2 HP blower on its lower speeds, with a pre-filter. But after seeing 1 filter blow, I didn't feel comfortable with that margin of error. A 0.5 resistance difference on the pre-filter could be the difference between blowing the filter or falling below laminar flow.

So I went back to the charts and koch biomax makes all their filters in a high-capacity model as well that doubles the CFM capacity; which would be perfect if it didn't also increase the resistance to a base 1.5". They also make filters twice as deep (6" and 12") which simply doubles the standard capacity while remaining at 1" resistance; but my flow hood was already constructed to 6" specifications.

I decided to go with the 48 x 24 x 6" filter from Earthstongue. They add protective grills to the front and back of the filter which I think makes a lot of sense after seeing how fragile they can be. I just hope that the CFM capacity is truly higher than the koch brand. They recommend 1/2 - 3/4 hp so it's gotta handle at least 1500 cfm you'd think? But again, I theoretically should only need 800 cfm for laminar flow soo I guess I'll start on the lowest speed.

TLDR: The 48" x 24" x 6" koch biomax 99.99% HEPA filter is probably not deep or dense enough for most laminar flow builds at its estimated capacity of 1100 cfm.



Edited by Icon (05/26/19 07:54 PM)

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Re: Help me choose a laminar filter [Re: Icon]
    #26015027 -

The filter was dropped and severely damaged brother. The damage was only inflated once you put air through it and became more visible. If the frame of the filter cracked the whole filter tore, it's all glued together.

The 1xjy1 should be wired on low speed for a brand new 1.0" filter + prefilter for a 24 x 48.

Zoro would have definitely replaced the filter for you if you had let them know. I know it would suck waiting another 2 months though. Maybe they coulda rushed it. They are good dudes.

Edited by sandman420 (05/26/19 08:04 PM)

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Shop: North Spore Cultivation Supplies   Unfolding Nature Unfolding Nature: Being in the Implicate Order


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