isopropyl alcohol filter

sphelps · #1 02-22-2010, 11:28 PM

I'm looking for some ideas from you guys. I'm in the process of building a kind of automated parts washer which uses isopropyl alcohol as it's only solvent. The system works on a volume principal, very similar to a dishwasher, and has a sump system, very similar to an aquarium. The sump will have a mechanical filter to remove larger particular but because it's not pressurized the fluid relies on gravity alone to be forced through the media so it is limited. The alcohol will eventually become contaminated with small particles and oil. The volume of the system will be between 5 and 10 gallons, I'm aiming for as little as possible.

What I'm currently working on is a way to extend the life of the alcohol to reduce cost and of course environmental impact. So besides distillation anyone got any ideas on a filtration system? The system will be separate and filter the alcohol when the parts washer is not in use, as required. I would like to still use the same pump which is a Panworld 250PS-F, max head 45ft, max flow 1900gph.

PoonTang · #2 02-22-2010, 11:35 PM

Got a old cannister filter hanging around? you could use it a both a supply pump and filter.

sphelps · #3 02-23-2010, 12:11 AM

probably going to need a little more than that. Main concern is removing the oil and other dissolved containment.

PoonTang · #4 02-23-2010, 01:55 AM

Why alcohol? wont the evap. rate be really high? Going to be tough to remove the oil I would think as it would be totally mixed with the Alc.

hillegom · #5 02-23-2010, 02:53 AM

We have some man made fiber "mats" at work that will pick up oil and not water. Made for oil spills to clean up the environment. I don't know what it would do with the alcohol, but maybe persue something along those lines.
I have one of those mats at home, but do not have isopropanol. Otherwise I would test it out for you

sphelps · #6 02-23-2010, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoonTang

Why alcohol? wont the evap. rate be really high? Going to be tough to remove the oil I would think as it would be totally mixed with the Alc.

We have to use alcohol in preparation for strain gauge mounting (transducers). The washer and sump system are completely sealed and vented together. After the washing cycle the sump connections are sealed and the loss through evaporation is small.

sphelps · #7 02-23-2010, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillegom

We have some man made fiber "mats" at work that will pick up oil and not water. Made for oil spills to clean up the environment. I don't know what it would do with the alcohol, but maybe persue something along those lines.
I have one of those mats at home, but do not have isopropanol. Otherwise I would test it out for you

Similar to "adsorb-it"? Do you know where you source it? I'd be interested in trying it but yeah I'm uncertain how it will work with the alcohol since it actually dissolves the oil unlike water.

Buzz · #8 02-23-2010, 03:27 AM

For the mats you can get them at CE franklin, Midfield or and oilfield supply store there are mats that will only adhere to hydrocarbons so it will strip the oil out. There a also socks that do the same thing they only absorb oil water will pass right through.

sphelps · #9 02-23-2010, 03:31 AM

Cool! I'll source some tomorrow and try them out. In the mean time more ideas please

I've heard of people using sand filters to remove oil efficiently, any experience?

superduperwesman · #10 02-23-2010, 03:39 AM

Build a separator. As long as the particles are heavier then the alcohol they should drop out given the right conditions to do so. No mechanical filtration needed. Just let gravity do it's job and all you need is 2 baffles. Just have to size in correctly?