Purification of water with home-made filters is a standard measure for field and field conditions. After all, wearing huge bottles is unreasonable because of the incredible physical costs. In addition, this is irrational due to the almost universal presence of the liquid component of the earth's membrane necessary for the body.
The liquid that people really need is everywhere, but its sanitary condition is not always compatible with consumption. But you can make a very effective water filter with your own hands even on a multi-day route, being far from settlements, with a minimum of improvised means.
We will introduce you to the most effective and easiest to implement devices for cleaning dirty water. Here you will find diagrams, recommendations and a detailed description of manufacturing technology. The material proposed for familiarization is systematized, supplemented by visual illustrations and video instructions.
Why purify water?
Already, a variety of household filters are included in the list of basic appliances for the kitchen interior. They will do just fine if you need to filter out a couple of liters of liquid. But when it comes to large volumes, handheld and household devices are useless and you have to look for a commensurate alternative.
A suspension of sand, fine clay particles, organics, waste products of all kinds of animals and microorganisms make water from open reservoirs categorically unsuitable for drinking. Likewise, the situation with wells.
A properly assembled filter is quite capable of purifying tap water, but it’s better not to drink it immediately, but let it stand for some time (click to enlarge)
The agricultural industry annually becomes on a par with the heavy and chemical in terms of wrecking, due to the amount of nitrates used. So, the use of nitric acid to fertilize the soil, saturates groundwater with harmful salts.
For the manufacture of the simplest water filter, you only need an Aquaphor-type carriage. Devices enough to clean about 179 liters
Be that as it may, even the most advanced filtering equipment periodically needs to be replaced with cleaning cassettes, let alone self-made. After a certain time, it is necessary to replace the artisanal system with a specialized one.
This is important because water can contain pathogenic bacteria and other undesirable microflora, which is absolutely not amenable to filtration, and to cope with bacteriological pollution of a river or a well, only a sanitary epidemiological station is able to.
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Camping water treatment
Set for water purification from impurities
Adapter sleeve filter Aquaphor
One and a half liter bottle sleeve
Fixing the hose on the side of the receiving tank
Pressure supercharger to stimulate the filtration process
The process of purifying water with a field filter
Boiling purified water filter Aquaphor
How to choose a filler for the filter?
When choosing a filter container, you need to calculate everything properly, because the cleaning properties first of all depend on a properly formed “filling”. The volume of the filter container should be such that it can easily accommodate all components.
Natural materials, such as quartz river or washed quarry sand, gravel, activated carbon and zeolite, are widely used as absorbent. As you know, any filter begins with a primary layer of rough cleaning.Often this role is given to cotton-based fabrics.
The water in the filter should go through several degrees of purification. The upper layers delay large inclusions and contaminants, the lower ones exclude the penetration of small particles
Natural materials are very impractical in terms of hygiene. Firstly, in a humid environment, such a filter layer is susceptible to decay processes, because of this an unpleasant odor appears. Secondly, the structure of the fabric involves a very rapid contamination of the filter with unwanted particles, which makes it necessary to change the layer.
Much better performance is observed with synthetic analogues. More preferred in this regard is lutrasil. The material has moisture resistant qualities and is more resistant to pollution than cotton or bandage.
Non-woven polypropylene fabric - lutrasil can be used as the bottom layer designed for finishing water purification
A synthetic budget layer that is used in the preparation of coffee can be considered a budget option for a fabric filter.
Quartz sand copes with the delay of fine particles, as well as the filtration of heavy chemical compounds. While gravel on the contrary, it is better to sift out large blotches of unwanted materials. An incomparable cleansing effect has a mineral called zeolite.
Zeolite is widely used in water treatment. It extracts heavy metals, organic compounds, phenol, nitrates, ammonium nitrogen, etc. from it.
The active action of the substance with a bang will cope with the pollution of water by metal and salt suspension, and also neutralizes pesticides and other products of the agricultural industry processing.
Activated Carbon Cleaning Devices
The most common group of home-made filters involves the use of activated carbon. The drug can be purchased at any pharmacy in unlimited quantities. Its stocks will practically not increase the weight of the luggage and take up not so much space in the backpack.
But coal has few rivals in terms of cleaning power. It perfectly adsorbs toxic substances, absorbs an impressive number of heavy metals, mercilessly fights harmful microorganisms.
Small size hiking type
Perhaps the most high-quality filtration result is shown by home-made activated carbon variants. The absorbent will equally well cope with the delay of both mineral formations and toxic substances.
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Cigar Case for Filter Making
Screw cap
Cigar case bottom hole
Filter device filling
The properties of the material include the ability to impart transparency to the liquid, as well as eliminate unpleasant odors and waste products of microorganisms.
When choosing coal, you need to pay attention to the structure of the mineral. Too small, powdery - will penetrate into the water, and large, on the contrary - will not provide the proper level of purification. (It is worth giving preference to the granular source material).
Activated carbon is the most sought-after material in homemade filter devices. It is advisable to fill it with layers so that the powder material is below, the granules are on top, and the fractional composition increases in height
An important factor is the degree of so-called "roasting" of coal. If you overdo this procedure, the absorbent will quickly lose all its valuable qualities.
Coal can be bought at any supermarket, or made at home. The best absorbent qualities are observed in hardwoods, in particular birch.
It is not recommended to use conifers, as the essential oils contained in them can give a soft smell to filtered water.
To obtain coal, it is necessary to load the tree into any metal container and glow it over a fire (preferably put in the furnace). After the wood is heated to red, remove the container and let cool - that's all, charcoal is ready for use in the filtration system.
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Filter for water purification in the field
Extremely simple filter device design
More serious filter design
Filter material for homemade products
A very suitable option would be a homemade charcoal-based filter for water from the ash of a burned-out fire. On occasion, it is best to use whole pieces about 4 cm long.
As a rule, anything can serve as a body for such an impromptu system, but basically a plastic container or a bottle is used for convenience.
Coal retains organic compounds, hydrocarbons, chlorine, permanganate. It eliminates odors and color of the treated water.
Making a carbon water purifier
Before assembling, you need to choose a more optimal version of the case.
For this you need:
- Several plastic containers (bottles or PVC pipe, in some cases, food containers can be used. Because of their strength, they will serve well as the base of the cartridge).
- Tools for processing plastic (various sharp objects: awl, scissors, stationery knife, screwdriver).
- Absorbent material (in this case, activated carbon).
- Additional filter granules (quartz sand, gravel).
- Material for the primary fabric filter (medical bandage, gauze or coffee filter).
- Plastic caps or caps.
For the tightness of the structure, at the joints of the modules, polymer substances should be used (if the filter is multi-level and consists of several parts). Moisture-resistant silicone glue or an insulating tape is well suited.
To install the suspension structure, you must first cut the bottom from the plastic bottle using a clerical knife. Then make two holes opposite each other for fastening the loops. Now an improvised body can be hung, for example, on a tree branch.
Next, you need to make an outlet valve, from where the filtered fluid will flow. At this stage, the design feature depends on individual preferences. You can organize something according to the principle of the shower - to make many small holes in the lid, or you can drill one big one.
The next step will be the direct installation of the components. Having twisted a perforated cover, the case is turned upside down or suspended by loops. Then, first of all, a bandage folded several times, or gauze, is laid. The use of a coffee filter is also welcome.
In some cases, one can find designs where the role of the primary filtering material is played by a fabric cover sewn specifically for the size of the housing. This greatly simplifies the task of changing the absorbent and saves time.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that the laying of absorbent components should be carried out as a “pyramid”. This means that the first thing is always followed by a fine-grained absorbent (coal), then comes a layer of quartz sand, and then comes the turn of river pebbles or gravel.
Each subsequent layer of the filter has a different, most often finer structure than the previous one. This contributes to more thorough cleaning.
For greater efficiency, it is recommended to alternate several layers of pebbles, however, do not forget that excess material can interfere with the flow of water. It is better to cover the filling hole with some kind of cloth or a cover, in order to avoid getting unwanted objects inside the cartridge.
The principle of operation of such a filter is the passive flow of water through all layers.Under the action of granules, the contaminated liquid is cleaned and flows out of the perforated hole. Initially, several liters of water should be passed through the filter. The first filtering procedure will wash the layers and remove contaminants.
The disadvantages of the system include a rather slow cleaning rate and the need to constantly fill in a new liquid at the end of the filtration procedure.
The disadvantages of homemade water filters with natural fillers include low speed, the need to often change the filter layers, not too high quality cleaning
Useful homemade PVC pipe
To purify water in a suburban area, you can also make an effective purifier that can compete with factory products. It will be needed to treat water collected in a mine well or in a water well, but it will be especially useful if water is scooped up in a river, pond, or lake.
For the construction of the structure, you will need a segment from the plastic water pipe and 2 containers. You can connect two bottles, where the upper segment will act as a coarse filter.
The filter can be made from improvised means without the help of special equipment. Everything you need can be found in everyone’s house.
Inside it is supposed to be placed first a primary layer of gauze or cotton wool, while building some kind of mesh substrate, for example, plastic, so that the layers do not mix. For this, a plastic cover is well suited, which can be glued into a PVC pipe, then drill several holes of small diameter around the circumference.
Perforation in a plastic partition is necessary to delay the synthetic or natural fibers of the primary filter
Next, the stage of filling the initial cartridge with synthetic material begins (a synthetic winterizer can be used).
After that, close the module with a lid again, only this time you should not resort to the use of glue, because this part must be removable, in order to be able to replace and clean the filter material.
Stacking the filler is tight, but at the same time not too much so that the layer does not interfere with the passage of water
Then begins the turn of the plastic pipe. It is necessary to cut off the neck of the bottle and fix it inside the pipe so that it is possible to use a thread.
It is worth tightening to prevent leaks (silicone glue is good). It is recommended to wrap the outer side and edging of the neck with several layers of electrical tape for greater strength.
It is necessary to wind the insulation in several layers also in order to prevent the possibility of leakage
At the other end of the tube, as usual, you need to insert the lid and perforate. On the inner surface of the makeshift cartridge should be placed a tissue layer.
After all the manipulations, the structure is ready for filling with granulate (in this case, activated carbon). For better efficiency, you can alternate the layers of minerals inside the pipe.
It is best to use synthetic material as a filter layer, as it is more durable and does not need frequent replacement
Upon completion, the primary filter and the carbon module are twisted together using a thread. Then, plastic bottles are added on both sides. That's it, the carbon filter made of PVC cut is ready to use.
Home-made design does not require special conditions of use and does not take up much space when disassembled
Aquarium water filter
As you know, for the normal functioning of aquatic inhabitants, it is necessary to clean the reservoir in a timely manner and maintain the purity of the water. Owners of small aquariums will come in very handy with instructions on how to build a filter at home.
Any plastic tube of suitable diameter can serve as the body of a homemade filter for treating hard water, including, for lack of such, 2 syringes are well suited.
Before assembly, you need to prepare some additional details: a spray bottle (often used in bottles with detergents), a sponge with a high degree of rigidity, as well as a mechanism by which the design will be attached to the aquarium wall (suction cup).
The main advantage of the design is ease of manufacture. All components can be easily found at home.
The first step is to remove the movable part of the syringe, it will not come in handy. Then, using hot-melt adhesive or another sealant, connect the workpieces to each other, after cutting off the nozzles.
Perforation is required for the flow of water. An ordinary soldering iron can do this perfectly, and if it is not there, you can heat any metal object over the fire, for example, a nail, and make holes throughout the entire area of the syringe.
To optimize the speed of water passing through the filter, it is recommended to make holes at an even distance from each other
In some cases, some granulate can be poured into the filter capsule, the best option would be to use zeolite, because absorbent copes well with nitrate filtration. Next, inside the case you need to place the spray gun, while its flexible tube should evenly go along the entire length of the cartridge.
Then the impromptu cartridge should be completely wrapped with a sponge and fix the outer layer so that it does not unwind. That's all, the power of such a filter is quite enough to purify water in a small aquarium.
The design is quite compact and can fit in any small tank
Sandy option for the pool
As already mentioned, the process of constructing small-sized variations of filter systems is quite simple, however, if we are talking about a large reservoir, it is necessary to consider all the nuances of the purification system.
Many probably faced the problem of "flowering" of water. Most often, this process is observed in the warm season, and if the private pool is also equipped with a heating system, such an event can occur at any time.
It is fair to say that the problem of green water can be completely solved by improvised means, namely, by mechanical removal, but sometimes a layer of algae can sink to the very bottom and removal of the surface film will not solve the problem.
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Homemade sand filter for the pool
Filter media to fill the device
Water Stimulation Pump
Cover for a homemade sand filter
In addition, not only algae, but also fallen leaves, as well as sand and all kinds of microparticles, if the pool is on the street, can act as a pollutant.
Faced with problems of this kind, people begin to frantically buy all kinds of detergents and cleaning products, hoping to get rid of annoying green islands. But the active chemical action of substances can only help with a pollutant that is on the surface and in order to clean the tank to the bottom, completely different methods are needed.
To completely clean the pool, there are special filtering systems. They work on the principle of "vacuum cleaner", namely, they pump through the compressor liters of contaminated liquid. The filtration process is a multiple transfer of water from one part of the pool to another.
This mechanism is often used in large municipal or private institutions, where the pool volume sometimes reaches up to thousands of liters, so an automated filtration system is the best solution.
But it is not profitable for the average user to invest in such bulky equipment if, for example, it is necessary to clean only a small inflatable reservoir of a seasonal type.
Just for such reservoirs there is an instruction for the construction of a sand filter.
The housing of the device contains a filler with filtering properties (sand). You can replace the material with any other
During the assembly process you will need any capacity that can serve as a cartridge. The water tunnel from the primary filter can be made from a plastic pipe 2 meters long (in case the pool is large).
You also need to consider that the design of the tunnel involves a rotation of 90 degrees, so you need a PVC corner. The inside diameter of the cartridge and pipe should be about 50 mm.
A threaded sleeve with a diameter of M10 can be used as a support pin for cleaning modules. The convenience of this design allows you to connect several filter cartridges into one, which turns a conventional filter into a multi-level. This increases the efficiency of absorption and, as a result, the water becomes cleaner.
At the first stage, you need to make two holes (it is better to use a hammer drill).
The first is in the filter plug, and the second is in the PVC corner, then connect the two parts using a pin and a nut. A water compressor should be attached to the other end of the tube. The power of the equipment should be selected based on the volume of the pool.
In order for the filter to be floating, it is necessary to make a special foam backing.
The purification process is circular, and occurs by means of water intake from the lower layers of the pool and pumping it through the filter using a pump.
The advantage of this design is the lack of additional elements for the release of filtered water, as well as the possibility of replacing the cartridge. The rinsing procedure is best carried out on a separate container in order to avoid the entry of dirty liquid back into the pool. It is better to use a bucket for this.
In addition, the cost of this installation is much less than branded counterparts. Everything you need can be purchased at specialized retail outlets, for example, a compressor is sold in any pet store, PVC pipes and corners in building supermarkets, and a replacement cartridge in the markets in the plumbing department.
A big plus when creating a floating filtering system is the freedom of design thought. If you have decorative components at hand, you can mask the filter for any object that fits into the composition of the pool, for example, a ship.
Homemade Water Filter
At home, everyone can build a unit consisting of three containers connected in series. Such a water filter works only under a certain pressure of the water supply system.
As future cartridges, you can use plastic or glass containers, and you need to connect the segments by means of a transition nipple of ¼ inch.
The filter is connected directly to the water supply system and does not require installation of additional communications
For convenience, input / output guides are applied on the adapters. They will make sure that the assembly process is successful. Another important point is the tightness of the installation. To avoid leaks, it is recommended that each thread be wrapped in Teflon tape, and the joints sealed with synthetic material.
A filter of such a sample is connected to a system like a tee and connected in series with water pipes. As the granulate, you can use all the same coal. It will clean raw water from harmful microparticles and prevent the appearance of scale on the heating elements of the electric kettle and washing machine.
After some time, you will have to replace the home-made system with a more professional one. This is due not only to the wear of old parts, but because of their low absorbent and cleaning efficiency with respect to microorganisms contained in water.
To ensure the sterility of the reservoir, modern filters are equipped with a mineralizing system. Before buying equipment, it is worth checking the water in the laboratory for the content of minerals and then, based on the results of the examination, select a filter with the appropriate mineral composition.
There is no such function in handicraft equipment, therefore it is recommended to boil the filtrate after the cleaning step. Also compare the power of the filter with the pressure of the water. Incorrect calculation of the water intensity in relation to a home-made filtration system can affect the performance of the equipment.
Video # 1. The process of manufacturing a simple filter from a plastic bottle:
Video # 3. Construction of a filter for a personal reservoir:
There is really no limit to people's ingenuity, and this is clearly confirmed by the variations of the presented filters. A wide selection of materials, fillers and an abundance of forms are suitable for any occasion when you need to quickly purify the water.
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