can a automotive fuel filter be used to filter drinking water?
I am working on an emergency water filtration system for when I go camping. This system would be used to manually filter out sediment before I purify the water. Automotive fuel filters are cheap and easy to connect to tubing, but I am afraid that the paper filter element might be coated in some sort of toxic chemical that will leech into the water as i filter it. I cannot find any information about this subject on the internet, so if you know anything please tell me. thank you.
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From what I've read, some filters may be treated with a reagent. Since they aren't designed to filter drinking water, the chance of getting clear (and safe) information is probably low. So I wouldn't use it.
I would just use a coffee filter to remove any sediment before your purification process. At least you'll know the water is safe to drink, plus coffee filters are relatively inexpensive.
I would just use a coffee filter to remove any sediment before your purification process. At least you'll know the water is safe to drink, plus coffee filters are relatively inexpensive.
Yes. If it clogs up quickly just run some of your clean water through it backwards and wash out the crud. Then go again. As you know this is just good for the big stuff.
The safest filtration for potable water is a reverse osmosis system.
An RO system still requires a preliminary sediment filter, or a settling basin (if you're building something large scale). The poster here is looking to use something cheaper than a "camping filter" for that first stage.
Probably something like the filter that is used in aquariums. With charcoal and cotton or some other fiber.
Fuel-filters are designed for "dry" hydrocarbons, not water. They are not really suitable for the job.
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If you are using a completely new, never ever used fuel filter, it is "probably" okay. If it's ever been in a vehicle, then the filter element will be saturated with gasoline (which is just a little bit toxic :-/).
The question basically boils down to whether food grade materials are used to make a fuel filter (you can look up that term yourself). You may need to read the spec sheet for the fuel filter you actually plan to use, and then go and research the components for more information.
The question basically boils down to whether food grade materials are used to make a fuel filter (you can look up that term yourself). You may need to read the spec sheet for the fuel filter you actually plan to use, and then go and research the components for more information.
Nah, automotive filters just filter - just use a new one !
Filtering sediment is the least of your problems - A cupful of sand with a few holes in the bottom will do that - Or a coffee filter.
BUGS and Germs are your main issue. Sterilization either by boiling for at least 10 minutes or by chemical means is the answer.
BUGS and Germs are your main issue. Sterilization either by boiling for at least 10 minutes or by chemical means is the answer.
I think the original poster knows that: "This system would be used to manually filter out sediment before I purify the water."
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