Introduction: Water Filter Cleaning System (Rewind Filter)

A water filter cleaning system is more important now than ever before. This is a cheap and simple system that has the ability to unwind, clean and rewind string wound water filters. With a cost of under $150 this could be the difference between spending $100 dollars every year for new filters or spending $20 for one filter all year. For developing nations, This simple system could save them over a years worth of salary within two uses. Here is how to build it. At the completion, the entire system can be taken apart and fit inside the 5 gallon bucket.

Step 1: Step 1: Gather Supplies

Gather supplies from the Spreadsheet attached as a PDF labeled "Final BOM"

Use the attached .STL files to start 3D printing for specialized parts for later in the project.

Attachments

Step 2: Step 2: Cut PVC

After gathering the 3/4" PVC, Cut it to the specified lengths as shown in the "Cut Sheet for PVC"

Label these pieces as you cut so that they will be easily built in the next step.

Attachments

Step 3: Step 3: Assemble PVC Into Fittings

Using the attached document, assemble and glue every group of components together. If you see a Blue X or see where a Blue X will be attaching to, DO NOT GLUE. This is for quick assembly in the future.

After building groups, Drill a 1/4" hole through one side of the fitting and the fully inserted pipe everywhere there is a Blue X. in the drawing.

Attachments

Step 4: Step 4: Attach the 3D Printed Parts and Others to the System

  1. Attach the 3D printed parts
  2. Attach the rest of the frame to its counterpart
  3. Screw the frame together
  4. Drill a 1/2" hole in the ends of the open ended elbow
  5. Thread the all thread through one end of the hole

Attachments

Step 5: Step 5: Attach the Components to the All Thread for Grooved Roller

For the Grooved Roller thread
  1. One end of PVC Elbow
  2. 3/8" Hex Nut
  3. Grooved Roller w/o Pegs
  4. Grooved Roller w/ Pegs
  5. 3/8" Hex Nut
  6. other end of PVC Elbow
  7. 3/8" Hex Nut
  8. Allthread to Handle Print
  9. 3/8" Hex Nut

Step 6: Step 6: Attach the Components to the All Thread for Empty Filter Core

For the New Filter Core

  1. One end of PVC Elbow
  2. 3/8" Hex Nut
  3. Rubber Stopper
  4. Empty Filter Core
  5. Rubber Stopper
  6. 3/8" Hex Nut
  7. Other end of PVC Elbow
  8. 3/8" Hex Nut
  9. All thread to sprocket Print
  10. 3/8" Hex Nut

Step 7: Step 7: Attach Sprockets and Handle

  1. Using Hot glue attach the two bike sprockets to the 3D printed parts
  2. Attach the bike chain over the sprockets and modify to fit snugly
  3. Attach the handle to the print with the protruding square and secure with more Hot Glue

Step 8: Step 8: Test to Make Sure Your System Works - Operation

To Operate and test the system.

  1. Remove the system from the 5 gallon bucket
  2. Find the loose end of the string on the dirty Filter
  3. Use the attached picture to follow the path that the string needs to take
    1. Make sure the string runs through the brushes and starts on one side of the grooved roller
  4. Tie the loose end of the string to the empty filter core
  5. Fill the 5 gallon bucket 3/4th of the way to the top with water, bleach or vinegar. Which ever you find removes the dirt easiest
    1. Different types of sediment require different types of cleaning
      1. Light dirt requires only water
      2. Heavy fecal mater requires bleach and multiple runs
  6. Place the PVC system in the 5 gallon bucket
  7. Crank the handle and watch to make sure the string does not slip out of the intended path
  8. At the end of the string, allow for the string to be moved along the path but keep tension so it does not mess up the winding pattern.
  9. Tuck the loose end of the string into its self and make sure it will not move
  10. Inspect the newly wound filter and move the string if need be to ensure 100% coverage.
  11. Enjoy a new filter for the next 3 months