Filter Warning

[Doug Wall]

I posted this on another forum a few days ago, but I thought that it should probably go here also.


I picked up a $30, smallish desiccant/tampon type filter for some testing applications. The filter is pretty well made! The pictures on many of these, just shows the 3/4" tampons. When I opened it up, I was surprised to find a mix of charcoal, and some little white beads. I needed an indicating type desiccant, so I replaced it with some indicating silica gel that I had on hand. I had just dumped the charcoal mix onto a little can, and had it sitting on my bench. After a few days, i was surprised to find the white beads liquified! My background in chemistry leads me to believe that the white beads were probably Calcium Chloride. The liquid would be pretty corrosive, and you probably couldn't regenerate the stuff. I would suggest that if you have, or get one of these, immediately replace the charcoal mix with silica gel, molecular sieves, or activated alumina.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PCP-Air-Filter-Compressor-Oil-water-Separator-High-Pressure-40Mpa-4500psi-Pump/352498656769?hash=item52128ea601:rk:24:pf:0

[BSJ]

I quickly went and checked mine! It's got a small number of pinkish translucent beads and charcoal...

My plan was to fill it with charcoal anyway. So I just left it as is.

Pretty sure they were pink when I got the filter. I'll try and dry them to see if they turn blue.

[rsterne]

I couldn't find anything specific to aluminum, but calcium chloride solutions, just like salt solutions, cause accelerated corrosion of common metals such as steel, copper and brass.... As an example, it can penetrate concrete and corrode the rebar, causing structural problems.... One warning in particular I found interesting was that with common types of stainless steel it can cause "chloride stress cracking".... That doesn't sound particularly good for HPA use....

Bob

[Rat Sniper (AKA: PaulT58)]

Thanks Doug, I ordered some of those white particles and charcoal awhile ago to add to my filter. I need to check and see what they are made of before I add them to my filter.

[Deep South]

I quickly went and checked mine! It's got a small number of pinkish translucent beads and charcoal...

My plan was to fill it with charcoal anyway. So I just left it as is.

Pretty sure they were pink when I got the filter. I'll try and dry them to see if they turn blue.
[/quote

So you're OK with using it as is? Received my last week but unsure now about using it.

[Rat Sniper (AKA: PaulT58)]

I looked at the package I had and it was calcium chloride, so won’t be putting in my filter. Thanks.

[BSJ]

I quickly went and checked mine! It's got a small number of pinkish translucent beads and charcoal...

My plan was to fill it with charcoal anyway. So I just left it as is.

Pretty sure they were pink when I got the filter. I'll try and dry them to see if they turn blue.

So you're OK with using it as is? Received my last week but unsure now about using it.



Yeah, I got it for placement after my gold filter just for clearing out the oil smell with charcoal. The beads in mine aren't calcium chloride.

[Doug Wall]

I quickly went and checked mine! It's got a small number of pinkish translucent beads and charcoal...

My plan was to fill it with charcoal anyway. So I just left it as is.

Pretty sure they were pink when I got the filter. I'll try and dry them to see if they turn blue.

So you're OK with using it as is? Received my last week but unsure now about using it.



Yeah, I got it for placement after my gold filter just for clearing out the oil smell with charcoal. The beads in mine aren't calcium chloride.

The translucent beads are most likely silica gel (if pink, they should be dried). The key test for the calcium chloride is that if it is left out in a humid place, it will absorb enough moisture to liquify. Even if only a little liquified in a filter, it could cause major corrosion.

[GreyBeard1851]

You have me wondering.  I use these moisture eliminators in my gun safe.  I think they might contain calcium chloride.  They have white beads in the top and a water reservoir in the bottom.  When the water chamber is full, I replace it with a new one.  It seems to work good and my guns have not rusted, the humidity stays low in the gun safe.  Now I am wondering if my guns might be corroded, long term.
  https://www.dollartree.com/the-home-store-moisture-eliminators-98oz/144947

[rsterne]

The liquid from the Calcium Chloride will not be in contact with your guns, so there should be no problem, IMO....

Bob