Re-Activate Organic Vapour Breathing Mask Filters

I use a VOC mask at home in my lab and don't want to pay 35$ for a pair of replacement filters. Here is how to replace the activated carbon to extend the life of your used up filters. There is a way to recharge used activated carbon by heating it up to something like 800 degrees C however I haven't included that in this particular project.

I collected a canister filter from work which was filled with activated carbon. The serviceman was fine with me taking (in his mind) an old and used filter off his hands. (the filter was actually near new condition due to the fact that every 6 months the filters get changed regardless of condition).

Firstly use side cutters to cut through the plastic mesh by cutting the perimeter of the plastic lattice. Then use your thumb to pop the fabric filter out from the edge where it is pinched into the edge.

Empty out the old activated carbon, (you can easily tell if the activated carbon is spent by sniffing the filter). If the filter is good there is no odour, if the filter is spent then an unpleasant odour will be present.

Fill the empty filter casing with fresh activated carbon, (in my case I had to use larger granules because that's what I had on hand) Smaller would be better because there is more exposure to the micropores in the carbon, these micropores adsorb the organic vapours into the pores of the carbon and only allow 'cleaned' air to pass through to your lungs!

Carefully close the fabric flap over the recharged activated carbon, then place the plastic lattice on top followed by the dust filter and finally the clear plastic filter cover to seal it all in. My new filters when shook make a soft rattle sound because I couldn't pack the filter as tight as a factory new one, however it is comfortably contained inside with no chance of falling out (there is always a chance! but you know what I mean...)

At my work place we use a lot of solvents such as MEK and Toluene to clean out paint guns and can be exposed to heavy amounts of volatile organic vapours while working inside the spray booth. This is where I learned the usefulness of these filters and the knowledge I am passing on to you guys!!! I learned a lot from watching a video from KMT group on molecular sieves. see link:

https://youtu.be/HzPT_pfvg8U?t=257