Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Odour Control

Baphomet - 21-11-2006 at 00:33

Here's version 1 of my document on how to construct an odour control apparatus that is particularly useful in small scale labs. Word format is available on request.

Attachment: Odour Control Apparatus.pdf (114kB)
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chromium - 21-11-2006 at 05:20

Simple but great idea. Maybe some others already knew this but for me it was new. I like that it can actually be used by hobby chemists.

Baphomet - 22-11-2006 at 04:55

Thanks! Yes it's very simple but effective. I thought of it after evaporating HCl-laden mixtures in my kitchen a few times and noticing that it had partially corroded every metal thing in sight

12AX7 - 22-11-2006 at 07:33

Does it necessarily suck, though?

I do recall the toilet bowl levels appear about a half inch lower on gusty days.

Tim

Baphomet - 22-11-2006 at 17:58

That's caused by a pressure differential between entry point and vent stack but I wouldn't rely on it. I'd use odour control in series with an aspirator or vacuum pump if a reliable vacuum was required.

The_Davster - 25-11-2006 at 18:26

I like the idea, abusing the drainage system for improvising ventilation. I would like a way to suck fumes out without using a stream of water however. Perhaps several small fans, or if I can obtain a cheap air pump of sorts.

Magpie - 25-11-2006 at 18:59

I agree that using the existing household vent stack system for releasing vapors is a clever approach. It's low cost using existing infrastructure, and provides excellent camoflage.

I don't see why you couldn't pump gases into this system as long as any pressure buildup did not exeed the 2 or 3 inches of static water head in the gooseneck traps of the sinks and toilets. If this pressure is exceeded then, well, let's just say I wouldn't want to be taking a dump when you are making nitric acid. :o

If one could tie-in to the vapor stack itself, well away from the traps this shouldn't be a problem unless you are pushing a high volume flow of gases into the system.

Baphomet - 25-11-2006 at 19:08

Thanks I hope it helps out. There's another thread on here that discusses vacuum pumps:

https://sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=6968#pid7...

On another note there have been some more observations since the first version of the document:

1. A wider hole of 10 mm diameter was drilled in the drain pipe so that the black automotive tubing could be inserted straight in without the 6mm flanged insert. Faster evaporation rates were observed due to a higher throughput of vapour.

2. Boiling hot acid - in this case HCl - at a fast rate caused the PVC drain pipe to soften. This was alarming to say the least. If the rate of boil is kept low it does not seem to be an issue.

Baphomet - 25-11-2006 at 19:13

BTW Magpie I saw your writeup on building a fume hood and was very impressed. It's something to aspire to.

Polverone - 26-11-2006 at 01:20

Nice work. Your article has been added to the member publications. Let me know if you produce a revised/expanded version that should take its place.

Baphomet - 27-11-2006 at 03:28

Thanks will do

Ventilation

MadHatter - 27-11-2006 at 11:25

Quote:

let's just say I wouldn't want to be taking a dump when you are making nitric acid.

ROFLMAO ! Magpie, you certainly have a sense of humor ! :D:D:D

I find that my exhaust fan in the window does just fine. If it's too obnoxious, I'll conduct the
experiment out in my shed if possible. BTW, if the fans go up, they're cheap enough to
replace.

Levi - 25-2-2007 at 03:23

Genius.