Sourcing replacement filters for Marrutt film drying cabinets (UK)

[Tom Kershaw]

During some darkroom maintenance I realised I have never replaced the air intake filter in my drying cabinet. While I'm not using the unit 24hrs a day, I feel a replacement filter is probably due soon. Searching online I haven't been able to locate a modern version of the filter product, although the size appears to be a common one used in the USA for HVAC applications. I'm not sure if I'm the only UK person here with a Marrutt drying cabinet but has anyone else had success finding new air filters?

One promising lead is: https://www.inlinefilters.co.uk/Vokes - but would be good to have options. - The original manufacturer seems to have been bought out and the product codes don't lead anywhere.

Tom

 

[George Nova Scotia]

HVAC systems are likely different between UK and here in NA. When I went looking for a similar filter I just went the nearest big box hardware store with the measurements and found a choice of several grades from a cheap basic to a HEPA grade filter. Just check for the size and look for the best quality you can find.

 

[Rainbow]

Any success with this?

I too am in the same predicament; finally got round to testing out the cabinet I got earlier this year, and it was full of dust!

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Any success with this?

I too am in the same predicament; finally got round to testing out the cabinet I got earlier this year, and it was full of dust!

Not really. I didn't get so far as contacting suppliers but there seems to be very little availability here in the UK. My cabinet is still working okay but I'm keeping an eye on it.

 

[Rainbow]

I think I found a suitable filter, I'll get back to this thread when it's arrived and I've tested it out; probably about a week and a half.

 

[mpirie]

What about using a cooker hood filter?

Mike

 

[Rainbow]

Alright, so I just scanned in a frame from the first roll I've put through the cabinet with the new filter I got, and it's looking alright.
There's still some tiny bits of dust dried to the neg, though. Or at least that's what I think it is... (image attached just in case I'm wrong - a roughly 135 full frame sized crop of 120 negative).
I don't use ilfotol or photo-flo, I never needed it for my previous film drying arrangement, might get some of that now and see if it helps.

The filter I got came from here, it's 10x10x2" and fits perfectly: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/G4-Pleat...e-EU4-HVAC-Air-Filter-45mm-Depth/401607103191
...and before someone says "wow, that's pretty cheap!", the delivery cost is fucking ridiculous.

These folks seem to offer panel filters of much higher ratings: https://www.dustspares.co.uk/filters/panel-filters/Card-Case-Pleated.html
I didn't want to risk too much air resistance causing the fan to burn out. Goodness knows how and where I'd find replacement parts for that...

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I didn't want to risk too much air resistance causing the fan to burn out. Goodness knows how and where I'd find replacement parts for that...

Thanks for those links. I agree re finding spares for the dryer itself, they seem to be less common that I would have thought, I guess a lot of this large darkroom kit has been skipped over the years.

 

[Rainbow]

Update: There was likely dust in the heating element/fan which comes after the filter. Either that, or it was a problem with my water. No idea, both have changed!
I'm now rather contentedly getting lovely clean, dry negatives in under 20 minutes after pulling them out of the tank! The dream!