StillSmart

I know a few peeps on here have been Re-filling Essencia carbon filter how the heck do you get the mesh/spider out of the top
many thanks tob

I use a point nosed pliers and grip one of the spokes near the centre. Work gently left to right and it should lift out quite easily.

AM

ive just bought an essencia carbon filter system, i havent yet used it, but im interested to know about refilling the carbon from the filter, is this possible? if so, where do you get the new carbon from? or have you got to buy a new filter?kevin

Here's how,

...then fill with this stuff...

..which should be available from your local HBS. Just make sure you only use Activated Carbon with a particle size of 0.4-0.85mm and fill to the shoulder the filter disc rests on. Tap down too compress the Carbon and re-fill to the line then simply place the disc back on the spindle and press down firmly.

That's it!

AM

I can't get this bloody spider off!

Do you think they have started gluing them in?

There's a very thin ridge under the very edge of the disc and this is the only place it could be glued unless they've modified the centre post.

I did find one filter a bit awkward to open but using two point nosed pliers on opposite sides of the spokes near the centre I was able to prise it loose by turning it one way then the other. You could also try a little washing up liquid as a lube as you'll be washing it out anyway.

Happy Christmas & New Year.

AM

Thanks Aidan (and all the best to you too)

Washing up liquid as lube?

Well I'll mention it to her but I dunno...

It was glued around the lip of the outer container.

I turned it over, and 'twatted' it out of frustration on the floor until the seal gave way at one point.

Then I had some purchase and was able to peel away the remaining spider.

I washed, cleaned it up, refilled, and its working fine.

They have obviously got wise to the refilling craze and might monitor sites like these for feedback.

Well here is mine. Don't charge £21.90 retail for two pieces of plastic filled with 50pence of carbon and we won't do it. Charge a reasonable amount, say three times the cost of production to the distributor, who then puts 30% on the sale to the reseller, who then puts 30% on it at the HBS or website.

It works out at £10ish and I will gladly pay that per 40litres of alcohol. The ceramic dome is more specialised, and lasts longer. Its price is correct.

Any more, and I will refill.

Just had a brainwave (fart).

Even if the spider became unusable, we could always just layer a few pieces of carefully cut coffee filter or muslin over the central column of the carbon filter.

As it is turned upright and screwed to the upper chamber, there is no chance of carbon getting into the spirit.

You could also use some Copper or stainless steel mesh cut to size with a scissors.

AM

Is it ok to use the Alcotec Pure Karbon 0.4 - 1.4mm to refill the Essencia?

If you check out my post of 07 Sep 2012 on this page you'll see that exactly what I use to refill mine It works a treat and only a fraction of the cost

AM

Thanks aiden, it's just my local hbs has the 0.4 - 1.4 mm partical for £6.95. online the. 0.4 - 0.85 seems to be about £9-10 including p&p.unless you know where I can get it cheaper?

Sorry v4mpy I wasn't paying attention and only just realised that the one I use is actually the 0.4-0.85mm. I got an ebook on activated carbon filtering and it said this is supposed to be the best size carbon particle to use with ethanol.

AM

i have just got a t500 and a essencia filter but my carbon filter does not have top spider bit on it as he pulled it off and not there now is it ok

Unless they've changed the design the carbon cartridge should look like this..


...and you can see how the spider is removed.

When you say "he pulled it off..." who are you talking about

Post a pic of what you have and we might be able to give you better feedback

AM