+ i have found that an AOSafety filter, modelR53HE-P100 cartridge, works perfectly well, but i havent been able to determine what they made the paper part of the filter with.  It has an achordian style paper side and a charcoal side. is the charcoal side affecting the smoke particles or just the paper?

There are HEPA type filters that will do this, but it might be more efficent to use an electrostatic fliter first.  You want to use a coarse filter ahead of the others anyway so that you don't load your good filter with common dirt.

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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

Try McCloud Russell/Vokes air filters.

Thye smoke materials being filtered are varied and you need several stages of filtration.

Activated carbon filters can be impregnated with various chemicals to 'pick out' different gases.

A multi layer filter is therefore best.

Also a pre-filter is need and a HEPA.

Good luck

Friar Tuck of Sherwood

M00se,

I dealt with Bingo Halls, and lemme tell ya, those are smoky places. All the previous posts are correct in terms of installing a Dust Collecting or Mechanical Air Filtration system with an integrated multi-level filters. (1) A metal mesh washable pre-filter will catch bigger particles and save your expensive filters. (2) I suggest a horsehair or pleated polyester (washable with air gun) filter to manage smaller particles. (3) The smoke is handled with a dense (60-95%) pocket filter.

Maintain your pre-filters regularly and inspect your pocked filters periodically, and you'll have a solution!

Anh-Tai
www.maxairsystems.com

What about electrostatic precipitators?
Don't have to buy filter element but you do have to wash em down

Dan Bentler