SorryNotSorry Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 One thing about woodworking is that it generates a lot of sawdust. ย Mechanics like to have a container of sawdust on hand to manage accidental oil spills and leaks. But I wonder if sawdust can be made odorless and more absorbent if steam is streamed through it, to extract the rosin and volatile matter? Are there sacks of commercial absorbents which use this process? Link to post Share on other sites
Snao Cone Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 No way, man. This idea is never going to fly. It's crazy! Link to post Share on other sites
Ceebs Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 I don't know and I don't feel like finding out. Link to post Share on other sites
Muledeer Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 I like how sawdust smells so my vote is to leave it alone! Link to post Share on other sites
Snao Cone Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 Are there not any hobbyist forums where you can ask this question to a more suitable audience? Woodworking has a pretty dedicated following of hobbyists who are happy to talk about it. Link to post Share on other sites
RacheI Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 IMO, sawdust exists to utilize it's high surface area when thrown and make fire balls. ย I don't see why your idea couldn't work, but I can't imagine it being more efficient than standard sawdust either.ย Link to post Share on other sites
dhjunglejape Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 2 hours ago, Woodworker1968 said: One thing about woodworking is that it generates a lot of sawdust. ย Mechanics like to have a container of sawdust on hand to manage accidental oil spills and leaks. But I wonder if sawdust can be made odorless and more absorbent if steam is streamed through it, to extract the rosin and volatile matter? Are there sacks of commercial absorbents which use this process? I'm admittedly not educated on this. However, the process seems sound enough. The heat transfer would definitely extract the rosin but I'm unsure about other volatile matter (would it be reactive to steam as a means of extraction?). If the process was successful, then steam would be/is a very efficient means. With regard to other commercial absorbents (again I'm not learned on the subject) I would think it would depend heavily on the material of the absorbent and if such is the case would be a targeted market.ย ย I have done oil spill responses through my job, and in my limited experience (and very little technical knowhow) the most effective means I have observed are those using oleophilic technology. Granted the dynamicsย ofย oil spills in my field are different than your example of an accidentalย mechanic spill/leak, and we absolutely use absorbents but they aren't always the best or most efficient means.ย ย None of this really speaks to your question though and I'm afraid I cannot answer or add anything useful. It may be that specific research into various manufacturer processes would be the way to find an answer.ย ย ย Another thing specifically on your example of accidental spills/leaks during mechanical work is is it essential for all this volatile stuff to be removed because as soon as the oil is absorbed into the sawdust, technically it becomes hazardous anyway and should be disposed off accordingly.ย Link to post Share on other sites
what the face Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 Question about Toxic sludge ย Sounds like using sawdust on chemical spills creates a mixed chemicalย sludge, that may be some-ways easier to tidy out of your work space but May be more of a toxic burden for the local (or dump) environments? ย ย ย ย Link to post Share on other sites
Anthracite_Impreza Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 Why would you want to remove the smell? It smells lovely. Link to post Share on other sites
SorryNotSorry Posted April 11, 2021 Author Share Posted April 11, 2021 1 hour ago, Anthracite_Impreza said: Why would you want to remove the smell? It smells lovely. Ah, no... freshly cut poplar stinks like burning rubber. Link to post Share on other sites
Snao Cone Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 47 minutes ago, Woodworker1968 said: Ah, no... freshly cut poplar stinks like burning rubber. If it smells so bad, why is it popular? ๐ฅ Link to post Share on other sites
Pandark Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 Wood can be melted down and processed into textile fibers, e.g. tencel. It can be fractioned like fossil fuel, separating cellulose fibers from resin, oils and gaseous constituents. Probably isn't cost effective to use the fiber as absorbent though, as the separate fibers can be better used for semi environmentally friendly polymers/plastics. Also, the presence of oils in plain sawdust probably improves it's capacity to absorb greasy substances. Link to post Share on other sites
Duke Memphis Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 I love the smell of sawdust. If there isn't already one, I think someone should make sawdust-scented candles. Link to post Share on other sites
Snao Cone Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 2 minutes ago, Duke Memphis said: I love the smell of sawdust. If there isn't already one, I think someone should make sawdust-scented candles. I'm sure there is, and I'm sure it's marketed in an ultra-manly way. Link to post Share on other sites
Morays Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 8 minutes ago, Snao Cone said: I'm sure there is, and I'm sure it's marketed in an ultra-manly way. Just searched "sawdust candle" for kicks, and hoo boy. Link to post Share on other sites
Snao Cone Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 5 minutes ago, SocialMorays said: Just searched "sawdust candle" for kicks, and hoo boy. How predictable. Link to post Share on other sites
Anthracite_Impreza Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 8 minutes ago, SocialMorays said: Just searched "sawdust candle" for kicks, and hoo boy. But just imagine all the other manly scents! Have a candle made of petrol and grease and you could light up your entire house within ten minutes! Link to post Share on other sites
Duke Memphis Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 1 hour ago, SocialMorays said: Just searched "sawdust candle" for kicks, and hoo boy. I NEED THIS. I didn't know that this existed until just now, bit I DEFINITELY NEED THIS. Link to post Share on other sites
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