Let’s Dive into Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100
The Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 is more than just a stack of paper; it’s a versatile tool applicable to a surprising range of tasks, from the mundane to the critical. Manufactured by Whatman, a name synonymous with quality laboratory filtration, this particular filter paper promises medium porosity and flow rate in a convenient pack of 100 sheets, each 11.0 cm in diameter. Its seemingly simple design hints at a robust construction capable of handling tasks you wouldn’t expect from ordinary paper.
My journey to discovering this filter paper stemmed from a recurring issue during wilderness survival training: purifying questionable water sources. While boiling is the gold standard, it’s not always feasible due to fuel limitations. I needed a reliable pre-filter to remove sediment and debris before boiling, extending the life of my water bottles and improving the taste and clarity of the water.
Unboxing the Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100, my initial impression was one of professional quality. The paper felt substantial, not flimsy like some cheaper alternatives. Its texture had a noticeable roughness, hinting at the filtration capabilities it possessed.
Compared to standard coffee filters and even some “heavy-duty” paper towels I’d previously experimented with, the Whatman paper felt significantly more robust. I specifically chose this over thinner, faster-filtering papers because I needed something durable enough to withstand repeated use in a field environment and able to capture finer particles. The Whatman’s specified medium porosity promised a balance between flow rate and filtration efficiency that felt ideal.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The paper felt right, but the real test would be in the field. I hoped it would live up to the Whatman name and prove a valuable addition to my survival kit.
Real-World Testing: Putting Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 was during a weekend survival exercise in the Allegheny National Forest. The area had seen recent heavy rains, turning most water sources into muddy streams. I constructed a simple filtration device using a cut-off plastic bottle, gravel, sand, charcoal, and finally, a sheet of the Whatman filter paper at the bottom.
The performance was immediately noticeable. The Whatman paper effectively trapped fine silt and organic matter that would have otherwise passed through the improvised filter. While the filtered water wasn’t crystal clear (no improvised filter achieves that), it was significantly cleaner and less turbid than unfiltered samples. This drastically reduced the amount of sediment that would have ended up in my boiling pot, improving the overall quality of my drinking water.
There were no major issues during this first use. The paper held up well, even with a fairly high flow rate, and didn’t tear or disintegrate. I did notice that the flow rate slowed down as the paper became clogged with sediment, but this was expected and easily remedied by replacing the sheet.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 on various outdoor excursions, I’ve been consistently impressed with its durability. I’ve used it for everything from pre-filtering water to straining cooking oil after frying fish over a campfire. While obviously not its intended purpose, desperate times call for creative measures!
The paper shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use (when cleaning and reusing it for non-critical applications). The medium porosity strikes a good balance between filtration efficiency and flow rate, preventing excessive clogging. Maintenance is simple: I usually just rinse the paper with clean water and allow it to air dry.
Compared to my previous attempts at using coffee filters or cheesecloth, the Whatman paper has proven far superior. It’s more durable, filters more effectively, and doesn’t impart any noticeable taste or odor to the filtered substance. It has definitely exceeded my expectations for a general-purpose filter paper.
Breaking Down the Features of Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100
Specifications
- Diameter: 11.0 cm. This size is ideal for fitting into a variety of funnels and filtration devices, offering versatility in different applications.
- Whatman No.: 10347510. This is the unique identifier for this specific Whatman product, ensuring you get the correct filter paper with the desired characteristics.
- Unit: Pack of 100. This offers a large quantity for extended use, making it cost-effective for regular applications.
- Porosity: Medium. This means the paper offers a balance between filtration speed and particle retention, suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Flow Rate: Medium. This complements the medium porosity, allowing for a reasonable filtration speed without sacrificing clarity.
- Particle Retention: 8–12 µm. This is the key specification for understanding its filtration capabilities, indicating it can effectively remove particles larger than 8–12 micrometers.
These specifications matter because they define the Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100’s capabilities and limitations. The medium porosity and flow rate make it versatile for various tasks. The particle retention of 8-12 µm is crucial for applications where removing fine sediments or particles is critical, like water purification or clarifying solutions.
Performance & Functionality
The Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 excels at its primary function: filtration. Its medium porosity effectively removes particulate matter from liquids and gases, providing a noticeable improvement in clarity and purity. It’s reliable in consistent performance and easy to use.
One strength is its versatility. It works well with water, oils, and even certain solvents. The paper’s inherent strength is also commendable; it doesn’t easily tear or disintegrate, even when wet. A minor weakness is the lack of specific information on its chemical compatibility; users should test it with harsh chemicals before widespread use.
It meets expectations as a general-purpose filter paper, offering a good balance of performance and usability. For highly specialized applications requiring extremely fine filtration, more specialized filter media might be necessary.
Design & Ergonomics
The Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 is simply designed, focusing on functionality. The paper has a noticeable thickness, contributing to its durability. It is comfortable to handle and easy to fold or cut to fit various filtration setups.
It is user-friendly; the simplicity of its design means there is no learning curve. Anyone familiar with using filter paper will find it easy to incorporate into their existing processes.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 can last for extended periods. For single-use applications like water filtration, its durability ensures it won’t fail during the process. For applications where it can be cleaned and reused (like straining cooking oil), its robust construction allows for multiple uses.
Maintenance is straightforward; rinsing with clean water is usually sufficient for removing most contaminants. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the paper fibers.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its compatibility with standard laboratory funnels and filtration devices makes it highly adaptable.
There are no customization options per se, but the paper can be easily cut into different shapes and sizes to fit specific needs. Its compatibility with a wide range of filtration setups is a significant advantage.
Pros and Cons of Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100
Pros
- Versatile: Can be used for a wide range of filtration applications, from water purification to straining liquids.
- Durable: Withstands repeated use and doesn’t easily tear or disintegrate when wet.
- Effective: Provides good particle retention, improving the clarity and purity of filtered substances.
- Easy to use: No learning curve; simple to incorporate into existing filtration setups.
- Cost-effective: The pack of 100 offers a good value for regular users.
Cons
- Limited chemical compatibility information.
- Medium porosity might not be suitable for applications requiring extremely fine filtration.
Who Should Buy Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100?
The Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 is perfect for: survivalists needing a pre-filter for water purification, campers looking to improve the quality of their drinking water, home brewers clarifying their brews, and anyone needing a reliable general-purpose filter for various household or outdoor tasks.
Those needing extremely fine filtration (e.g., filtering bacteria) should skip this product and opt for specialized filter media with smaller pore sizes.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A durable funnel and a container for collecting the filtered liquid. Consider a pre-filter (like a bandana) for removing larger debris before using the Whatman paper to extend its lifespan.
Conclusion on Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100
The Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 is a surprisingly versatile and effective tool for a wide range of applications. It is durable, reliable, and easy to use, making it a valuable addition to any survival kit, laboratory, or household.
The price of $79.99 for a pack of 100 is justified given the paper’s quality and versatility. It offers a good value for those who need a reliable general-purpose filter paper.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a durable and effective filter paper for various applications. Its versatility and reliability make it a worthwhile investment. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile filter paper, give the Whatman Sharkskin General-Purpose Filter Paper, Whatman 10347510, Pack of 100 a try! You might be surprised at how many uses you find for it.