Evaluation of a Makeshift Connection Filter for Used Cooking Oil in

terms of Dirt-holding Capacity, Filter Capacity , and Flow rate

Over the past few decades, the growth in our global economy has also driven the
continued rise of prices in our main commodities. This tremendously impacts each household
thus resourceful and wise spending of money is a key to survive. To reduce the crisis, many
researchers are performing and conducting a study to find new and alternative products that
are commonly used by people. Based on statistical study, it has been found that cooking oil is
one of the main common products which consumption is getting higher every year.
(Shahbandeh, 2021)

Filtering the oil may extend the life of the oil which may reduce cooking oil

cost savings and maintenance time in the longer term. It can also reduce the risk of affecting
our environment and people and even help aquatic animals.

Throwing the cooking oil through the kitchen drain after using it once thus results in
clogging in the drainage pipe and sewage lines. If not, it can go to the

bodies of water which can decrease the percentage of the living organisms in it. Even animals
can be coated with it and die because of depletion of oxygen.

(Kukreja, n.d.)

Big companies however or restaurants use a filter called cone filter. It is a type of filter
that is shaped as the name states it, a cone. It is used to filter out old particles in the cooking
oil. It can also remove the unpleasant smell and taste from the unfiltered cooking oil.
Unfortunately, this is something that not everyone has at home. (Dine Company, n.d.)
 Water can be prone to leaving the filter faster due to shape. A research project of
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and Breville Corporation showed that cone filters brew
better coffee however, it was not mentioned how great cone filters are. It was mentioned that
cone filters are typically cone-like or (conical) and cost more than other filters for the reason
that they brew better. (Samuel, 2020)

The benefits that the filter can give is that people can reuse cooking oil without
increasing the risk of one’s health. Because reusing cooking oil increases its harmful
chemicals, making it harmful to people’s health especially the ones who already have
complications in their body. For example, old people who have heart disease.

The purpose of this study is to reduce waste and help Filipinos that are struggling with
their finances. Consumption of cooking oil is very high since this is one of the necessities of
most families. This cooking oil produces an unpleasant smell that can contribute to air
pollution. By reusing cooking oil, people will be able to save money and factors that can
cause pollution will also decrease. (Smart Alternate Fuels, 2017)
 Another reason why the researchers chose this study is because the researchers
conducting this study have not encountered studies that tackle the problem of cooking oils
being used repeatedly in an unhealthy manner. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular
disease, stroke and many more diseases (IWACU English News. 2014)

The researchers will be using the cone filter, 6.25 inches wide, 4 inches high as the
second setup and will compare it with the connection filter to see which is more effective in
filtering used cooking oil in terms of dirt-holding capacity, filter capacity, and flow rate. The
researchers will be measuring the dirt-holding capacity, filter capacity, and flow rate by
observing how many times can the researchers use the filter until it stops working properly
due to the dirt, how much oil can they filter all at once and how fast can the oil go through
the filters.

The filter that the researchers will be doing aims to achieve the same results as using the
cone filters if not better. The materials of the said filter are affordable. It sought to remove
the particles or residue of the used cooking oil.
 A. Questions or Problems Being Addressed
This study entitled: “Evaluation of a Makeshift Connection Filter for Used Cooking Oil in terms
of Dirt-holding Capacity, Filter Capacity, and Flow rate“ will aim to determine the effect of
connection filter in used cooking oil in terms of filter capacity , flow rate and, dirt-holding
capacity .

a. What are the significant differences between the two sets A (Connection filter,
30mL of used cooking oil ), B ( Cone filter, 30 mL of used cooking oil ) in
terms of:
1. Dirt – holding capacity – the researchers will measure the dirt
holding capacity by filtering the oil until the filter stops
working efficiently then the researchers will measure the food
residues left in grams.
2. Filter Capacity – the researchers will be measuring the filter
capacity by using the formula l x w x d (Length x width x
depth).
3. Flow rate – the researchers will be measuring the flow rate by
using the formula capacity divided turnover time (in hours).
b. Which between the 2 set – ups is best suitable to filter the used cooking oil in
terms of dirt – holding capacity.
c. How many people are willing to use the connection filter out of 30
respondents.
 B. / Expected Outcomes/ Hypotheses
It was hypothesized that:

a. There will be no significant differences between the two sets A (Connection

filter, 30mL of used cooking oil), B (Cone filter, 30 mL of used cooking oil )
in terms of:
1. Dirt – holding capacity – the researchers will measure the dirt
holding capacity by filtering the oil until the filter stops
working efficiently then the researchers will measure the food
residues left in grams.
2. Filter Capacity – the researchers will be measuring the filter
capacity by using the formula l x w x d (Length x width x
depth).
3. Flow rate – the researchers will be measuring the flow rate by
using the formula capacity divided turnover time (in hours).

b. None of the 2 set – ups are best suitable to filter the used cooking oil in terms
of dirt – holding capacity.
c. There will be less than half of 30 people who are willing to use the connection
filter.
 C. Description in Detail of Research Method

For the experimentation, the following variables, materials and samples will be used.

Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection. The
filtering of the used cooking oil and the actual experimentation will be done at Banaybanay,
Cavite.

a. Acquiring the materials needed

The parts of the connection filter will be acquired from the Hardware in Amadeo,
Cavite.

For the second set-up, the cone filter will be acquired from online shops.

b. Materials to be Used

The metal can will be used as base for the filter. The paper coffee filter will be the first
layer of the filter. The reusable basket coffee filter ( 5x 4.5 x 3.5 inches ) will be the second
level of the filter. The reusable plastic ties 3mm x 300mm ( nylon ) will be used to hold
everything together.
 For the second set-up, the metal will be used as base for the filter. The cone filter will be
use as the one that will filter the oil and the reusable plastic ties 3mm x 300mm (nylon) will be
used to hold everything together.

c. Preparation in making the filter

To build the connection filter, the paper coffee filter will be attached to the top of
the can as the first layer of the filter. The reusable basket coffee will be attached at the
bottom of the filter and will be the last layer of the filter. The last material that will be
attached to the can is the heat pads, it will serve as the source of heat for the oil to keep
flowing to strainers. The made filter will be used to filtrate the impurities in the used
cooking oil. The oil will be then poured at the top of the can ( metal strainer ) to filter it.

For the second set-up, the cone filter will just be attached to the top of the can by
the help of the reusable plastic ties.

d. Statistical Treatment

To measure the dirt-holding capacity the researchers will filter the oil until the filter
stops working efficiently then the researchers will measure the food in grams.

To measure the filter capacity the researchers will be using the formula l× w × d
(length × width× depth).

To measure the flow rate the researchers will be using the formula capacity divided
turnover time (in hours).
 D. Experimental Design
Title: Evaluation of a Makeshift Connection Filter for Used Cooking oil in terms of Dirt –
Holding Capacity, Filter Capacity, and Flow Chart
Table 1. Experimental Table
Independent Variable The filters (Connection filter and Cone Filter)

Independent variables Connection filter and Cone filter

Number of replicates 2

______________________________________________________________________________

Dependent Variable Dirt holding capacity, Filter Capacity, Flow

. rate
Controlled Variable Cooking oil
Title: Evaluation of a Makeshift Connection Filter for Used Cooking Oil in terms of Dirt-
holding Capacity, Filter Capacity , and Flow rate

D. Experimental Design

Set-up 2:
 E. Process Flowchart

Set – up 1

Gathering of materials

Attach the coffee filter at the top of the can

E. Process
Attach the reusable Flowchart
basket coffee at the bottom of the
can

Attach the heating pad to the can

Attach the reusable plastic ties around the filter

 Set – up 2
Check list Set up 1 (Connection filter) Set up 2 (Cone filter)
Yes
Gathering all the No
materials Yes No
Most of the residue were
removed
Dirt holding capacity
reached 10 grams and
more
Flow rate is less than 10 Attach the cone filter at the top of the can
minutes
The oil continued to flow
through the filters
The filter still work after
using 5 times
The oil improved after
filtering Attach the reusable plastic ties around the filter
Each component of the
filter did it’s work
The parts were easy to
disassemble and change

The filter did not break

during the filtering
The filter was easy to
build and clean
 SURVEY
Name: Date:
Address: Age:

1. Which filter do you think is best suitable for filtering used cooking? (connection filter or cone
filter).

2. Which filter do you think is easier for you to use?

3. Do you think the oil improved after filtering?

4. Which of the filter has the materials that is available at your home?

5. If there is, what are the substances or residue that was left in the oil?

6. Did the oil improved in any aspects?

7. Which one of the filters in your opinion filtered the oil the fastest?

8. Which filter do you think will last the longest?

9. Do you think the materials of the filters are practical?

10. Which of the filters do you think is easier to make?