I honestly think putting a thermometer inside the unit is an excellent idea. I sent the following note off to Harvest Right Support in an effort to gain a little better understanding of the process.
Finding used freeze dryers isn't easy. That's because most people who get them consider them a long-term investment. As such, they hold on to them for years. However, a used freeze dryer or two sometimes makes its way onto the market.
I found out the hard way about the anti-drainback seal when I first tried the filter and got... nothing. I did do some research afterward and learned, as you point out, that there are some filters than don't use the seal but by then I was committed. Fortunately, it wasn't all that hard to remove it, but definitely better not to have to.
When isolated, the pump seems to behave well. Short of putting a meter on the pump, my impression is that it is operating properly. I'm considering investing in a good meter to verify that it is reaching a good ultimate vacuum.
As I've shown you, the Small Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is the most affordable freeze dryer. However, if that's not what appeals to you, I know you can't go wrong with the other models. After all, I own the large model.
With Trimleaf Canada, the price you see is the price you pay, with all import and shipping fees included upfront. There are pelo hidden or surprise fees when you receive your statement or upon delivery.
Automation and control features are equally important in dry freezing machinery. Remote monitoring, remote data access, and real time data tracking automation improves process consistency by reducing manual input.
The one "gotcha" I encountered in making this is that a typical car oil filter attaches with a 3/4x16tpi threaded pipe. I could find pelo such pipe anywhere. My solution was to use instead a 3/4x16tpi bolt, and then drill a hole through it.
The evaporator coils that touch the surface of the stainless steel vacuum chamber reach about -42 F. With food in the chamber and because the location of the thermister is on Shop Now the middle shelf of the four shelves, the temperature it records is going to range from -25 to -30 F in the 9 hour default freeze time. This temperature is very adequate for freeze drying the food.
Based upon your work experience you probably know more about vacuum pumps than most of us. Chasing a vacuum leak can be frustratingly difficult.
As a bonus, freeze-dried products are lightweight making them desirable for outdoor activities, emergency kits, and even space missions. Food manufacturers looking to broaden their offerings find freeze-drying prepackaged food as an enticing option because of the increased safety of food and reduced waste.
5 Posted September 16, 2015 Thanks dsheidt. I was afraid that the AN8 fittings I could find might not be long enough to provide the space needed so that the oil could flow over the top of the filter, especially given my "disk" method of holding up the can.
Depending on how you want to use freeze dried food, it doesn’t have to be reconstituted. There are some freeze dried foods I like to powder in my blender or food processor and then add to other foods. These powders can be used in smoothies, soups, and baked goods.
The food options we had there were extremely limited and full of preservatives. To counter that, my buddy Lance went in with family members on the purchase of a freeze dryer for home use.