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Offlinebadsponge
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Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator?
    #26969692 - 10/04/20 07:12 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

I'd like to turn this closet in a garage into a massive dehydrator. Inner dimensions are 65" wide, 30" deep, 93" high, or 105 cubic feet (3 cubic meters). I've been searching Google and Shroomery for ideas and tips, but I can't find anyone who's made a dehydrator this large before. I already have this Inkbird temp controller, but I don't even know if it's appropriate for this application. Can anyone help with specific advice on what type of heating element and fan would work? I need something to run on 120 volt, and it has to be extremely durable. This thing is probably going to be running 24/7. I'd like to keep the temp around 160F (71C).



Edit: I removed pic of temp controller. I'm not using that one after all.


Edited by badsponge (10/06/20 11:51 AM)


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Offlinedirtybirdx
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26969705 - 10/04/20 07:20 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

:goodluck:


That’ll be some serious capacity if you can get it right.


--------------------
Need help?




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Invisiblefilthyknees
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: dirtybirdx]
    #26969758 - 10/04/20 07:58 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/25824371

Concept couldn't be simpler. With that space you may need two heaters.

Cheapos from home depo (standard 1500w), I threw a heater and an inline fan in a shelf wrapped in plastic and it worked great.

Have some passive exhaust , heat, air moving and you're good. :thumbup:


--------------------
But if you're in a hurry, and really got to go
If you're in a hurry, might have to find out slow
That it's one thing to try and another to fly
You get there quicker just a step at a time
It's one thing to bark, another to bite
The show ain't over till you pack up at night


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OfflineSingularFusion
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: dirtybirdx]
    #26969765 - 10/04/20 08:03 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

can't imagine the controller you have there goes up to 71C by the look of it

it could be done simply with some space heaters and an inline fan sucking out hot air and drawing passive air in, but it won't get anywhere near 71C before the thermal protection on the fan and/or the heater will likely cut it off (depends on maker and model. I don't think it has to get that hot to dry things either, keep it simple like filthy also said

other than that to get it that hot you would have to build something with an open element I guess, probably a fire hazard in a wood cupboard, a metal locker of some sort would work safer if you have to go that route

look forward to seeing what you do with it :rockon:


--------------------
πŸ…ƒ πŸ„΄ πŸ„° πŸ„Ό    πŸ„² πŸ„» πŸ„Έ πŸ„½ πŸ„Ά πŸ…† πŸ… πŸ„° πŸ„Ώ


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OfflineGrimsweeper
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: SingularFusion]
    #26969833 - 10/04/20 08:56 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Could likely work on your application

DEHYDROMATIC 5000


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When you clean a vacuum cleaner you are a vacuum cleaner
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OfflineFuddyduddy
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: Grimsweeper]
    #26969910 - 10/04/20 10:27 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Find a standard affordable metal window screen at your local hardware supplier and build a frame rack to support a lot of them [dozens]


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OfflineGrimsweeper
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: Fuddyduddy]
    #26969957 - 10/04/20 11:24 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

There's no such thing as [dozens] of standard affordable metal window screens at a hardware store. You'd be in it for hundreds of dollars.


--------------------
When you clean a vacuum cleaner you are a vacuum cleaner
Build yourself a Flow Hood in these 99 simple steps


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OfflinePBJ710
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: Grimsweeper]
    #26971877 - 10/06/20 10:36 AM (3 years, 3 months ago)

A possible option thats somewhat better than window screens:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/16-x-24-full-size-footed-cooling-rack-for-bun-sheet-pan/4070038.html

$6 each for 16"x24" wire cooling racks.  I got some at a semi-local retaurant supply for $3 each used.


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: filthyknees]
    #26972001 - 10/06/20 11:46 AM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

filthyknees said: Cheapos from home depo (standard 1500w), I threw a heater and an inline fan in a shelf wrapped in plastic and it worked great.




I already looked at your post earlier for ideas. In my mind, the big difference between yours and mine, is that you were able to put the heat source outside of the box. I can't do that with mine. I was hoping someone had experience with an internal heat source I could safely use. Maybe a convection oven heating element/fan assembly?


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: SingularFusion]
    #26972024 - 10/06/20 11:59 AM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

Nef said:
can't imagine the controller you have there goes up to 71C by the look of it

it could be done simply with some space heaters and an inline fan sucking out hot air and drawing passive air in, but it won't get anywhere near 71C before the thermal protection on the fan and/or the heater will likely cut it off (depends on maker and model. I don't think it has to get that hot to dry things either, keep it simple like filthy also said

other than that to get it that hot you would have to build something with an open element I guess, probably a fire hazard in a wood cupboard, a metal locker of some sort would work safer if you have to go that route

look forward to seeing what you do with it :rockon:




Those are all things I've thought about. I wouldn't want to start a fire anywhere, but this is not my property, so I REALLY can't start a fire. I'm starting to decide against an internal heat source. This is a roughly built garage closet with gaps in the back. I'm leaning toward using a space heater jury-rigged to some dryer hose going through the gaps.


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Invisiblefilthyknees
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26972041 - 10/06/20 12:05 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)



Either or, same same. Did this last week, stuck the heater and fan in there, laid screen down and wrapped in plastic bam done.

Hope this helps.


--------------------
But if you're in a hurry, and really got to go
If you're in a hurry, might have to find out slow
That it's one thing to try and another to fly
You get there quicker just a step at a time
It's one thing to bark, another to bite
The show ain't over till you pack up at night


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: Grimsweeper]
    #26972045 - 10/06/20 12:06 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

Grimsweeper said:
Could likely work on your application

DEHYDROMATIC 5000




I love that. But I couldn't use the same heat source placement for the same reason I mentioned in response to filthyknees. But I really like the bread rack idea. I just looked on OfferUp and found some available. I could just get a metal rack, put it in the closet to hold the trays, then I wouldn't have to build anything.


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Offlineverum subsequentis
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26972062 - 10/06/20 12:13 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

:popcorn:
There are a bunch of ways to pull it off. Hot moving air and exhaust. Just be sure that you have enough exhaust or the fruits will all turn black (maybe blue, I'm colorblindish). I've built a few of my own.


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: filthyknees]
    #26972064 - 10/06/20 12:13 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

filthyknees said:


Either or, same same. Did this last week, stuck the heater and fan in there, laid screen down and wrapped in plastic bam done.

Hope this helps.




Don't space heaters have some kind of kill switch to prevent overheating? That's why I didn't consider putting one inside the closet. Also, space heaters have a built-in timer. I'd have to disable that so it could run constantly. But would that be safe?


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: verum subsequentis]
    #26972074 - 10/06/20 12:16 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

verum subsequentis said:
:popcorn:
There are a bunch of ways to pull it off. Hot moving air and exhaust. Just be sure that you have enough exhaust or the fruits will all turn black (maybe blue, I'm colorblindish). I've built a few of my own.




Can you give any advice on a heat source that will be on 24/7? I'm growing on a huge scale now. This thing will pretty much never turn off.


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: PBJ710]
    #26972079 - 10/06/20 12:21 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

PBJ710 said:
A possible option thats somewhat better than window screens:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/16-x-24-full-size-footed-cooling-rack-for-bun-sheet-pan/4070038.html

$6 each for 16"x24" wire cooling racks.  I got some at a semi-local retaurant supply for $3 each used.




Definitely better than window screens, but I like racks with sides on them. I love Grimsweeper's idea of bread racks. I could sloppily toss the mush on them, walk them to the dehydrator, and slide them in without worrying about the mush rolling off.


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Offlineverum subsequentis
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26972102 - 10/06/20 12:33 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

i built screens with walls for that very reason. Makes everything easier. I don't have an exact brand or model for you but you'll want something that either doesn't have the over heat safety shut off or is outside the unit with air being forced in.


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Offlineverum subsequentis
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: verum subsequentis]
    #26972103 - 10/06/20 12:33 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Also, inkbirds work wonderfully for this


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InvisibleHOTTOTTIE
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26972108 - 10/06/20 12:36 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

My buddy had a 20ft shipping container dehydrator


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: verum subsequentis]
    #26972113 - 10/06/20 12:37 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

verum subsequentis said:
Also, inkbirds work wonderfully for this




Ah, ok. I'll have to get a second one then. The one I have now is intended for a 55 gallon drum sterilizer.


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: HOTTOTTIE]
    #26972115 - 10/06/20 12:38 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

Sporebath said:
My buddy had a 20ft shipping container dehydrator




Damn! He's the guy I want to talk to! πŸ˜‚


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Offlineverum subsequentis
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26972138 - 10/06/20 12:49 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

What do you mean. Why wouldn't it work? Same function although that one may have additional settings.


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Invisiblefilthyknees
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: verum subsequentis]
    #26972153 - 10/06/20 12:55 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

As far as safety features, the one pictured has a tip over feature easily overcome with some duct tape so it remains on.


--------------------
But if you're in a hurry, and really got to go
If you're in a hurry, might have to find out slow
That it's one thing to try and another to fly
You get there quicker just a step at a time
It's one thing to bark, another to bite
The show ain't over till you pack up at night


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OfflineFuddyduddy
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: Grimsweeper]
    #26972187 - 10/06/20 01:19 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

I bought the 18 metal window screens for my house, 29x29 and 29x54 (a nice fit for the  dimensions of the original posters closet) for $180 +tax USD.

I use metal screen for drying oats and initial fan drying of harvested fruit. Works great

It is what it is


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: verum subsequentis]
    #26972277 - 10/06/20 02:19 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

verum subsequentis said:
What do you mean. Why wouldn't it work? Same function although that one may have additional settings.




You mean the Inkbird? It would work, it's just I only have one now, and it's going to be used for a 55 gallon drum sterilizer. I'm in the middle of building a sterilizer, pasteurizer, and dehydrator, but the sterilizer has priority now.


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Offlineverum subsequentis
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: badsponge]
    #26972440 - 10/06/20 04:05 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

i see


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OfflineNichrome
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: verum subsequentis]
    #26972552 - 10/06/20 05:01 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Racks made of 1x2 cheapo wood lined with metal window screen (comes on a roll) with a space heater and a small fan...

6 tier drying racks available at hydroponic stores work well and can be moved around.

It's all about the space heater and fan.


--------------------
β€œBetter to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”


Freedom is not the right to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you should. ~Emerson


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Offlinebadsponge
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Re: Help me build a MASSIVE dehydrator? [Re: Nichrome]
    #26972655 - 10/06/20 05:56 PM (3 years, 3 months ago)

Quote:

Nichrome said:
It's all about the space heater and fan.




I know the basics. I was just hoping for advice on specific hardware because I've never done anything this big before, I wasn't sure a space heater would perform well or not auto-shutoff in an enclosed space, and I don't own this property, so I really can't afford to fuck up. I'm working on building the racks from a simple wood frame. I just needed advice on an appropriate heating/fan combo for these conditions.


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