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phil823
Deep Thinker


Registered: 03/27/06
Posts: 253
Loc: Middle Somewhere
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My Steam Sterilizer, input requested!
#27115866 - 12/30/20 09:55 AM (3 years, 29 days ago) |
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So, in my time away I have been working on a steam sterilizer for gourmet mushys. I'm hoping to cut down on my hands on pressure cooker watching, and allow myself to make bulk runs spaced out (I need time away after hitting it hard).

Parts list: 55 gallon barrel 1500W water heater/bung/wiring S.S Float/valve bung 90 degree sweep/valve bung S.S rack. Insulation Tubing 5 gallon bucket/garden hose hookup
my plan is to run this in the basement or the mudroom. I'm wanting to recapture the steam as its vented to make an endless loop, this will allow me to not need a pressure regulator or a hose hookup.


Dont mind the ring of junk...i was dumb when i test ran this...using a wooden platform made of treated wood. i have to clean that out....

Going to change this small container to a 5 gallon bucket, buckets obviously hold more and are thicker

So far I am less than 65$ into this project. only thing left to complete is the tubing from the top of the 55 gallon drum to the 5 gallon bucket. I might have to use copper coiled tubing to help facilitate the steam to condensate (just like on a moonshine still).
Does anyone see anything I am missing? or perhaps I could improve on?
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filthyknees
no coincidence


Registered: 03/08/13
Posts: 6,283
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: phil823]
#27115931 - 12/30/20 10:25 AM (3 years, 29 days ago) |
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When I made mine I just ran a high temp hose strait off the hot water from the washer, through a pressure regulator into the float value.
I don't understand how you're not planning on doing that. I'd ditch the reclaim pipe thing too.
Steam is going to escape so I don't know about the 5gal bucket endless water idea.
Just in the finishing stages of my build so I'd wait for someone else to chime in.
-------------------- 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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phil823
Deep Thinker


Registered: 03/27/06
Posts: 253
Loc: Middle Somewhere
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: filthyknees]
#27115981 - 12/30/20 10:44 AM (3 years, 29 days ago) |
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with my setup, i would fill the barrel to the float, and then fill the bucket. the float would actuate and pull water from the bucket, and the steam would come out of the top, condensate through copper tubing and precipitate into the bucket. this would allow for very little water loss and thus no hose hookups needed. this also allows me to control the steam moisture put into the basement so im not cause humidity issues.
when i say copper coil i mean this.
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Buddaking
Genetics



Registered: 12/18/09
Posts: 1,775
Loc: No Mans Land
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: phil823]
#27116126 - 12/30/20 11:50 AM (3 years, 29 days ago) |
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Hereis a link to my propane powered steemer that now has 4 barrels 2 & 2 running alternate. 150 lbs dry pre soak capacity per barrel. 1 run & I am set... I found the condensate returne line an imperative aspect of the build. I am currently working on a SS electric model utilizing 1k & 2k element. Their is a link in that thread to RR build back in the day.
--------------------
 AMU Q & A
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phil823
Deep Thinker


Registered: 03/27/06
Posts: 253
Loc: Middle Somewhere
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: Buddaking]
#27116143 - 12/30/20 12:00 PM (3 years, 29 days ago) |
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thanks for that! you know what? now that I have read your post again...I totally have seen it in the past! I remember thinking I really loved your wooded back yard. and the drums being horizontal was an interesting take on the design.
I'm glad you found the condensate return viable and useful.
i saw RR's post from awhile back...shit i remember when his DVD's first came out...ive lurked for along time...
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WizardSJ
Stranger

Registered: 08/20/20
Posts: 29
Last seen: 5 months, 18 days
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: phil823]
#27118523 - 12/31/20 02:30 PM (3 years, 28 days ago) |
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Hello, im currently building one myself and would love some insight. How have you managed make the area around the fittings water tight? Thanks
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phil823
Deep Thinker


Registered: 03/27/06
Posts: 253
Loc: Middle Somewhere
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: WizardSJ]
#27122023 - 01/02/21 12:40 PM (3 years, 26 days ago) |
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everything has a bulkhead type fitting with rubber O rings. and then i use RTV to really get it sealed!
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Buddaking
Genetics



Registered: 12/18/09
Posts: 1,775
Loc: No Mans Land
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: phil823]
#27122084 - 01/02/21 01:17 PM (3 years, 26 days ago) |
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Or you can weld them.
 Nevermind the rust it has been raining non stop & I procrastinated paint till spring
--------------------
 AMU Q & A
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WizardSJ
Stranger

Registered: 08/20/20
Posts: 29
Last seen: 5 months, 18 days
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: phil823]
#27122322 - 01/02/21 03:43 PM (3 years, 26 days ago) |
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im using a bulk headed fitting with rocon steamseal. Already tried welding but steel and brass didnt mix. Tried brazing but the metal would oxidise before i got it to temperature. Its been a mission haha
Would love to have been able to weld them, stick welding is tricky!
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,889
Loc: Milky way
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Re: My Steam Sterilizer, input requested! [Re: phil823]
#27123375 - 01/03/21 08:10 AM (3 years, 25 days ago) |
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Quote:
phil823 said: thanks for that! you know what? now that I have read your post again...I totally have seen it in the past! I remember thinking I really loved your wooded back yard. and the drums being horizontal was an interesting take on the design.
I'm glad you found the condensate return viable and useful.
i saw RR's post from awhile back...shit i remember when his DVD's first came out...ive lurked for along time...
Condensate return is pretty typical of actual commercial retorts(steam fed walk in size sterilizer) and other boilers. It will work well but you will have some losses that need make-up water for.
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