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OfflineStromriderM
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Plastic barrel steamer * 1
    #27213538 - 02/18/21 05:49 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

After a couple of years of use my old metal barrel steamer was getting pretty shitty and rusty. I've heard of people using plastic barrels and decided to give it a go. Built it a couple of weeks and have 4 cycles of use now. Seems like everything is good to go. Nothing has warped or melted or given any signs of trouble. I'm building a second one tomorrow.

If anyone is wondering the plastic False bottom is a 1/2 thick cutting board. It didn't work out as well as hoped and started warping. I had to my old metal false bottom under it for support. I'm going to have a stainless bottom cut from my buddy at the metal shop soon.

Rusty looking bags making a mess on my pretty clean lab table really annoys me. There will be no more!



***UPDATE
    Barrel ended up cracking on the bottom after 2 months of twice a week use. I do not recommend using a plastic barrel



Edited by Stromrider (05/06/21 05:17 AM)


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InvisibleQM33
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #27213577 - 02/18/21 06:12 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

#jelly


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OnlineLand TroutM
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: QM33]
    #27213613 - 02/18/21 06:31 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

Thanks for sharing this, looks super simple.  How does the lid work? And how do you load and unload?


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OfflineGreenGills
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Land Trout]
    #27213620 - 02/18/21 06:36 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

Looks cool man. Are you using it for just straw pasteurization?


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OfflineStromriderM
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: GreenGills]
    #27213633 - 02/18/21 06:47 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

Quote:

Land Trout said:
Thanks for sharing this, looks super simple.  How does the lid work? And how do you load and unload?




I just sit the barrel lid on it, stick my temp probe through a hole I drilled, and throw a nice thick insulating blanket over the top


Quote:

GreenGills said:
Looks cool man. Are you using it for just straw pasteurization?




Supplemented sawdust blocks


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OfflineShutEye
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #27213697 - 02/18/21 07:25 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

Nice work 👍

Definitely want to give this a shot sometime. Thanks for sharing!


Edited by ShutEye (02/19/21 10:45 AM)


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OfflineDuckmang
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: ShutEye]
    #27213824 - 02/18/21 09:08 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

This is great.  We need more info!  Don't skimp on the details.  I'm setting up my son in law to grow gourmets and need to figure out a steam sterilizer setup.  I've got a couple of blue plastic barrels just sitting around.  Would love to know everything about your setup.


--------------------
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OfflineStromriderM
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Duckmang]
    #27214238 - 02/19/21 06:33 AM (2 years, 11 months ago)

Quote:

Duckmang said:
This is great.  We need more info!  Don't skimp on the details.  I'm setting up my son in law to grow gourmets and need to figure out a steam sterilizer setup.  I've got a couple of blue plastic barrels just sitting around.  Would love to know everything about your setup.





Tonight when all the mushroom work for today is done I can help you out but I probably don't need to. There's already tons of write ups on electric barrel steamers using a metal barrel. The only difference is I used a plastic barrel


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Offlinedeadmandave
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #27214585 - 02/19/21 10:04 AM (2 years, 11 months ago)

awesome! i have been up in the air about which type of barrel i should use but this settles it for me.

was this an open top barrel or did you have to cut it open?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #27214712 - 02/19/21 11:16 AM (2 years, 11 months ago)



Some pics of another plastic one. I am sure some of you are aware of mine, but for those that are not just giving a ditto to the OP on plastic barrels working awesome for a steamer.


--------------------
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #27214750 - 02/19/21 11:45 AM (2 years, 11 months ago)

thank you seagu, i was trying to remember where i had seen it before.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #27215197 - 02/19/21 04:30 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

NP.. oh there is a huge difference between insulated and not insulated.. So go the extra mile and put on the insulation. Go 2 inch insulation. It will be worth it. And just won't do as good if you use anything less. And you will need 2 of the big cans the Great Stuff. So save yourself a trip and grab 2 right off the bat.. :dancer:


--------------------
Plan to win or you are planning for failure. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Just figure out the solution. Even if that means banging your head on a wall until the solution oozes out of you.


Edited by seagu (02/20/21 05:28 AM)


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OfflineStromriderM
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #27215295 - 02/19/21 05:26 PM (2 years, 11 months ago)

Quote:

deadmandave said:
awesome! i have been up in the air about which type of barrel i should use but this settles it for me.

was this an open top barrel or did you have to cut it open?





You definitely want an open top


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Invisiblefungusmuncher
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #27242237 - 03/07/21 06:13 PM (2 years, 10 months ago)

Damn I was not aware that plastic could be used for a steamer build.  I've been searching around for a stainless barrel but they can be tough to come by. 

I'll have to consider building one like this.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: fungusmuncher]
    #27288758 - 05/01/21 07:03 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

UPDATE

2 months in of jamming 42 5# blocks in the plastic barrel 3 times a week and it cracked on the bottom and leaked out all the water. Fortunately I was between cycles and the water was turned off. It could have been a much worse situation. I definitely don't recommend doing a plastic barrel build. I think the hot cold cycles and the fact the bottom is not flat did it in


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #27288908 - 05/01/21 09:28 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Thanks for the update. Was rooting for this build. Too bad. Sorry about the crack. seemed like a nice alternative. Wonder if the drum would hold up better if the steam was fed in from an external boiler vs. built in element.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: junior c]
    #27291089 - 05/02/21 08:46 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

That's wild, where did it crack at?


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OfflineSHROOMSISAY01M
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #27291233 - 05/02/21 11:13 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Yea plastic is no good you have too much expansion and contraction through the heat and cool cycle. Some people get away with it but after a while, they will distort and you have problems. This is the 1st time I heard of one cracking. Easier to just use a steel drum and mix 100% silicone with VM&P Naphtha or Mineral spirits and paint the drum. VM&P just leaves fewer things behind when it dries. For under $30 you will have a drum that will last many years. Silicone will not stick to itself so make sure you get it all in one coat.


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InvisibleQM33
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #27291502 - 05/03/21 06:17 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Haha., painting the drum in silicone? For what?
I like the idea of mixing silicone with thinners, that would be some cool paint haha!


--------------------
OmManiPadmeHum,OmManiPadmeHum, OmManiPadMeHum...
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: QM33]
    #27291702 - 05/03/21 09:22 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Rust prevention. Might need to scuff up the sides of the barrel to get the silicone to stick better :shrug:


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OfflineSHROOMSISAY01M
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: QM33]
    #27292281 - 05/03/21 03:25 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Quote:

QM33 said:
Haha., painting the drum in silicone? For what?
I like the idea of mixing silicone with thinners, that would be some cool paint haha!





The same reason people buy stainless steel so it does not rust. I actually bought gaco 100% silicone roof to paint my drum with but I was able to get it for $30 a gallon. Or an easier way to put it is as deadmandave said rust prevention.


Edited by SHROOMSISAY01 (05/03/21 03:34 PM)


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OfflineStromriderM
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #27296560 - 05/06/21 05:26 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

I went to Atlanta to meet up an old shroomery friend last week and bought a 130 gallon bubba barrel off of him. He had bought 2 a couple of years ago and only ever used 1.
  Its super nice and top notch quality but I just can't see paying 4 grand for a new one. Glad to have it though. I can get 110 5# blocks in it.
Loading and unloading the bottom couple of layers would be impossible for short people with short arms. I have to stand on a 8 inch high platform I
made and it's all I got to reach the bottom and I'm 6'2" with long arms.

So hopefully no more worries about steamers for a while. Just going to continue to sit around and dream of building a 4000 Sq ft facility with a quarter million dollar retort built into the wall of my lab :strokebeard:


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #27301066 - 05/09/21 04:02 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Yeah I wouldn't go the plastic route. Just asking for problems. Even my 55gal steel drum ended up rusting out after I gifted it to a talented up and coming mycologist. Felt bad about that.  Glad to hear you got a badass Bubba! Those things are dope but super pricey. I'm about to build a trough steamer as soon as I move. Already got all the parts necessary. Gonna about triple what I could fit in my 55gal SS without extra elements necessary. I'll make a post about it when I do. Total cost wasn't bad either just about $50 more than the 55gal and I'm reusing the element wiring and floater valve. Still not totally sure how I'm gonna go about the false bottom but thinking grill, um, grills cut to shape.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: TravelAgency]
    #27303083 - 05/10/21 01:52 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

how close did you put the element to the barrel? HDPE is rating to be able to sustain 230F without losing shape. But sticking the element too close to the plastic can easily mess with things. Sounds as if since you were running 42 bags you left little amount of water for a plastic barrel. and is so far what I have experienced But I think I do 32 bags max and have more water in the bottom and the element isn't close to the bottom or any of the plastic. I angle it slightly upwards. But I don't run 3 cycles in a week either. Max 2 Cycles because of allowing normal cooling instead of rushed.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #27303539 - 05/10/21 09:02 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Nice seagu, I was hoping you'd share your opinion here. How far off the bottom is your element and his much water do you think it takes to cover it?


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Offlineseagu

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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #27304434 - 05/11/21 02:49 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Quote:

deadmandave said:
Nice seagu, I was hoping you'd share your opinion here. How far off the bottom is your element and his much water do you think it takes to cover it?





Mine is 3 1/2"-4" from the bottom. Though it looks more than it sounds. About right in the middle of 2 8" tall cement blocks. I try and keep the water a few inches off the element. So that there is plenty of water. Though last run it was 1 inch. :shrug: But to me keeping more water in during the run is best. Since it's plastic.

I am not using 220V.. only 120V. I haven't tried the 220V yet. Also, maybe my barrel is thicker? Not sure if there are big thickness variables from manufacturer to manufacturer and colors even?

And I do let it cool down at least 2 days minimum. The way I see it with plastic barrels.. if I need more space.. they are cheap I'll just build more.. :shrug:


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #27304742 - 05/11/21 06:43 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

Cool, thanks for letting us know. i'll check how high up my element is off the bottom when i unload it next. I'm also using a 120 v (1650w i think) perhaps the 220v would need even more foot room so not to heat the plastic. well anyways i like the plastic because there's no chance of rust but it would suck major balls if my drum ruptured while the water was on.


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Offlineseagu

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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #27305583 - 05/12/21 10:44 AM (2 years, 8 months ago)

yea NP.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #27307528 - 05/13/21 09:26 PM (2 years, 8 months ago)

The element wasn't what did it in. It was where one of the 4"x4" flase bottom legs was sitting on the uneven bottom that caused the crack. It wasn't even close to the element. My element was close to the bottom. Maybe an inch off the bottom


The bubba is definitely awesome and youre right. Way too expensive. I would have never bought it had I not gotten it used. I'm about to customize it a little bit. I can get 10 layers of 11 blocks in it. Only problem is the bottom blocks are pancakes when you take them out. Makes the really hard to shake

I got my buddy cutting me a 16 gauge stainless disc for a shelf. I'm going to put some little L brackets to set it on about half way up. I'll be able to put 5 layers, add rhe shelf, and put in another 5 layers. Should solve the problem


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #27754717 - 04/28/22 08:38 AM (1 year, 8 months ago)

Hey seagu,

Is this barrel made of hdpe or pp? I thought polyurethane would not stick to any of those so i got curious. I want to build a barrel like that but rly dont know how to insulated it. I got a hdpe barrel.


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Offlineseagu

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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: vsoares]
    #27754725 - 04/28/22 08:44 AM (1 year, 8 months ago)

Quote:

vsoares said:
Hey seagu,

Is this barrel made of hdpe or pp? I thought polyurethane would not stick to any of those so i got curious. I want to build a barrel like that but rly dont know how to insulated it. I got a hdpe barrel.





HDPE and here is how I insulated it. You definitely want to insulated it somehow. I have ran it with and without insulation and there is a HUGE difference in performance.



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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: vsoares]
    #27754963 - 04/28/22 11:24 AM (1 year, 8 months ago)

Quote:

vsoares said:
Hey seagu,

Is this barrel made of hdpe or pp? I thought polyurethane would not stick to any of those so i got curious. I want to build a barrel like that but rly dont know how to insulated it. I got a hdpe barrel.





Oh one other thing. The foam, at least on mine, the gasket for the lid. Maybe it was the glue used for the gasket foam. Well, it would leak this brown stuff down the side. Not inside, so the steam would push it out. What I did was pull the gasket out and put a layer of silicone in its place. Now, no brown stuff steaming down the side of the barrel anymore. It was easy enough to wipe off, but still, it had to go. Oh and if you put a thick bead of silicone it will be too big to close the lid with the metal strap, so you will need to judge how thick to put it. Honestly though I put it too thick and don't even need the metal strap to close, but your mileage may vary depending on how even your bead is. Steam escapes for me though the small bung hole, in the lid, that I have loosely covered with that semi-stiff plastic you see in the pic. Loose enough to allow steam to escape so no pressure buildup but not fully open so steam is not everywhere.


--------------------
Plan to win or you are planning for failure. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Just figure out the solution. Even if that means banging your head on a wall until the solution oozes out of you.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #27755150 - 04/28/22 01:38 PM (1 year, 8 months ago)

So this foam you used to stick the insulation to the sides of the barrel, is that polyurethane (like "great stuff" for example)?


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Offlineseagu

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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: vsoares]
    #27755264 - 04/28/22 03:21 PM (1 year, 8 months ago)

Quote:

vsoares said:
So this foam you used to stick the insulation to the sides of the barrel, is that polyurethane (like "great stuff" for example)?





That is Great Stuff. Yes. I used 2 of the larger cans.


--------------------
Plan to win or you are planning for failure. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Just figure out the solution. Even if that means banging your head on a wall until the solution oozes out of you.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28041195 - 11/08/22 09:21 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Well after the first post I made a plastic barrel steamer and have been playing with fire for the last 18 months but my plastic drum finally cracked!

Luckily it was after a run had just finished and my water was turned off so only a few gallons leaked onto my floor.

Should've upgraded long ago but here we are.



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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28041543 - 11/09/22 05:40 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

You got lucky a lot longer than me. At least it wasn't during a cycle


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28042646 - 11/09/22 07:20 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

hmm I wonder if it is the barrels or plastic type you all are using. I use the white opaque type. The design look is different too. Been using mine for 10 years. Have only had to replace the element a few times. :shrug:

I never tried it in those blue nor black barrels. I have them but I use those for storing soy and HWFP.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28042771 - 11/09/22 08:29 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

I was thinking about you and your white battery wondering if that does make a difference. How much weight do you usually put in yours seagu? Mine failed when I bumped it up 30 lbs to 200lbs.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28043444 - 11/10/22 10:02 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Blue drums are made of HDPE or high-density polyethylene. White drums are made of industrial strength high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene (HMWPE) plastic. Google is your friend!!


Edited by SHROOMSISAY01 (11/10/22 10:03 AM)


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28043613 - 11/10/22 11:56 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

SHROOMSISAY01 said:
Blue drums are made of HDPE or high-density polyethylene. White drums are made of industrial strength high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene (HMWPE) plastic. Google is your friend!!





AHH so they are stronger.. heh.. no wonder I have zero problems. I never looked that up. But I kept on thinking that it might be the difference which is why I keep on bringing up that I use the white drums. I just look at them and they seemed thicker of sorts and of a stronger build. I was right.. Thanks Shrooms.

I didn't pay much for them either. $20 each. Like I said have had them for 10 years. Zero problems.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28043627 - 11/10/22 12:06 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

deadmandave said:
I was thinking about you and your white battery wondering if that does make a difference. How much weight do you usually put in yours seagu? Mine failed when I bumped it up 30 lbs to 200lbs.






Well as you see Shrooms looked it up and it does make the difference. I put full weight in them. Though as I said before I don't run it with the auto fill setup. So I lose 1 layer of bags. But I have 4 bricks below my false bottom to give space for enough water for a full cycle. I wonder if I could take out 2 bricks and just submerge 1 layer of bags in water like is done in PCs and gain that layer of bags back... hrmm.. anywho yea it will run close to 200 lbs with no problems. But like we discovered thanks to Shrooms looking it up.. it is that the white barrel is much stronger like I was thinking when I saw you all were using different colored and design looking barrels than me.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28044248 - 11/10/22 06:51 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

I found that out today myself. So they do sound like they are stronger. How that translates into them being used as a steam drum I have no idea. You say you have had the white drums for 10 years but you don't say how long you have used them as a steam drum. If you haven't figured it out by now? You are the genie pig in this experiment.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28044369 - 11/10/22 07:52 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

6 years as a steamer.. but before that the only difference was that I would fill them up all the way with water and jam them full until the temp was around 170-180 ish. So not much difference in temp, weight and usage. There was still steam going strong and going all over the place... Although nowadays I have less of the steam steam shooting out because of how I have the cover. So I use less water during a cycle.

I am the genie pig? so does that mean I get my lamp rubbed?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28044646 - 11/11/22 12:03 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

I guess I should read the word that it is wanting to replace b4 I accept the replacement word. I meant guinea pig. Spelling was never a good subject for me and I guess it shows!! Grammarly strikes again. If the white drums hold up that well it sure would be better than painting a metal drum with silicone.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28044862 - 11/11/22 07:06 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

yea but if you used spell check right then we wouldn't have some humor to break of the day.

And yes that is what I been saying these plastic drums are way easier... Though Now we know it is the white plastic drums and not the blue or black drums. I never tried those.

Though something else occurred to me. I use solid bricks on the bottom. So there is a nice big and thick surface area that everything is resting on. Not sure what everyone else has used for support for the false bottoms. I know I have seen some people use thin things or pole legs... something to think about as well for the blue or black barrels that may have played a factor also?

Although I would use white anyways since it is a High Density HDPE and much stronger


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Edited by seagu (11/11/22 07:09 AM)


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28044981 - 11/11/22 08:51 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

I would probably try a white plastic barrel but I found a guy here in town selling really nice pharmaceutical grade stainless barrels for cheap. Nicest stainless barrels I've ever seen for $150 a piece. Just got lucky


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28045093 - 11/11/22 10:04 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Jimminy Crickets that is cheap for stainless. by $650-850+ cheaper. Though I can't say that I would go stainless even for that cheap. Maybe there is a reason that I am just not seeing thinking off the cuff. Maybe better for 240V setups?.. but I haven't tried that yet in the White barrels, so not sure.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28045157 - 11/11/22 10:57 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Yeah wish I had read all this before scrambling to get a steel barrel :lol: oh well next hdpe barrel I see ill snag.

The one place around here with stainless barrels is charging 6-800 depending on lid style, $150 is a steal.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28045225 - 11/11/22 11:41 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
I would probably try a white plastic barrel but I found a guy here in town selling really nice pharmaceutical grade stainless barrels for cheap. Nicest stainless barrels I've ever seen for $150 a piece. Just got lucky




Where is he located? If not too far I buy all he is willing to get let go of.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28045232 - 11/11/22 11:46 AM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

seagu said:
Jimminy Crickets that is cheap for stainless. by $650-850+ cheaper. Though I can't say that I would go stainless even for that cheap. Maybe there is a reason that I am just not seeing thinking off the cuff. Maybe better for 240V setups?.. but I haven't tried that yet in the White barrels, so not sure.




240 or 120 shouldn't make a difference you are still only reaching 212F it just takes longer with 110. I checked this three times to make sure everything was spelled correctly. I don't want another incident like the last time.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28045582 - 11/11/22 03:28 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

SHROOMSISAY01 said:
Quote:

Stromrider said:
I would probably try a white plastic barrel but I found a guy here in town selling really nice pharmaceutical grade stainless barrels for cheap. Nicest stainless barrels I've ever seen for $150 a piece. Just got lucky




Where is he located? If not too far I buy all he is willing to get let go of.





Hes just outside Hickory NC. Probably had 20 of them but that was well over a year ago. I have his number if you want it.

They weren't regular stainless barrels either. They were quite a bit thicker and really high grade stainless. I forget what was stamped on them but it was some ingredient for a heart medicine



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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28046022 - 11/11/22 08:10 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

SHROOMSISAY01 said:
Quote:

seagu said:
Jimminy Crickets that is cheap for stainless. by $650-850+ cheaper. Though I can't say that I would go stainless even for that cheap. Maybe there is a reason that I am just not seeing thinking off the cuff. Maybe better for 240V setups?.. but I haven't tried that yet in the White barrels, so not sure.




240 or 120 shouldn't make a difference you are still only reaching 212F it just takes longer with 110. I checked this three times to make sure everything was spelled correctly. I don't want another incident like the last time.





Yes I am aware.. I just said that because maybe it would potentially something, to cross my i's and dot my t's.

The water itself keeps everything from going too hot. I just wasn't sure if maybe for some reason because it heats it up so quick that somehow someway something gets hotter nearer to the element. And maybe if someone put the element too close to the bottom or something.. I dunno... something.. All I know is I haven't tried the 240 in it..


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28046063 - 11/11/22 08:53 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

I would appreciate his # Stromrider if you would PM it to me that would be great!!


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28049767 - 11/13/22 09:58 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Back in action



Old lid is the new false bottom


What's a bathroom without a drum sterilizer?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28049816 - 11/13/22 11:01 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

Quote:

deadmandave said:

What's a bathroom without a drum sterilizer?





My thoughts exactly!!


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28049824 - 11/13/22 11:11 PM (1 year, 2 months ago)

That Sylvania timer sucks. It won't be long until you can't read the display. I went through 4 of them until I finally figured out the display was junk on them. I found better timers if that one gets to be too much let me know. I used the Sylvania because it was 20 amps but if you wire it right you don't need the 20 amps.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28074034 - 11/29/22 05:53 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

I love this thread. I'm messing with a blue drum as a sterilizer, not pasteurizer. Have had 3 successful runs (good fruiting yields)

Some thoughts:

1) Read somewhere that a dude would always use a metal barrel for the ability to ground it. That seems valid.

2) For sterilizing, RR said it's important to keep the steam moving a lot, that makes sense, keeping the steam windy and close to the bag surface. So lots of water use.

3) I use Wyze wifi plugs... 15 amp and very nice timers on an app.

4) I use 1000w and a 1500w elements so I can have a high, medium, low setting. (and split the electricity between two breakers)

5) There is a growing concern with un-fixable toxins created by fermentation, so any attempt to lessen the time the grains are 'warm', the better. My grain bags are pre-heated and set into a pre-heated barrel to race them to 210f.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28074085 - 11/29/22 06:50 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Steamed grains are a loss imo. They tend to be a bit bacterial.

You can ground your element on a plastic barrel using a hotpod.

Get a white barrel or metal before the blue one breaks.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28074324 - 11/29/22 10:53 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

I always wonder about this because I love my sous vide. People can say all they want that my meat doesn't hit 165 and is unsafe, but I know that even my 129s are safe after an hour.

How can steaming be any different? If they are held at temperature long enough it should be sterile.

However, this is an unresearched opinion so I'm just speculating about things I don't actually understand.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28074461 - 11/29/22 12:26 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

deadmandave said:

You can ground your element on a plastic barrel using a hotpod.





Question regarding these hot pods. Is there enough room on the treads to fit it on? My elements barely have enough treading to get a nut on. Are elements sold with more threading?

Are there certain models of hotpods for standard hot water elements?

Seems like they are a great answer.

T


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28074542 - 11/29/22 01:30 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

You're making the same mistake I originally made. You are trying to just put the element to the barrel with a nut. You're supposed to be using a sanitary fitting and a tri clamp


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28074566 - 11/29/22 01:41 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
You're making the same mistake I originally made. You are trying to just put the element to the barrel with a nut. You're supposed to be using a sanitary fitting and a tri clamp




https://www.amazon.com/Sanitary-Threaded-Fittings-Tri-clamp-Tri-Clover/dp/B077SF79LG/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=sanitary%2Bfitting%2Btri%2Bclamp%2Bfemale&qid=1669754373&sr=8-10&th=1

I'm a little confused... do you have a link?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28074683 - 11/29/22 03:19 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Say you have a 2" element. You need one of these that you put on your barrel

TRUE Weldless 2" TC Tri clamp Bulkhead Compression Fitting 304 Stainless Steel Homebrew Kettle Bulkhead https://a.co/d/bptInvQ

Then you use a tri clamp and silicone o ring to attach your element to this weldless bulk head


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28075052 - 11/29/22 07:09 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
Say you have a 2" element. You need one of these that you put on your barrel

TRUE Weldless 2" TC Tri clamp Bulkhead Compression Fitting 304 Stainless Steel Homebrew Kettle Bulkhead https://a.co/d/bptInvQ

Then you use a tri clamp and silicone o ring to attach your element to this weldless bulk head




So the other lipped piece not shown is a female thread for the element. all clamped together. yeah, thats nice. awfully spendy. but I can see it better.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28075201 - 11/29/22 08:35 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

No you still don't get it. The threads on the element are not going to be used except to put a cover over the electrical. The element clamps to the bulk head with a tri clamp. I'll take a picture tomorrow


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28075280 - 11/29/22 09:50 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
No you still don't get it. The threads on the element are not going to be used except to put a cover over the electrical. The element clamps to the bulk head with a tri clamp. I'll take a picture tomorrow




Ohhh I get it now. roger that.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28075336 - 11/29/22 11:14 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
No you still don't get it. The threads on the element are not going to be used except to put a cover over the electrical. The element clamps to the bulk head with a tri clamp. I'll take a picture tomorrow




I guess I still need a photo... unsure how the element treads can be used for this cover you speak of.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28075876 - 11/30/22 11:02 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

The weldless bulkhead (right hand of second pic) goes on the barrel. The heating element is clamped to the bulkhead using a silicone o ring and tri clamp




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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28076100 - 11/30/22 01:02 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
The weldless bulkhead (right hand of second pic) goes on the barrel. The heating element is clamped to the bulkhead using a silicone o ring and tri clamp








1) It that cap on the end a hot pod?

2) What are those elements called? They look different than mine.

thank you for posting. The elements being different was really confusing me.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28076193 - 11/30/22 02:07 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

DERNORD 2 Inch (OD64) Tri-clamp 120V 1650W Foldback Heating Element Electric Water Heater with Low Watt Density https://a.co/d/bSvyxmR


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28076342 - 11/30/22 03:13 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
DERNORD 2 Inch (OD64) Tri-clamp 120V 1650W Foldback Heating Element Electric Water Heater with Low Watt Density https://a.co/d/bSvyxmR




That really is the clean way to do this. Thanks again.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28076778 - 11/30/22 06:35 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
DERNORD 2 Inch (OD64) Tri-clamp 120V 1650W Foldback Heating Element Electric Water Heater with Low Watt Density https://a.co/d/bSvyxmR




Last question (maybe) Does that cap thing act as a ground? negating the need to purchase the hot pod?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28076804 - 11/30/22 06:49 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

tedoro said:
Quote:

Stromrider said:
DERNORD 2 Inch (OD64) Tri-clamp 120V 1650W Foldback Heating Element Electric Water Heater with Low Watt Density https://a.co/d/bSvyxmR




Last question (maybe) Does that cap thing act as a ground? negating the need to purchase the hot pod?




The ground wire is the ground


Also what is a hot pod?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28077008 - 11/30/22 08:03 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/hotpod-ewl3.htm

The hot pod connects a ground wire to your element and drum making the whole thing grounded.

I would also suggest the WELDLESS PROBE COMPRESSION FITTING FOR POTS/KEGS PCOMP4 This makes a nice connection for your probe.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28077480 - 12/01/22 06:27 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

That doesn't make sense to me. The ground wire atraches to the element = element grounded

Element touches barrel = barrel grounded

What does the hot pod add to the equation?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28077601 - 12/01/22 08:27 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

What youre using looks like a hot pod to me.

Most elements ive seen only have two connections and nowhere for the ground to attach. Presumably on water heaters the ground attaches somehwere else on the unit but for our purpose the ground should attach to the element which can be done with a hotpod and maybe thru the weldless bulkhead but i cannot see where the ground attaches on your pics, strom.

When i used a hotpod on my plastic barrel i had to carve a bit of the plastic away to reveal enough threads on the other side to get a good connection. It sounds janky but never leaked and that is not where it ended up failing.


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OfflineSHROOMSISAY01M
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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28077828 - 12/01/22 11:03 AM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:
That doesn't make sense to me. The ground wire atraches to the element = element grounded

Element touches barrel = barrel grounded

What does the hot pod add to the equation?




On the hot pod you use a screw that comes with the hot pod and attach the ground wire to the metal casing. The metal casing touches the drum and the element which grounds both of them. The hot pod also acts as a cover for your wires so someone does not get electrocuted.

I use the DERNORD in all the systems that I build for people. Because they have a ground contact. But if the element you already have does not have a ground contact the hot pod is the easiest way to get a ground contact.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28078017 - 12/01/22 12:46 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

So, if I use this element, I needn't buy a hotpod.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVJQ3G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_BNP3GR5TQ9CHZ9EGW27H_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I just get that sanitary bulkhead fitting and a tri-clamp and it will have a place to connect three wires. yes?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28078071 - 12/01/22 01:08 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Quote:

tedoro said:
So, if I use this element, I needn't buy a hotpod.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVJQ3G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_BNP3GR5TQ9CHZ9EGW27H_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I just get that sanitary bulkhead fitting and a tri-clamp and it will have a place to connect three wires. yes?




No need for a hot pod with that element all that you need is already there. The 3rd and 5th pic if you look close at the top you can see the ground screw. I don't know why they don't actually show it to you better but it is there and those pic prove it.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28078712 - 12/01/22 07:49 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

:lol: you gotta be some kind of Sherlock Holmes to find that ground screw


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: deadmandave]
    #28078831 - 12/01/22 09:25 PM (1 year, 1 month ago)

Elementary, my dear deadman!!


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28151115 - 01/21/23 08:44 PM (1 year, 6 days ago)

Question for this thread.

Apparently, radiant heat can travel through water... if this is true, could a heating element be placed too close to a plastic barrel floor? Meaning could a plastic surface, even though submerged in water, get hotter than 212f?


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28151167 - 01/21/23 09:16 PM (1 year, 6 days ago)

The heating element gets a lot hotter than 212. It can't be touching the bottom or too close

Id recommend using a metal barrel. Even with a metal one you want a little space under the element so it can efficiently heat water on all sides of the element


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28151378 - 01/22/23 01:18 AM (1 year, 6 days ago)

:whathesaid:

If you are worried about the metal drum rusting buy some 100% silicone and mix it with VM&P Naphtha and paint the drum. If you want more than one coat don't let the silicone dry before applying the second coat, because silicone will not stick to silicone!! For that reason you have to complete the task in one go b4 it dries.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28151972 - 01/22/23 11:12 AM (1 year, 6 days ago)

While I have your ear... anything I should look for in a metal drum. Open top of course... but are there different interior coatings for foodgrade and such? I feel like stainless is overkill unless its cheap.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28152500 - 01/22/23 04:53 PM (1 year, 5 days ago)

I would make sure the lid fits ok, no huge dents or holes and as little rust as possible. I wouldn't call stainless overkill, it's ideal but expensive.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28155639 - 01/24/23 02:18 PM (1 year, 4 days ago)

Quote:

Stromrider said:


***UPDATE
    Barrel ended up cracking on the bottom after 2 months of twice a week use. I do not recommend using a plastic barrel







Lol yeah I was waiting for it. :haha: was worth a try though


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28266010 - 04/06/23 07:41 PM (9 months, 17 days ago)

Question for you steamer operators:

I am using unicorn bags with .2 patches... and impulse sealing my bags of Birdseed. I'm surprised that my bottom shelf grain bags are somewhat more moist inside than higher bags. I have set the water level to be just at the grate, and it lowers from there.

That patch must suck water in that splashes up during the rolling boil. Yes?

kinda surprises me.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28266402 - 04/07/23 06:37 AM (9 months, 17 days ago)

For one, if you're doing grain in a barrel steamer you're asking for trouble. Grain needs to run through an autoclave. You'll end up having a lot of trouble with bacteria. I've seen this play out a few times

Idk why your bottom bags are wetter. Perhaps theyre sucking in water on the cool down would be my guess. Either change the way you're putting them on that bottom shelf so they can't suck up water (flip the bag another way) or put a bunch of drain holes on there.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: Stromrider]
    #28306168 - 05/04/23 10:01 AM (8 months, 21 days ago)

Hello frennnns,

This thread has been very helpful, thank you.

I'm making an improved streamer using what I've learned with my plastic prototype.

I need two 120v elements: a 1000 watt and a 1500 watt. (I have reasons)

Dernord does not sell a 1000 watt element. So doing the tri-clamp method seems to be a no go.

unless...... I was wondering if I could use their 2500w 220v element and run it on 120v, getting a 1250 watt element....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVJQ3G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_BNP3GR5TQ9CHZ9EGW27H_0?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I can live with a 1250 watt.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28306184 - 05/04/23 10:11 AM (8 months, 21 days ago)

Oh god, a little googling reveals my halving of the wattage to be incorrect, its more like 25%, and not really a known, because of some resistance shit that goes on. dang. One of those other 220v elements might be right, but hard to tell.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28307092 - 05/04/23 11:41 PM (8 months, 20 days ago)

I am so confused!!


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28307105 - 05/05/23 12:06 AM (8 months, 20 days ago)

220v elements can be run on 120v, lowering the wattage. But apparently, its hard to calculate.

I moved on from the tri-clamp, too few wattage options.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28307231 - 05/05/23 04:57 AM (8 months, 20 days ago)

Quote:

tedoro said:
Hello frennnns,

This thread has been very helpful, thank you.

I'm making an improved streamer using what I've learned with my plastic prototype.

I need two 120v elements: a 1000 watt and a 1500 watt. (I have reasons)

Dernord does not sell a 1000 watt element. So doing the tri-clamp method seems to be a no go.

unless...... I was wondering if I could use their 2500w 220v element and run it on 120v, getting a 1250 watt element....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVJQ3G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_BNP3GR5TQ9CHZ9EGW27H_0?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I can live with a 1250 watt.





If you are using a HDPE plastic barrel, you don't need a clamp. Just screw the element into the side and silicone both sides with plenty thick of it. Let dry for a day.. good to go.

I have replaced the element on mine a few times over the years because of low water and burning it out. Screw and unscrew the element silicone.. done...


--------------------
Plan to win or you are planning for failure. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Just figure out the solution. Even if that means banging your head on a wall until the solution oozes out of you.


Edited by seagu (05/05/23 05:00 AM)


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: tedoro]
    #28307783 - 05/05/23 12:47 PM (8 months, 20 days ago)

Quote:

tedoro said:
220v elements can be run on 120v, lowering the wattage. But apparently, its hard to calculate.

I moved on from the tri-clamp, too few wattage options.




I build steamers. I know that you can run 240v on 120 I build kits with PID controllers but you loose 75% of the wattage when you hook up 240v to 120.

What I am confused about is why you would want to do this and what you are trying to do.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: seagu]
    #28307788 - 05/05/23 12:51 PM (8 months, 20 days ago)

Quote:

seagu said:
Quote:

tedoro said:
Hello frennnns,

This thread has been very helpful, thank you.

I'm making an improved streamer using what I've learned with my plastic prototype.

I need two 120v elements: a 1000 watt and a 1500 watt. (I have reasons)

Dernord does not sell a 1000 watt element. So doing the tri-clamp method seems to be a no go.

unless...... I was wondering if I could use their 2500w 220v element and run it on 120v, getting a 1250 watt element....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVJQ3G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_BNP3GR5TQ9CHZ9EGW27H_0?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I can live with a 1250 watt.





If you are using a HDPE plastic barrel, you don't need a clamp. Just screw the element into the side and silicone both sides with plenty thick of it. Let dry for a day.. good to go.

I have replaced the element on mine a few times over the years because of low water and burning it out. Screw and unscrew the element silicone.. done...




Put a low water cut-off on your steamer if you are using a PID it is cheap and simple. PM me I will give you a diagram to hook it up easily for less than $20 probably more like $10 can't remember anyway it is cheap. If you are not using a PID it will cost a little more but better than replacing elements.


Edited by SHROOMSISAY01 (05/05/23 01:09 PM)


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: junior c]
    #28307814 - 05/05/23 01:07 PM (8 months, 20 days ago)

Quote:

junior c said:
Thanks for the update. Was rooting for this build. Too bad. Sorry about the crack. seemed like a nice alternative. Wonder if the drum would hold up better if the steam was fed in from an external boiler vs. built in element.




It wouldn't matter the water only can reach 212F and the steam can only reach 212F. What it would help with is you would not get a water leak in your steamer but if it is going to crack it will still crack.


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Re: Plastic barrel steamer [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
    #28308105 - 05/05/23 06:02 PM (8 months, 19 days ago)

Quote:

SHROOMSISAY01 said:
Quote:

seagu said:
Quote:

tedoro said:
Hello frennnns,

This thread has been very helpful, thank you.

I'm making an improved streamer using what I've learned with my plastic prototype.

I need two 120v elements: a 1000 watt and a 1500 watt. (I have reasons)

Dernord does not sell a 1000 watt element. So doing the tri-clamp method seems to be a no go.

unless...... I was wondering if I could use their 2500w 220v element and run it on 120v, getting a 1250 watt element....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVJQ3G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_BNP3GR5TQ9CHZ9EGW27H_0?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I can live with a 1250 watt.





If you are using a HDPE plastic barrel, you don't need a clamp. Just screw the element into the side and silicone both sides with plenty thick of it. Let dry for a day.. good to go.

I have replaced the element on mine a few times over the years because of low water and burning it out. Screw and unscrew the element silicone.. done...




Put a low water cut-off on your steamer if you are using a PID it is cheap and simple. PM me I will give you a diagram to hook it up easily for less than $20 probably more like $10 can't remember anyway it is cheap. If you are not using a PID it will cost a little more but better than replacing elements.





naw.. I have it fine tuned now. I only use 5-6 gallons per cycle and replace with a bucket from the hose.


--------------------
Plan to win or you are planning for failure. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Just figure out the solution. Even if that means banging your head on a wall until the solution oozes out of you.


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