Off topic, but I just set up the Myspool system from your previous video. Works like a charm. I ended up purchasing a few of their temperature sensors and setting them up for my dogs. Thanks for putting out these videos!
Thanks for the info. I am sad because I am putting my freeze dryer in storage for 6 months while we build our cabin on our land. The new kitchen will have freeze dryer incorporated right in it for convenience.
it really doesn't but all the parts are coated with a protected film of oil. Buy the time the acid level would get too critical, you would change and recycle your oil. The acidity is suspended in the water (moisture). Oil changes helps remove the moisture. That's why I feel it's wise to change the oil after every batch.
Sir, I love your content. Your channel is my first source for freeze drying information. With that said, you leave the oil out of the pump until the start of your next batch. What if you don't dry for a while, should you refill the pump sooner?
@@Philat4800feet If I may ask, what is your overall philosophy regarding freeze drying? Are you using it as an alternative to freezing or mason jar canning? Are you trying to establish a extreme long-term storage? Are you so inquisitive that you have to try to freeze dry everything and understand every nuance about the process? I think any one of these would be worthwhile. However, I on the other hand purchased my HR about four months before my wife and I started a Carnivore diet. There's not much need to freeze dry vegetables now. I still freeze dry raw eggs and rotisserie chicken but other than that I'm still troubled with making that large purchase without a plan to use it. We usually freeze leftovers. Do you have any suggestions?
Phil.. was going to contact you recently to ask how dark is too daŕk.. In other words, At what point do you stop using your recycled / clean oil... Where can i get that color chart? Thank you for your- as always- helpful videos.
Thanks for all of the great videos. A question if a may. Appologies if you have previously covered: have you found an alternate source for the filter pitcher cartridges and which would you recommend? Thanks again.
Hi Phil. I’ve taken your advice and change the oil in my premier pump after each batch. My problem is I’m having trouble with my oil going through the filter in the oil filter pitcher at first it worked really well and now it’s not hardly working at all, we’ve only had our freeze dryer for a couple of weeks. Is it possible that the filter is that clogged already? I’ve ordered more and they’re come tomorrow but I wasn’t sure if there’s a way I can tell if the filter is good anymore or if running it through that often since we’ve got it has clogged it. I hope not because that’s going to be expensive buying new filters every two weeks. Thank you for your help.
Strange. If you have a Home Depot nearby, you can pick up filters there: czcams.com/video/62dIzwn07FU/video.html Usually, it's the first couple of cycles that takes extra time to filter. Is there any particulates in the bottom of the top part of the pitcher?. If this keeps happening, let the oil stand in a quart jar for a couple of days to let settle, and pour off the top into the filter pitcher. Place the bottom oil into another jar until filled, and when ready, pour off the top of it. Make sense?
@@Philat4800feet yes, that makes sense. I know there were never any particles in the bottom of the jar. The filter we have that goes into the jar that the oil from the pump goes in actually has a screen in the bottom of it now there is one or two particles in that screen, but as I said that, I didn’t see anything in the jar. But I’ll give that a try thank you for your help. And no we don’t have a Home Depot close to us just to Lowe’s. Thanks again.
The black hose came from HR three years ago when I purchased my FD. The pump filter A.K.A. Demister, takes a mist and converts it back into a liquid. In the case of a vacuum pump, the demister take mostly oil mist, traps it in a paper medium, and once the paper is saturated, the oil drips back down into the pump. The paper filter allows air to pass through along with some water vapor depending if your gas ballast is open or closed. The demister can trap water inside. Take a flashlight and see if your demister is rusty.
@@Philat4800feet Ok I see, I thought the mist was mostly water coming out, I bought my FD 2 years ago from the company and it was one of those clear ones.
HVAC pump were designed to run 10-20 minutes to pull a vacuum on an AC system. We as freeze dryers' intentionally abused pump for 24-48 hours. Heat is the number one factor that will break down vacuum pump oil. Keeping a pump "cool" will extend the life of the oil. There is a design problem with the Harvest Right freeze dryer. The FD dischargers the heat from the condenser on the same side as the vacuum pump. Many people will place a fan behind the pump to help move the heat from the FD away from the pump. czcams.com/video/kcXvetyutew/video.html You are right, hot oil helps remove moisture.
I don't understand why your oil gets and looks so dirty? I change my oil when the machine tells me to, usually around 30+ batches and it looks as clean and clear when I drain it after 30+ batches as it looked when it went in, the advantage of the premier pump I noticed you have your gas ballast open which is same as I have. I also notice you use large diameter vacuum hose, my system arrived from HR in 2022 with the premier pump and the smaller 0.60 inch outer diameter vacuum hose, (I cannot measure the inner diameter now because my machine is currently busy freeze drying). I am on batch number 412 and the oil looks perfect and I haven't replaced the oil with new oil, I just add new oil when I need to. also I fill my pump to the full line which lowers down to the 3/4 mark when the pump is running. Could it be the smaller inner diameter hose? Happy freeze drying!
I push my pump and freeze drier to their limits. I do a lot of testing and experimenting that normal freeze driers don't do. Such as testing secondary sublimation from the ice touching the shelf assembly or heat transfer from the shelf assembly to the chamber wall. I can't remember the last time I did an oil replacement, perhaps 40-50 batches ago, but I change and filter the oil after every batch. czcams.com/video/vqAMUh5W7eE/video.html czcams.com/video/qPJ1sdce0NM/video.html
@@Philat4800feet thanks and keep up the good work! Did you know HR sells the 5 tray shelving unit? It's approximately $450 plus an additional price for extra trays. I bought one late last year. It's a great upgrade for the medium freeze dryer.
Lots of thoughts on this. At same level, the condenser fan can help keep the pump cooler (by blowing on it) and a higher hose keeps food particulates out of the pump. To me, a lower pump would make it easier for foreign matter to enter the pump.
@@Philat4800feet Never thought about the hose collecting particles. How often do you clean your pump hose? I just ordered the cup holders! Thanks for that idea!
Thank you for this video, i just placed my order for Harvest Right Pro last week, and im soooo greatful for your video!!!
Thank you so much for this video! I’ll be changing my setup today!
Great ideas for oil change setup.
What a great vidio to help get this process organized. Thank you for sharing!
Off topic, but I just set up the Myspool system from your previous video. Works like a charm. I ended up purchasing a few of their temperature sensors and setting them up for my dogs. Thanks for putting out these videos!
I have installed many of their flood float switches
Thanks for the info.
I am sad because I am putting my freeze dryer in storage for 6 months while we build our cabin on our land.
The new kitchen will have freeze dryer incorporated right in it for convenience.
I purchased a Freeze Dryer (mid February, 2024) using your channel. Let me know if you need more information in order to get the credit.
Thanks for the offer, but I'm neutral in promotions and offers from vendors.
How does the filter process change the acid level?
it really doesn't but all the parts are coated with a protected film of oil. Buy the time the acid level would get too critical, you would change and recycle your oil. The acidity is suspended in the water (moisture). Oil changes helps remove the moisture. That's why I feel it's wise to change the oil after every batch.
Sir, I love your content. Your channel is my first source for freeze drying information. With that said, you leave the oil out of the pump until the start of your next batch. What if you don't dry for a while, should you refill the pump sooner?
Yes. I would put clean oil in the pump for long term storage. My pump doesn't go longer than a day or two before I start it up again.
@@Philat4800feet If I may ask, what is your overall philosophy regarding freeze drying? Are you using it as an alternative to freezing or mason jar canning? Are you trying to establish a extreme long-term storage? Are you so inquisitive that you have to try to freeze dry everything and understand every nuance about the process? I think any one of these would be worthwhile.
However, I on the other hand purchased my HR about four months before my wife and I started a Carnivore diet. There's not much need to freeze dry vegetables now. I still freeze dry raw eggs and rotisserie chicken but other than that I'm still troubled with making that large purchase without a plan to use it. We usually freeze leftovers. Do you have any suggestions?
Phil.. was going to contact you recently to ask how dark is too daŕk.. In other words, At what point do you stop using your recycled / clean oil...
Where can i get that color chart?
Thank you for your- as always- helpful videos.
Links at the end of the video and below:
czcams.com/video/vqAMUh5W7eE/video.html
Thanks for all of the great videos. A question if a may. Appologies if you have previously covered: have you found an alternate source for the filter pitcher cartridges and which would you recommend? Thanks again.
Yup, Home Depot:
czcams.com/video/62dIzwn07FU/video.html
Hey phil where did you get that mat your pump is sitting on? Great video by the way!
That mat, should be an old cookie sheet I use to capture any spilled oils.
Hi Phil. I’ve taken your advice and change the oil in my premier pump after each batch. My problem is I’m having trouble with my oil going through the filter in the oil filter pitcher at first it worked really well and now it’s not hardly working at all, we’ve only had our freeze dryer for a couple of weeks. Is it possible that the filter is that clogged already? I’ve ordered more and they’re come tomorrow but I wasn’t sure if there’s a way I can tell if the filter is good anymore or if running it through that often since we’ve got it has clogged it. I hope not because that’s going to be expensive buying new filters every two weeks. Thank you for your help.
Strange. If you have a Home Depot nearby, you can pick up filters there:
czcams.com/video/62dIzwn07FU/video.html
Usually, it's the first couple of cycles that takes extra time to filter. Is there any particulates in the bottom of the top part of the pitcher?. If this keeps happening, let the oil stand in a quart jar for a couple of days to let settle, and pour off the top into the filter pitcher. Place the bottom oil into another jar until filled, and when ready, pour off the top of it. Make sense?
@@Philat4800feet yes, that makes sense. I know there were never any particles in the bottom of the jar. The filter we have that goes into the jar that the oil from the pump goes in actually has a screen in the bottom of it now there is one or two particles in that screen, but as I said that, I didn’t see anything in the jar. But I’ll give that a try thank you for your help. And no we don’t have a Home Depot close to us just to Lowe’s. Thanks again.
Did you have your black pump hose custom made? Isn't the pump filter made to exhaust most of the water that doesn't freeze in the chamber?
The black hose came from HR three years ago when I purchased my FD. The pump filter A.K.A. Demister, takes a mist and converts it back into a liquid. In the case of a vacuum pump, the demister take mostly oil mist, traps it in a paper medium, and once the paper is saturated, the oil drips back down into the pump. The paper filter allows air to pass through along with some water vapor depending if your gas ballast is open or closed. The demister can trap water inside. Take a flashlight and see if your demister is rusty.
@@Philat4800feet Ok I see, I thought the mist was mostly water coming out, I bought my FD 2 years ago from the company and it was one of those clear ones.
Why are we putting fans or trying to cool the pump when it’s supposed to get hot and help dissipate the moisture that may get into the oil reservoir
The oil itself will continue to tet hot despite the fan. The fan will help to cool the motor a very small amount and helps with the longevity
HVAC pump were designed to run 10-20 minutes to pull a vacuum on an AC system. We as freeze dryers' intentionally abused pump for 24-48 hours. Heat is the number one factor that will break down vacuum pump oil. Keeping a pump "cool" will extend the life of the oil. There is a design problem with the Harvest Right freeze dryer. The FD dischargers the heat from the condenser on the same side as the vacuum pump. Many people will place a fan behind the pump to help move the heat from the FD away from the pump.
czcams.com/video/kcXvetyutew/video.html
You are right, hot oil helps remove moisture.
I don't understand why your oil gets and looks so dirty?
I change my oil when the machine tells me to, usually around 30+ batches and it looks as clean and clear when I drain it after 30+ batches as it looked when it went in, the advantage of the premier pump
I noticed you have your gas ballast open which is same as I have. I also notice you use large diameter vacuum hose, my system arrived from HR in 2022 with the premier pump and the smaller 0.60 inch outer diameter vacuum hose, (I cannot measure the inner diameter now because my machine is currently busy freeze drying).
I am on batch number 412 and the oil looks perfect and I haven't replaced the oil with new oil, I just add new oil when I need to. also I fill my pump to the full line which lowers down to the 3/4 mark when the pump is running.
Could it be the smaller inner diameter hose?
Happy freeze drying!
I push my pump and freeze drier to their limits. I do a lot of testing and experimenting that normal freeze driers don't do. Such as testing secondary sublimation from the ice touching the shelf assembly or heat transfer from the shelf assembly to the chamber wall. I can't remember the last time I did an oil replacement, perhaps 40-50 batches ago, but I change and filter the oil after every batch.
czcams.com/video/vqAMUh5W7eE/video.html
czcams.com/video/qPJ1sdce0NM/video.html
@@Philat4800feet thanks and keep up the good work!
Did you know HR sells the 5 tray shelving unit? It's approximately $450 plus an additional price for extra trays. I bought one late last year. It's a great upgrade for the medium freeze dryer.
I often over load my trays. The extra tray may reduce this:
czcams.com/video/M4KsaS0Ss34/video.html
I notice your pump is at the same level as your machine. I've heard from others it's better to place it below. Any thoughts on this?
Lots of thoughts on this. At same level, the condenser fan can help keep the pump cooler (by blowing on it) and a higher hose keeps food particulates out of the pump.
To me, a lower pump would make it easier for foreign matter to enter the pump.
@@Philat4800feet Never thought about the hose collecting particles. How often do you clean your pump hose? I just ordered the cup holders! Thanks for that idea!
Rarely, maybe twice in two years. Out of sight out of mind
Do you buy filter from HR? Or what do you recommend 2024?
Which filter?
@Philat4800feet the pseudo-brita unit incl filter inside. My apologies for not being precise enough.
That's what I thought:
czcams.com/video/62dIzwn07FU/video.html