DIY Freeze Dryer

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Creator:
Candleknight
Status:
Research, Design, and materials acquisition
Born On:
11:51, 22 February 2012 (CST)
Last Updated:
12:51, 22 February 2012 (CDT)

Overview

This is a project to try and build a reasonably priced, reasonably functional, freeze drying machine at home.

Purpose

Commercially available freeze drying units, even relatively small ones, are really expensive. We're talking in the thousands of dollars. This got me to thinking. In theory at least, the physics behind freeze drying and how it works aren't terribly complicated, so I figure I'll give a crack at making a decent one from scratch and save myself a few thousand bucks, and if it works other people on the internet will be able to follow my instructions and build one for themselves as well.

Info

Phase Diagram of Water

Progress

Step 1: Acquire Vacuum Pump

  • Found a vacuum pump on sale at harbor freight for $110. It pumps 3cfm and is rated to pull a vacuum down to 7 Paskal. I believe it is supposed to be used to pull a vacuum to clean out AC systems and refrigeration coils.


Next Steps

Ideas