Not only does it spread the cost, but it can also increase the amount and variety of the preserved food you store away. Additionally, a group purchase can also lead to purchasing bulk quantities of food to freeze dry.
. We have some really great 'techy' type guys here who are, as they have been exploring the FD mechanics and sharing that in their posts, writing what is turning out to be a 'troubleshooting manual' for us less capable folks.
Exhaust hoods are necessary part of a commercial kitchen. They are needed for safe operation of the kitchen, plus keeping in line with health standards.
The only way I know to filter the water vapor out would be a cold trap. They usually use liquid nitrogen or dry ice to keep the temperature low enough that all the water condenses out. Obviously you would need a supply of the liquid nitrogen or dry ice that would probably not be cost effective for most of us. The other option to get that cold would be to use a cryocooler and build a cold trap around it. It could be done, but would be pretty expensive. I've been watching some electronics on ebay that have cryocoolers in them, but the cheapest I've seen is around $600. Still not a cheap option, but you wouldn't need dry ice or liquid nitrogen to feed it.
The one "gotcha" I encountered in making this is that a typical car oil filter attaches with a 3/4x16tpi threaded pipe. I could find pelo such pipe anywhere. My solution was to use instead a 3/4x16tpi bolt, and then drill a hole through it.
The bottom line regarding freeze-dried food is that hoe freeze dryers are an investment! An investment that pays you back and makes you more resilient in the process.
1) I installed a 3/4" wide high density closed cell foam in the gap between the front of the chamber and the back of the front panel - just what Harvest Right suggested except all the way around (the first picture shows the gap). Use your fingers to push it into place. It needs to be tight against the inside panel. I then installed a vapor barrier around the entire FDer chamber. I used 7mil plastic and clear packing tape.
.. Hence the vapor barrier. But once I opened it up I figured I may as well insulate the bare ports website as well, and insure that the water was diverted away from the electrics of the system. Once I sealed up the insides I noticed that the condensation on the front panel increased dramatically as the air was trapped between the plastic vapor barrier and the back of the front panel. That was when the drip rail was installed on the front of the unit.
Don’t buy freeze dryers from companies that lack certifications or a valid history of quality assurance.
Most other methods for extracting water also destroy enzymes and terpenes due to heat being used in the extraction process. Because freeze drying does not use heat during operation, the enzymes and terpenes in freeze dried products are not destroyed.
"There comes a time in every project when you have to shoot the engineer and start production." -- author unknown
Dehydrators take the water off the surface first, then water eqilibrates with the surface, more water is drawn off the surface. You are left with a shrunken item, with some residual water. Makes gorgeous leather.
In that case, think about buying online – it’s easier than buying in person. If you insist on buying in person, get all the information about the warranty before paying for anything.
Not all of us are technical experts (the 'not' category includes me) but I hope someone who can help you will come along soon.