Total Badass approach. I love the way you just go at getting the job done! I was confused how you cut the bottom out, but looks like you have a bottom at the end of the video with the drilled out plate inside?
Pretty cool. Always nice to see how different people tackle the same project. I've thought of posting a video of my barrel system. Keep up the good work, love seeing what you're up to...!
This seems much easier than alot of setups i've been looking at. You can sterilize with this and not just pasteurize? in which case you can supplement your blocks with bran and other nutrient rich additives, correct? Thanks for posting this!
It's steaming for a long period of time... The temperature is higher than what you would use for pasteurization. The blocks we put in there were supplemented and we didn't have any challenges with contamination (no more than usual anyway!).
The tool for cutting through the steel is called a "Step Drill Bit". You can purchase them at auto part shops like NAPA. Here's one on amazon: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PR96VTK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3MZMC0R6NPCXXW58VZNX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I am building one now as we speak..question: why did you not use a heating element like Oak and spore? How are you going to regulate temperatures without a pid and using gas heating?
We don't regulate the temperature... basically, the steam comes off the pot into the barrel. There is a temperature gauge in the barrel to spot check but it's not that fancy!
It's atmospheric pressure - that's why you let it run for ~24 hours. The steam moves around the bags. We let the temperature get as hot as possible, usually around 95C. It's trial and error to figure out how long you need it to run to ensure your sawdust bags are clean. Just keep records and you'll understand what works in your climate with your materials!
The mushroom sterilizer is also referred to as an atmospheric sterilizer. Meaning, it only gets to one atmosphere and sterilization happens when the system is run for at least 24 hours.
Hello! Something like this: www.homehardware.ca/en/340g-black-gloss-high-heat-enamel-alkyd-paint/p/1820596?page=search-results%20page Any high heat spray paint will work!
Hello! Something like this: www.homehardware.ca/en/340g-black-gloss-high-heat-enamel-alkyd-paint/p/1820596?page=search-results%20page Any high heat spray paint will work!
why didn't you pump the steam from the bottom then stack the blocks lower? I'm sure there is a reason, I just can't think of it. Also what's the benefit of a separate container for steam generator? Is it only because you are burning gas? If you were using an electrical heating element would you still use a separate container?
The pot is on a gas burner. If you have an electrical element, you can use it in the bottom of the barrel. Using a gas burner on the bottom of the barrel could also work but the barrels aren't designed for that and you would have to replace the barrel in time whereas the pot will last (or can be replaced without having to replace the barrel). I'm not sure I understand the first question. The goal was to maximize the barrel space. Also remember you have to reach into the barrel to get the substrate in and out. Depending how tall/long your arms you are, this can be a challenge!
@@FungiAkuafo wow! I didn't expect a reply! Thanks so much, I've been wanting to build one but the idea of adding up the items sounded so scary, but thats a bit better than I expected. What size substrate bags do you put in there and how many? Thanks so much for your educational video and replies!
@@uhohspaghettios9966 We use Unicorn 14A bags. It fits about 36 bags. The challenge is heating the water... It cost too much in propane (in our area). A natural gas solution may be better!
It's what we call an atmospheric steam sterilizer. As the steam is run for a long time, it does sterilize. It is not the same as a pressure sterilizer which can sterilize in a much faster amount of time.
Total Badass approach. I love the way you just go at getting the job done! I was confused how you cut the bottom out, but looks like you have a bottom at the end of the video with the drilled out plate inside?
Pretty cool. Always nice to see how different people tackle the same project. I've thought of posting a video of my barrel system. Keep up the good work, love seeing what you're up to...!
Yes, lots of great ideas out there!
Great video!
Thanks for the visit
Wow thanks so much its just what I was looking for!
Enjoy!
No footage of assembling the steam line?
This seems much easier than alot of setups i've been looking at. You can sterilize with this and not just pasteurize? in which case you can supplement your blocks with bran and other nutrient rich additives, correct?
Thanks for posting this!
It's steaming for a long period of time... The temperature is higher than what you would use for pasteurization. The blocks we put in there were supplemented and we didn't have any challenges with contamination (no more than usual anyway!).
The tool for cutting through the steel is called a "Step Drill Bit". You can purchase them at auto part shops like NAPA. Here's one on amazon: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PR96VTK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3MZMC0R6NPCXXW58VZNX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I am building one now as we speak..question: why did you not use a heating element like Oak and spore? How are you going to regulate temperatures without a pid and using gas heating?
We don't regulate the temperature... basically, the steam comes off the pot into the barrel. There is a temperature gauge in the barrel to spot check but it's not that fancy!
Awsome video and I really appreciate all the effort you put in it!! Is the sterilzer working well??
Yes! We used it all summer. We found that once the weather cooled, the drum could not keep things hot enough. We'll dig it out next summer!
What do you use to heat it, I did not see a heating element, did you design this to be put on a gas stove?
Gas stove - yes!
How do you get it up to pressure and how long do you sterilize the bags? At what temp/psi?
It's atmospheric pressure - that's why you let it run for ~24 hours. The steam moves around the bags. We let the temperature get as hot as possible, usually around 95C. It's trial and error to figure out how long you need it to run to ensure your sawdust bags are clean. Just keep records and you'll understand what works in your climate with your materials!
How much pressure do you get on that pressure valve
The mushroom sterilizer is also referred to as an atmospheric sterilizer. Meaning, it only gets to one atmosphere and sterilization happens when the system is run for at least 24 hours.
what was the stuff you used for heat and rust?
Hello! Something like this: www.homehardware.ca/en/340g-black-gloss-high-heat-enamel-alkyd-paint/p/1820596?page=search-results%20page Any high heat spray paint will work!
Hello! Something like this: www.homehardware.ca/en/340g-black-gloss-high-heat-enamel-alkyd-paint/p/1820596?page=search-results%20page Any high heat spray paint will work!
Where do you get those hardware at ?
A variety of stores - mostly we were able to find the parts online and either order them or pick them up in the city.
Is there any reason you just don't buy an electric boiler instead of making one? They're not very expensive.
I'm sure there are lots of options! Here's one: bubbasbarrels.com/catalog/kombucha-mushrooms-cold-brew-coffee/mushroom-sterilizer
why didn't you pump the steam from the bottom then stack the blocks lower? I'm sure there is a reason, I just can't think of it.
Also what's the benefit of a separate container for steam generator? Is it only because you are burning gas? If you were using an electrical heating element would you still use a separate container?
The pot is on a gas burner. If you have an electrical element, you can use it in the bottom of the barrel. Using a gas burner on the bottom of the barrel could also work but the barrels aren't designed for that and you would have to replace the barrel in time whereas the pot will last (or can be replaced without having to replace the barrel). I'm not sure I understand the first question. The goal was to maximize the barrel space. Also remember you have to reach into the barrel to get the substrate in and out. Depending how tall/long your arms you are, this can be a challenge!
😀
How much did this setup cost you?
Hello! It was hard to source some of the items so all told, it was almost $900 CAD.
@@FungiAkuafo wow! I didn't expect a reply! Thanks so much, I've been wanting to build one but the idea of adding up the items sounded so scary, but thats a bit better than I expected. What size substrate bags do you put in there and how many? Thanks so much for your educational video and replies!
@@uhohspaghettios9966 We use Unicorn 14A bags. It fits about 36 bags. The challenge is heating the water... It cost too much in propane (in our area). A natural gas solution may be better!
~1.5-1.8kg of substrate per bag...
This is not a sterilizer
It's what we call an atmospheric steam sterilizer. As the steam is run for a long time, it does sterilize. It is not the same as a pressure sterilizer which can sterilize in a much faster amount of time.