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.
I honestly think putting a thermometer inside the unit is an excellent idea. I sent the following note off to Harvest Right Support in an effort to gain a little better understanding of the process.
19.7k Location:Ontario, Canada Posted March oito, 2006 Freeze drying works by quickly freezing the item (and that could include flowers or dead animals as this technology is used to preserve wedding bouquets and in taxidermy) to a very low temperature, then placing it under vacuum to remove the air and water vapour.
Taking the time to be sure accurate air flow, drainage angle, and positioning of accessories such as drip pan can avoid mishaps, preserving you the two time and expense In the long term. A properly-executed set up is the initial step toward productive freeze drying adventures.
Hrmm... maybe not freeze drying sorbet but I imagine using freeze dried fruits IN sorbet would give a much more intense flavour. Especially for things like watermelon which I've had great trouble sorbeting successfully.
The most popular variety is Bartlett pears available the first two weeks in September in Utah. If they are to be transported or not processed immediately, pick while slightly green and allow them to ripen in a cool, dark place.
Full One-Year Warranty only includes the U.S. continental 48 states Warranty Period: For one year from original ship date. Included: Premier oil vacuum pump and oil-free vacuum pumps. Harvest Right will be responsible for: Repair or, at our option, replace any part of this freeze dryer and/or vacuum pump which proves to be defective in workmanship or material. Consumer will be responsible for: Costs of service calls. Consumer may also be responsible for replacement parts caused by consumer misuse and neglect of product. See Normal Responsibilities of the Consumer below. Limited 3-year warranty Warranty Period: For the second and third year from the original ship date. Harvest Right will be responsible for: Repair or, at our option, replace any part of the sealed refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, tubing) which fails because of defective workmanship or material. Consumer will be responsible for: Diagnostic charges for determining defects, and any costs for transportation and delivery of the appliance required because of service. Limited Warranty (Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Puerto Rico) Time periods listed above. Included: Premier oil vacuum pump and oil-free vacuum pumps. All provisions of this limited warranty are the same as listed above except that service will be provided by the customer or a qualified local service provider that is approved by Harvest Right. The consumer will be responsible for the cost of transportation of the product to the repair shop or the travel cost of the technician to the consumer’s location. In the event a consumer is required to ship the product directly to Harvest Right for repair, the consumer is eligible for a shipping credit in an amount determined by Harvest Right at the time of shipping. Limited International Warranty (includes all countries not described above) Warranty Period: For one year from original ship date. Included: Premier oil vacuum pump and oil-free vacuum pumps. Harvest Right will provide: Support through telephone and e-mail only. At our option, all parts deemed necessary will be provided by Harvest Right. Consumer will be responsible for: Costs of local service and cost of parts for consumer misuse and neglect of product. Costs for transportation and delivery of all parts, for any reason, from Harvest Right to Consumer. Normal Responsibilities of the Consumer: This warranty applies only to freeze dryers used in clean environments and when operated in accordance with Harvest Right instructions. The consumer is responsible for the following items: 1. Proper use of the appliance in accordance with the instructions provided with the product.
The item is then heated up again and as the water starts to leave instead of melting (ie going from a solid to a liquid) it sublimates (ie goes from a solid to a gas) under the influence of the negative pressure produced by the vacuum. So you are left with the cell minus water in an intact shape and size.
Size of machine. This is not a small appliance, as shown by the table below using specifications from a popular “home” freeze dryer manufacturer:
Did you know that there are many ways to preserve your chiles? This resource offers the resources you need to learn how to freeze, can, dry, and store your chiles!
Studies show the average American family wastes about $2,500 per year between produce and dairy that goes bad, leftovers that don’t get eaten, and items that expire or get freezer burn. Know More All these food items could be freeze dried and put on the pantry shelf ready to taste great next week – or in 20 years.
Run full system test with no food in chamber (results, 630 mTorr lowest steady reading - looking through the oil level window, some bubbling seen in oil even after an hour of pumpdown - some "air" noises from pump)
Learn how to safely preserve tomatoes through a variety of methods, such as canning, freezing and other methods. Also find recipes to use while preserving tomatoes, such as tomato juice or tomato sauces.
Not all of us are technical experts (the 'not' category includes me) but I hope someone who can help you will come along soon.