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insulation for the roaster?
kwrcst
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Posted on 05/01/2020 9:35 AM
Hi all, So I completed my Frankenstein and it's working better than I thought. I did 5-6 seasoning roasts and really put a bronzing on the drum with those oils. I have probably ran 20-30 lbs through it for consumption as well and I am pleased with my results.

Now the big question is how to make it more fuel efficient? Since this is a huge chunk of steel built like a box, you can see the heat rolling off as it roasts. All of the videos I have watched show starting at X% of fuel and by the end you are down to like 30% etc. Yeah, that doesn't fly here. I start with high heat to get to dry in 4-5 min and can't really back off or I lose temp.

My burners are powerful enough to get me there but I think I am losing >50% of my heat retention to the atmosphere because it isn't insulated.

I thought about Kaowool or a similar product but I think I would need to build another shell inside to keep the wool from contact with the direct heat and air circulating into the drum.

I just wondered what everyone else has used for insulation.

thanks
 
allenb
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Posted on 05/01/2020 8:07 PM
Yes on adding another shell or sheet metal layer to isolate the insulation from the rest of the environment. Not hard to do and benefit is preventing debris from collecting in the fibers and possibly igniting down the road.

Lots of high temp options here and they sell small qty.

Thermal Protection Solutions from A-B Thermal Technologies

http://www.firesl...EEDLED.pdf

Amazon:

https://www.amazo...lp_pl_dp_1

Sells larger quantity of various types:

https://www.mcmas...nsulation/
Edited by allenb on 05/01/2020 8:22 PM
1/2 lb and 1 lb drum, Siemens Sirocco fluidbed, presspot, chemex, cajun biggin brewer from the backwoods of Louisiana
 
BobbyS
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Posted on 05/02/2020 1:35 AM
lots of insulation choices on eBay. I insulated my roaster with only, I believe, 1 inch of insulation outside of an inner heat shell with an outer cover. I wanted it to be able to get to temp but also wanted it to cool faster too so I would have much more control. The cover does get hot, but so do the end plates, the drive shaft ect. I do not touch any of them.

What I ended up with is exactly what I wanted to accomplish.

https://forum.hom...wstart=180
Edited by BobbyS on 05/02/2020 1:42 AM
 
coffeeroastersclub
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Posted on 05/03/2020 8:43 AM
I use ceramic insulation from mcmaster.com:
https://www.mcmas...m/93285k15

I use the 1/8" thick, but it does come in thicker sizes. It is very easy to work with and cut.

Len
"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee." ~Abraham Lincoln
 
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