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Fermentation Box using a Fridge - Condensation?

Discussion in 'Fermenters' started by brettwasbtd, Nov 1, 2010.

 

  1. #1
    brettwasbtd

    Awesomeness Award Winnner  

    Posted Nov 1, 2010
    Just wanted to know if others who use a refrigerator as the cooling unit for their fermentation boxes experience any condesation. I will post some pics of my build soon, but I just now realized that all my hard work could go down the tubes if the pink styrofoam insulation gets damp. Do I need to line the insulation inside with some sort of material, if so what? Or should I get something like damp rid or the http://www.amazon.com/Eva-dry-EDV-E-500-Renewable-Wireless-Dehumidifer/dp/B000H0XFD2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1224084133&sr=8-1&s=electronics?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 23, 2018
  2. #2
    buffalobrewer

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Nov 1, 2010
    I keep that dehumidifier in my kegerator and it works well.
     
  3. #3
    brettwasbtd

    Awesomeness Award Winnner  

    Posted Nov 1, 2010
    Thats good to know, I have heard varying results regarding the "DampRid." Did you build a box for your kegorator? is the Insulation "open to the elements?" The last thing i want to do is get mold on on the inside of this thing, but i dont want to shell out too much more in supplies :)
     
  4. #4
    AiredAle

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Nov 2, 2010
    I have one of those Eva-dry units in my beer freezer, and think it's great. Doesn't take up much space, needs drying out once a month or so. Plug it into the wall outlet, put it back the freezer the next day. The dessicant material is self indicating silica gel, turns blue when wet, pink when dry. There's a window you can see the color through in the side of the unit.
     
  5. #5
    kegtoe

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Nov 2, 2010
    wow, i like this idea. i never knew something like this existed.

    Brett, isn't that pink foam water resisitant? I know when i asked for some foam for my fermentation chamber i specificaly asked for the water resistant kind. (I think it used to be pink, but our local dealer has changed it to yellow).
     
  6. #6
    brettwasbtd

    Awesomeness Award Winnner  

    Posted Nov 2, 2010
    I think you are right! From the Big Orange Box website - "Pink rigid foam insulation delivers exceptional moisture resistance and retains its r-value even after exposure to standing water. Used in fire-rated exterior wall assemblies for application in office buildings, schools, shopping centers and more." I think i may get one those Eva-Dry units to be safe! Thanks for all the help and info everyone!
     
  7. #7
    buffalobrewer

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Nov 2, 2010
    my kegerator is your typical chest freezer with a collar. I also keep some bottles/hops in there so it gets opened a couple times a week.
     
  8. #8
    brettwasbtd

    Awesomeness Award Winnner  

    Posted Dec 7, 2010
    Finally got around to posting pics!

    Framed up the base
    [​IMG]

    Had some old particle board lying around. The previous job I did required an angled cut. Luckily I had JUST enough to cut-out its matching piece :)
    [​IMG]

    First design flaw - 3 wheels. Second design flaw - the side with one wheel is under the fridge and is that heaviest part, makes moving it a bit of a balancing act
    [​IMG]

    Picture from the end, almost all framed up
    [​IMG]
     
  9. #9
    brettwasbtd

    Awesomeness Award Winnner  

    Posted Dec 7, 2010
    Seemed to stop taking pictures for a bit, frame finished, insulation in!
    [​IMG]

    In Place Ready to Control the temps
    [​IMG]

    Door Shut
    [​IMG]

    Well, it holds temps pretty well! Still need to finish cover it with paneling. Got some chalkboard paint I plan to use as well
     
    cadarnell likes this.
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