Cheap/Easy DIY Degassing Vacuum Pump

[Blacksmith1]

Cool. Looks like I have a project coming up.

 

[NeverDie]

From what I've read you need to pull a minimum of 18 inches mercury in order to degass the carbon dioxide from your wine. Unfortunately, even then it doesn't happen quickly, but can apparently take up to 30 minutes for a 5 gallon carboy.

To avoid the implosion issue, I ordered this vacuum chamber (which arrived today):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJLVYKY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That way I can put whatever non-sealed vessel I want inside it (including cheap PETE plastic 1 gallon spring water bottles from the grocery store that have been converted to fermentation vessels) for degassing without fear of causing implosion. Admittedly, though, the vacuum chamber itself is not as cheap or even convenient as what the OP did.

I'm impressed if the OP's vacuum pump can pull 21 inHg. I earlier tried one of the foodsaver vacuum pumps, which was of similar size to the OP's vacuum pump, but it really didn't pull enough vacuum to do a proper full degassing.

 

[antherzoll]

From what I've read you need to pull a minimum of 18 inches mercury in order to degass the carbon dioxide from your wine. Unfortunately, even then it doesn't happen quickly, but can apparently take up to 30 minutes for a 5 gallon carboy.

To avoid the implosion issue, I ordered this vacuum chamber (which arrived today):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJLVYKY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That way I can put whatever non-sealed vessel I want inside it (including cheap PETE plastic 1 gallon spring water bottles from the grocery store that have been converted to fermentation vessels) for degassing without fear of causing implosion. Admittedly, though, the vacuum chamber itself is not as cheap or even convenient as what the OP did.

I'm impressed if the OP's vacuum pump can pull 21 inHg. I earlier tried one of the foodsaver vacuum pumps, which was of similar size to the OP's vacuum pump, but it really didn't pull enough vacuum to do a proper full degassing.

Nice chamber, but that's cost prohibitive for my setup, would rather spend that on more grapes [emoji16]

As for the pump, check my last few post and you will see that the pump is able to pull a vacuum down to -27inhg at full load. I do have a vacuum switch connected to it and plan on raising the setpoint to ~-18-20inhg next time I need to. So, previous to this my carboys were degassing at -25inhg for hours without issues or incident, I feel completely safe using this setup in the future to degas.

 

[NeverDie]

Nice chamber, but that's cost prohibitive for my setup, would rather spend that on more grapes [emoji16]

As for the pump, check my last few post and you will see that the pump is able to pull a vacuum down to -27inhg at full load. I do have a vacuum switch connected to it and plan on raising the setpoint to ~-18-20inhg next time I need to. So, previous to this my carboys were degassing at -25inhg for hours without issues or incident, I feel completely safe using this setup in the future to degas.

Does your vacuum pump require oil (and give off smoke)? Apparently a lot of them do. Mine does, but it's not much.

 

[antherzoll]

No smoke, no oil. Even when left running at full load and as hot as 90C it does not let off a smell unless it injests some of the wine. Read through my previous post to get an understanding of the operating conditions that this pump is supposed to be working in. Also considering that Volvo designs their cars for safety, this pump has to operate in severe conditions without fail as it plays an important role in the safe operation of the braking system.

 

[crabjoe]

Here is one example of a guy using a refrigerant vacuum pump to degas. These pumps are capable of pulling a vacuum close to absolute. That's strong enough to cause the alcohol and water to boil. [emoji33]

I've got one of these pumps because I used it when I replaced my AC unit. Looks like I'm going to need to look for some parts so I can use it to degas wine..

Anyone know where I can get a cheap vacuum regulator? Because as quoted above, these things can pull close to zero. If I remember correctly, when I pulled a vacuum on my AC system, it was down to 200-300 microns.

 

[antherzoll]

I've got one of these pumps because I used it when I replaced my AC unit. Looks like I'm going to need to look for some parts so I can use it to degas wine..

Anyone know where I can get a cheap vacuum regulator? Because as quoted above, these things can pull close to zero. If I remember correctly, when I pulled a vacuum on my AC system, it was down to 200-300 microns.

https://canada.newark.com/multicomp/psf109s-81-330/pressure-switch-spdt-11-9psi/dp/24R7147

I've used this switch on my setup and adjusted it to 18-in/hg and it's works well at maintaining the setpoint. Of course, your going to get a lot of foaming at first so you should trigger it manually and monitor to keep it from ingesting too much wine.
....

 

[FunkedOut]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081TJPEE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VQSP1BS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZLBWM0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RKM6VR8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PDCRVTG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This set up works for me.

 

[crabjoe]

12V vac pump: https://www.amazon.com/Vacuum-Pump-Diaphragm-Compressor-Silicone/dp/B071GL3XXQ/

12V 2A power: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DM7H8FM

1/4" ID tubing: https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Braided-Tubing-Flexible-Reinforced/dp/B07QB5PYSN

With the above, some stoppers, racking canes, additional tubing, I think it might work.

What are your thoughts?

 

[mrian]

From what I've read you need to pull a minimum of 18 inches mercury in order to degass the carbon dioxide from your wine. Unfortunately, even then it doesn't happen quickly, but can apparently take up https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJLVYKY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hi, just seen your post and registered on the forum. I ordered the same vacuum chamber and I’m about to take the must off and degas. Do you find the pump smokes a lot? I’m thinking I may need to run the pump longer and let it break in a bit. I’ve not found many useful videos on the process and when I get round to it, I’ll upload one to the forum.
Any tips using the chamber would be welcome.