[Advanced Methods] CHEAP Barrel Steam Steilizer

[@anthony7788]

I'm a metalworker. I've made my own flowhood, work bench, I made a pressure cooker as well with a weighted valve (that took some time to figure out) works great + saved myself literally thousands.

[@anthony7788]

@Oliver Abbot I've got 2 actually that I made. One is outdoors only made from a barrel like a chemical barrel so it's huge. I use that for sterilizing large batches of compost or potting soil, straw etc. The other one is about 7 gal with plug-in heating element 240 or 120 it'll do both.

[@sbpermaculturesilvopasture30]

Hi, do you have any video or pic we can see your pressure cooker, I'm really interested in building one and I don't know from where to start, any help will be welcome,

[@brucesantino8692]

Hey man awesome design could u put a full list of everything you'll need to make this design. Making one tomorrow. Thank you

[@nevillejones9197]

By the leaking of the drum you can use high temperature silicone, I use one for car engines.

[@Laotzsa]

You sound like a transformer when you leant into the drum and we’re talking 😂 thanks for this man stoked to upgrade from my two pressure cookers to this for my gourmet business. Starting with lions mane 🦁

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

😂😂 A barrel is crucial to having any kind of volume. Congrats and good luck on the business!

[@edgarpiresreis]

I recommend after a thorough cleaning (remove rust and varnish), fill the drum with a copper sulphate solution (without the accessories).

[@lashbay5951]

Thank you for your time 👍🏼

[@omma-llama7860]

I would recommend not only grounding this, but you should run this off a gfci, in case of a fault to ground, the outlet would cut the power.

[@omma-llama7860]

If a protected Outlet is not available, you can actually cut the ends off of an old hair dryer or curling iron, and wire those into the outlet cord. That's exactly what those reset boxes do.

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

Completely agree with the GFCI! Luckily our exterior plugs are already protected by it. Thanks for pointing that out for others safety!

[@edgarpiresreis]

so it can have a copper metallic corrosion protection. If you want to increase the copper layer, you can do electro deposition right after.

[@11yash11]

Hey there! Thanks for this video, it's very informative. I just had one question. What is the process to ground the heating element? You said that it's very important to do so but didn't understand how you did it. Thanks ☺️

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

It's best to use a 3 prong plug with a 3 wire cord so that you can attach the ground directly to the barrel. Otherwise, if there's any possible short you could potentially be electrocuted. So, the ground wire is literally just attached to the barrel with a screw.

[@11yash11]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 Thanks for the reply! Cheers

[@tdtrecordsmusic]

After reading some of the comments, I want to throw out the idea of staggered boil. It works if u don't have a PC. The technique is to merely get it hot as possible every 6 hours for 3 times. I have found this to be more effective than boiling STRAIGHT all day. If I am really paranoid of contam I will do 6 cycles, but 3 seems to be the magic number. its just enough and not too much. The time frame is any number between 4 hours and 8 hours ... 6 hours seems to work great. The stubborn bacteria literally get triggered by heat followed by cool. Why this doesn't work on the second cycle >> i have no clue

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

What you're referring to is actually called tyndallization. I personally wouldn't do grain without a PC. I've seen plenty of bacterial contamination after an unsuccessful sterilization run of my grain. That's why I don't even consider it for grain. Now, with substrate you can get by with just pasteurization. But hey, if it works for you then do it!

[@nevillejones9197]

Great video I am currently making the same drum sterilizer, I have picked up some important tips. One question you are not using a drain cock how do you empty the water?.

[@tonyaltobello6885]

With a drain hen

[@J155P]

One thing that worries me is burning my house down. Any protections against that?

[@sajasafosajasafo8207]

can i ask why u have a astronaut helmet in your garage? I have one too. thanks for the videos. Signed up for the monthly deliveries. You make mushrooms look simple.

[@dirtdiggerjerry]

If you use about 3cups of vinegar in the water, that will help extend the life of the equipment

[@leekistler5213]

Thanks for the information

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

My pleasure

[@MrExtremefisherman]

I’m about to build this mate but got one question I’m not very good at all with currents and voltage and all that electric stuff and this will sound very dumb but why do we ground it what does it stop from happening ?

[@LeninLime]

Grounding the barrel gives any rough voltage a way to get back to the neutral wire, which is where it wants to go. If it can't get back to neutral it will instead try to use your human water filled body as a way to get to ground. Which is not good.

[@mike_lives]

Thank you for sharing

[@xxheathenxx6402]

Oh, what size bags are you putting in the drum

[@bartendersunny1]

Can we sterilize grain spawn in it too? How long do you run it and what temp does it achieve? Your videos are so helpful tysm!

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

No you can’t do grain in it. Grain requires sterilization. This only provides pasteurization.

[@bartendersunny1]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 ok thats fair. How long do you run it each time to achieve that?

[@sunshinestatemushrooms9548]

Does your barrel have a coating on the inside? What are you using as a thermostat

[@randyp7458]

Not sure if you're still active...So that red liner, some people think that should be removed, as it maybe might could possibly leech whatever into the water/steam, and then into your substrate. I'm not super sold on that, but just curious if you've looked into that or not. From what I understand is that it was baked on at like 550 degree, and anything under that is fine. Not like we're cooking in them like a grill or anything. edit: I just bought two of these, and am pretty stoked about it, until I read some people pooping on the party because of this stupid liner, and that it should be sandblasted out. this was mostly in BBQ forums though.

[@m.d.498]

Are you still using this barrel?

[@xxheathenxx6402]

Bro! Wicked! I gotta find a drum

[@joebe123]

Hey Michael, have you ever had these burn out at the cable? I've been using one with a plug adapter instead of a hard line and it's burned out a few times. I was just wondering if the hard line is giving you the same issues?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

If the plug is melting that means is drawing more amps than it should. Either your plug or wire aren’t big enough. Are you using the right gauge wire?

[@mihkeljurima1007]

Can you do grain with this? Rye? For how long?

[@mattman3106]

Hey will this sterilise grain spawn completely? Or only good for substrate? Thankyou

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

This sterilizes the grain. I don't use this for substrate.

[@MartyMcFlyHipHop]

That's pretty cool what are your run times and temp?

[@pretaone8441]

What is that tab made of that you're grounded to? Does the screw go all the way through the barrel, or just partially?

[@pretaone8441]

I'm in the process if assembling one. I was thinking about grounding to the lip on the bottom. So I don't puncture the barrel. I also have copper flashing. Would it be a good idea to use the copper?

[@mattnsim]

What internal temp do you get?

[@kevinmcguire8182]

I’ve been “sterilizing” oats in my barrel for 6months now but I do experience some contams, specifically bacterial. I do soak them 24hours first, hoping that will increase the size of anything I’m trying to kill off. Then I squeeze out the air and seal the .2 micron filter bags and cook for aprox 18 hours and allow to cool in front of my flow hood. I am wondering if you can explain your grain tek and please help me run mine more efficiently! Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!!

[@dirkdodson986]

Did you ever come up with some details on this?

[@kevinmcguire8182]

@@dirkdodson986 still trying to get it down 🤷‍♂️ I’m sure it can work but getting the moisture content correct is difficult. Still not having any contams other than bacterial

[@rossbrown9993]

Can this be used for gain bags ?

[@belamipro7073]

Thank you for this informative video. May I ask how much pressure the barrel can take? Can I use it for 10 PSI or more?

[@sunitadwarka347]

Respected sir, You purchase red and black color rings from hardware shops as per as sizes, you fix it from inside and outside, use sealer used for plumbing by plumbers. Watch electric cattle fixation , you will understand. Your drum will not give any leakage. Do you iron is galvanize, galvanize iron don't rust easily. Do you know black color pipe are used for solar water heating connections. This pipe can tolerate boiling water temperatures. You surf on net. It's cheaper. I have like your idea of removing extra pressure. Namh shivay.

[@joebe123]

I made one of these and I've used it a few times. When you use this are you using the same oat to water ratio and technique that you normally use?. I've been doing what you said in your other video with the pressure cooker. 2 lb oats 1 and 1/2 lb water to great effect thank you! However when I do it in the steamer it seems to cook unevenly, do you soak longer when you cook in the sterilizer?

[@dezzihotep3768]

I didn't think about that part for some reason. Were you able to make adjustments to the ratios.

[@joebe123]

@@dezzihotep3768 yeah I basically just add water and flip them upside down to cook. Still a bit more wet on one side but they work ok.

[@boogiewoogie4454]

Thanks for keeping it so simple! Is there a reason why you went with the 5500w 220v heating element instead of a 1500w 120v?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

My initial intent was to get 220v run to the barrel but 120v has worked perfectly fine. So I kept it that way. You can use a 120v element

[@boogiewoogie4454]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 hey, awesome and thanks so much for the reply! I will be building one of these soon!

[@justd43]

I’m having a tiny leak where I connected my element. I RTVed the heck out of it and it’s still leaking a tiny bit. Do you think it’s that big of a deal to seal it up completely? Thanks!

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

I actually used gasket making material on both sides of the barrel. I just cut the material into a circle the exact size and that worked perfectly. I just couldn’t find an exact size gasket at a local store so I just made one.

[@christopheraguilar3125]

So this is for substrate right now not for grains ??

[@MrGazdread]

Hey man, just wondering what temp the inside of the barrel is at? I built my barrel today and after 3 hours it's only at 55 Celsius/130 Fahrenheit. I have the barrel insulated and have adjusted the thermostat up to the full setting. Doesn't seem at all hot enough to do the job

[@Laotzsa]

What size heating element are you using? And on how many volts?

[@MrGazdread]

@@Laotzsa Hey Jarrid. I'm using 3000w on 220v. I ended up removing the thermostat unit from the element as it was set to maximum of 60C for safety reasons, must be European regulation or something. After removing the thermostat it tops out at 98.6C. I have been testing different run times and have found that running the barrel for 2 hours straight to get the core temp of sub and grain up, then 15 min on/off intervals with a timer for another 10 hours does the job nicely. the temp never drops below 95C during the off cycle. it keeps energy use down and feels a bit safer. All my sub and grain is perfect after this cycle with zero contamination in any of the batches I've done. I originally had the barrel running constantly for 12 hours and ended up burning out the main fuse in my house..it actually shattered the porcelain fuse all over the place. very scary! I have since updated my electric box as it was an old type system from the 80's.

[@bigfootmushrooms732]

Do you not have a drain on it & do you move it at all when it's done?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

I honestly just leave the water in there for a few runs and then dump. A drain would make more sense for sure. I just didn't have the hardware nor the interest in drilling the hole when I can just dump it. lol. I just unload the bags onto a cart and take them in to the flow hood. Haven't had any issues with contamination since the bags are still at 212 F during that trip to the flow hood.

[@justd43]

Is your ground wire just screwed into the barrel?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

That's correct. I grounded directly to the barrel. I sure as hell don't want to get zapped if it ever shorted.

[@rossbrown9993]

Will this sterilise grain bags ?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

No will only pasteurize, not sterilize. Sterilizing grain requires pressure to avoid having at the water boil away during the process.

[@zorankospic6243]

Hi! whether spore green molds (trichoderma) are destroyed by atmospheric sterilization. How much time?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

Honestly, this is more of a super pasteurization instead of sterilization since the steam can't get hotter than 212° F. I run it for about 16 hours and have no issues. I've even sealed a bag after a cycle without inoculating it. It's been about 6 months and still no signs of contamination.

[@zorankospic6243]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 6 months ... great and does that also apply if the compost is enriched with wheat or rice bran, soy ...?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

@@zorankospic6243 my substrate is hardwood and soy hull based. Should work fine for others as well

[@zorankospic6243]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 Thank you

[@mtnbkr5478]

So, a year later, how's that working out for you? I'm thinking I need to build one myself.

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

It's working just fine! There's some rust but that was expected. At $20 per barrel it's worth just swapping in a new one.

[@mtnbkr5478]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 Thanks for the quick reply! It's good to know that this should be viable, and a lot easier that running my pressure canner all day!

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

@@mtnbkr5478 Oh abolutely! Running a PC everyday is why I switched to the barrel. It's just more effective.

[@mtnbkr5478]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 One more beginner question: would a step bit make it through a steel barrel? If I'd need to get an $80 punch-out tool, I'd maybe just go with plastic for now (with a 15A element, if it matters; reconfiguring for 15A let me go with less expensive controllers).

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

@@mtnbkr5478 really anything that'll cut a hole through metal will work. Steel barrels are relatively thin metal. Skip the punch tool and just get a $40 hole saw.

[@illskill6]

Did you ever find something better than covering the cord with electrical tape? It is the only thing keeping me from this build.

[@siliuksas2533]

Hey man great idea, I saw other guy made of something similar. Are you using PID controller or just running heating element all the time? I guess atleast simple temp controller would work great. 👌👍

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

I've considered using a PID but letting it run continuously works just fine. I'm sure I would save on electricity using a PID but I may just do that on my next barrel.

[@siliuksas2533]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 Oh I know that it work fine, but just cheaper with PID. What heating element you are using, with triclamps or just washer?

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

@@siliuksas2533 It’s just a washer with a rubber gasket.

[@siliuksas2533]

@@midnightmushroomco.2091 If there is no leak it's good enough I guess. I'm looking now for correct heating element 2-2.5kw, I already have got 2 stainless steel barrels, and stainless steel float valve. Anyway good work man 👍

[@Asherons]

Yo, wheres the link? Or parts lst at least, man lol.

[@jeffreydauhmer385]

Have you used this to sterilize grain? Or is this only used for pasteurization of bulk supstrates? I've been interested in build one of these for some time for the sake of producing grain spawn (maybe a 30 gal) but I can't really find a straight answer on it being useful for such a thing.

[@midnightmushroomco.2091]

It's really not meant for grain, just substrate. It can't reach the temp needed to actually sterilize. This is really just super pasteurization and not technically sterilization. The only way to do bulk grain is using a retort or large autoclave.

[@buzzzkill9183]

I have one(3 drum). complete grain sterilizer. From 19 hours @ 26 bags single 55 barrel or ( three 55 gallon drum sterilizers connected in series or daisy chained together sterilizing 78 bags for 2 days). Ya this simple system really works. Just get it dialed in.

[@jeffreydauhmer385]

@@buzzzkill9183 What temperature does it run at? Also, what is the KW rating on the element you use? What size were the bags? Was it grain spawn in the bags, and not sawdust? When you say 19 hours, do you mean 19 hours once it reaches temperature, or does that include the heat up time? Sorry for so many questions, I'm just very interested.

[@buzzzkill9183]

@@jeffreydauhmer385 hey, nice to meet you. I'm spending time with my oldest son today. I'm gunna set you up with all I know Later on . amazon order a 5500 watt element 240volt. 120volt is weak and gets expensive to run. Get a ss or chrome float valve. Use an RV type adjustable pressure valve with a gauge on it. get a 55gallon drum. To start. 55gallon drum=$20 5500watt element=$20. Float=$20. 0-60psi Regulator=$20 (actually this stuff will be cheaper if you price shop) I gtg i'll give more detail later.

[@jeffreydauhmer385]

@@buzzzkill9183 I actually already have an element, barrel, pid, pressure reducing valve, and ss float valve. I'm more interested in knowing what temps and time frames, and how much grain (if it's grain) in pounds you're able to run. Thank you for the information, though. I greatly appreciate it.

[@stanleyvo5198]

Where do you get those hardwares to build mushroom steamer ?