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Home made Hot Oil Heater
After almost giving up, I finally realized that the Veg oil pretty much MUST be warm (100+) before it can be processed or filtered. Even if it is liquid and good canola oil, the labor and time involved are significantly reduced with some heat. So I made a hot oil heater utilizing a 55 gallon drum, and some parts from the local hardware store. I bought a hot water heater replacement element($6.98) and a replacement thermostat($12.00), 1/2" foam sheet insulation and installed them in the drum. I drilled a 1 1/2" hole in the drum just above the bottom rib and mounted the heater element there. I found that the nuts used on electrical conduit will fit the threads on the element just right. While in the electrical aisle I picked up some conduit washers (1.5" ID,3" OD) to place between the barrel and the heating element then sealed with good ol RTV. next I mounted the thermostat across from the element and towards the top. If I did this again I would mount the t-stat lower, as hot oil rises and will give false readings to the t-stat. (easily corrected by turning temp up). I wired the t-stat and element according to included schematic and to my surprise, it works quite well. The oil was up to around 110 in short order. I next wrapped the barrel with the 1/2" foam insulation to help keep in some of the heat. I will leave it like that for a few days to let things settle, and begin filtering. I am getting to have quite the filter routine going also if anyone is interested. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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