When you use a Brita water filter and pitcher, the entire top reservoir will eventually drip through and rise enough to cover some of the filter in the bottom. I suspect the same is true for the Brits-Style oil filter. Point being, there is no need to remove top reservoir before it is empty. I can see how people that had the old candy jar type might get confused. I only just recently received my freeze dryer, so haven't had to filter yet. Thanks for putting up your videos; you always go the extra mile to explain and demonstrate useful information!
Thanks again for your assessment and analysis of this. I have been saving my used oil (unfiltered) for emergency, or for when the price of new oil gets too high, and your work on this has been very helpful! THANK YOU!
Thanks for the outstanding analysis! Just an fyi, I was reading the freeze dryer manual and premium pump manual today. It recommended filtering the oil every 4-5 batches and changing it at 20. Nice informative video… again, thanks! Edit: We are fng’s to this. Today finished the first 5 batches in our new machine and filtered the oil. Could see no difference in what the oil prior to filtering looked like and to after filtering looked. They looked the same. As for the clunky way to drain some off, we didn’t. We just let it finish draining. It will eventually almost all drain down out even though the level of clean oil is higher than the bottom of the filter. But it took about 5 hours. 🤷
Thank you for doing this video on oil filtration. I have always been concerned with the methods used to filter the HR vacuum pump oil. I received the original 2 jar filter from HR with my freeze dryer and used it once before looking for a better system. I first went with the Brita/toilet paper filter. It worked much better. Then I got to thinking. Why not devise a continuous filtration system for the vacuum pump oil? Our car's motor oil is continuously running through a filter when it is running. Why not the same with the vacuum pump? So I made a oil filtration system for my vacuum pump that employs a 10 micron diesel oil filter with water separator, an oil cooler and a 12v electric fuel pump to draw the oil through the filter and cooler and return it to the vacuum pump reservoir. I use clear vinyl tubing drawing the oil out through the pump drain valve into the filter, then through the cooler, then to the fuel pump and then back into the vacuum pump. My oil is always clear and any water that separates after settling is removed by draining the filter. Your video now has me wanting to test my oil that is continuously filtered and compare it to the oil that is filtered through the Brita/toilet paper filter. Where did you get the oil test kits? I would like to order some and have my oil analyzed.
I looked far and wide for someone who could test oil for a fair price. Try Gear Head Oil Analysis (www.goanalysis.com/) in Orem Utah and Dallas TX. I send my samples to the Orem location. Cost is $25.00 for the kit. Is your filtration system above the vacuum pump in case your circulation pump fails so the oil drains back down to the vacuum pump?
@Phil at 4800 feet Thank you for the info on the oil test kits. I was wondering if the tests were specific for vacuum pump oil or car engine motor oil. The oil filter, cooler and fuel pump are below the vacuum pump in my filtration system but because it is a closed loop and full of oil, even when when the fuel pump is off, the oil maintains the level that is in the reservoir, and since the vacuum pump is higher, there is no chance of the oil draining back into it causing it to be overfilled. There is no way for the oil to drain out of the pump unless a line breaks or the drain valve on the filter water separator is opened. I have used a cycle timer to turn the pump on and off, but I have also just left it on continuously when the vacuum pump is running. With the oil cooler, it keeps the oil temperature around 85 - 95° F. Without the oil circulating, I have seen oil temperatures as high as 120°F. (I have a temperature sensor on the bottom of the vacuum pump tank.) With this system there is about 3 times the volume of oil that would normally be in the vacuum pump, being in the filter and cooler. I change the oil and filter like you would on your car, but less frequently than I would without the oil being continuously filtered. No more draining and filtering after so many batches. Having my oil tested will help me determine how long I can go between oil changes.
I teresting comparison. I started with the real Harvey filter which used a car filter. I now have the HR semi-clone which you call the double stack. I have an old pump which is like the current standard pump. I filter every batch. The original stuff from HR in the filter quickly degenerated. I replaced it with coffee filters on the basket followed by as much cotton batten or balls as I could tuck in. Cotton likes water. I get the dirty oil in the top and it starts to drip. Around the edge the water and much of the sludge accurate, down from the little dome that feeds the filter basket. That I draw off with a baster-- and generally I get 2-3 ounces of water (I.e. the demister is not as good). My filtered Black Gold looks just like what I started with. And what I filter is generally a perfect load to the pump. One thing, HR did not do a good job making those -- the seals between the jars, etc. all broke and I need good high temp, (not needed) solvent resistant (needed) silicone to replace it. I redo the filter usually every 6-9 months. If I clean the pump as we used to do, it really does not accumulate much inside. BTW, I filter while the manual defrost is going on. The filter is much quicker.
Here is my question from your oil comparison video; should we reuse the oil? I feel that we should not because I have had to replace a vac pump that has lost vac pressure and due to the new software update it could not get to a certain vac pressure in an allotted time so it would throw a failure code. I was using filtered oil. I gave that pump to a friend to use on her first gen freeze drier and she has had no problems with it.
Using nothing but new oil can be costly. I reuse my oil until it's cloudy. The only time I had vacuum issues was with leaks, not the oil. Oil should be filtered, and I change my oil after every batch (I have the premium pump). Water in the oil is what will lead to the death of pumps.
If you wait a while longer, the remaining oil in the top section will flow thru the filter and all oil will be in the bottom container. Really no need for the handle. I have been using a Britta pitcher with cotton pads for the filter for over a year with no difficulties.
Hi Phil, thanks for all your great videos. I cant find a replacement filter anywhere, HR is out of stock. Any work around other than going back to the candy jars?
I also use the Robinair oil. I use the Premier and have done well over 150 cycles, filtering and changing oil every 40-45 batches. My oil after using the HarvestRight filter pitcher since Day 1 has always been almost crystal clear after filtering, without the yellow tint. I cannot account for the difference between my experience and what is noted in this video. ?????
@@Philat4800feet Totally bet you're right. I do zero fruits. Mainly carbs and proteins, sundries, building prep inventory. What fruit I do FD is already dehydrated or powdered, etc.
It depends on how fast the oil goes through the filter. It's not required, but I change and filter my oil after every batch. Sometimes there is still oil dripping through the filter when I need to use it.
I have a new HRFD and premium pump as of April, 2022. I used their filter on their oil at the correctly prescribed time. However; after the second run with the filtered oil a sensor indicated I needed to change my oil. So I no longer have filtered my oil, but I have collected it. Can you make any comments that I might need to consider before giving up on filtered oil? Also, does HR recommend how many times one filter can be used? I have a small HRFD. Thanks! PS- I love your channel and have shared video and recommended it to a FD group I belong to on Telegram.
I have asked Harvest Right the same question on filter life. No answer yet. As Freeze drier owners we abuse the purpose of a vacuum pump. I still change my oil after every batch, even with the premium pump. They were never designed to suck moisture and millions of micro particulates. I would still filter and reuse your oil until it reaches a point where the cloudliness won't go away.
My filtered oil went into the freezer to solidify any water. There was no water. But then after using the new filter from them the machine indicated the reused oil needed to be changed after only one reuse. I’ll filter after each use I guess! Also, do you know if a Brita filter works in the HR filter pitcher?
@@MrandMrsBurns Looking at the analysis; the filter appears to have stripped the zinc out of the oil. Zinc is an anti-wear additive. I'm not sure these carbon filters are what we should be using; after looking at the data.
There is a test you do (can't remember the name) after and oil change. You plug the pump onto the wall, turn on pump for 5 sec. Then turn off for 5 sec and repeat 10 (I think) times. When done, plug vacuum back into the back of fd.
@@Philat4800feet Yellow happens to be the most readable text color for titling videos. A thin black outline on the yellow text will enhance the readability of the text even more unless using a black background of course. Your videos are great!
How many times should we run oil through the Brita filter before the filter needs to be replaced? As long as we are talking filters, what maintenance needs to be performed on the premium pump oil filter that is on the pump itself? Does the pump filter ever need to be replaced? Just curious as I have never seen these issues addressed. Great video by the way.
I've never used the Brita/Toilet paper filter. With all filters systems there will come a time when the filter plugs up and it will take longed for the oil to pass through. Pump filter? Are you referring to the exhaust filter cap? Any oil that gets up into this filter should drip back down to the reservoir.
@@Philat4800feet I’m referring to the oil filter on the top of the premier pump. The one that looks like the oil filter in my car. Lol. Maybe it is not an issue as I have not been able to find information on it. You answered my question about the oil filter pitcher, which looks like a Brita product. I guess I run the used oil through the pitcher filter a few times before disposing of the oil. How many times can I reuse the oil before it is detrimental to the pump?
Not actually a filter question but,, Harvest Right says “this is normal”,” lots of people have this issue”, As long as your pump is running fine,,it’s fine” Is anyone here one of the “Lots of people”??? And I’ve back flushed it 7 different times now.😟 Opened it up and cleaned it And the sight glass . And the oil has a weird burnt kinda smell to it. Phil,,my oil is black (harvest right oil) I wish I new how to send you pictures for your advise.
No,,but I believe it’s because of all the boiled eggs I did. Another freeze dryer Lady said hers did that when she ran batches of eggs,,then she kept changing the oil and back flushed more often and it finally cleared up. So that’s what I’ve been doing now and it Is getting lighter and clearer so far 😉👍🏻 Thanks so much ,,,,,this is a learning curve for sure 😁
Recycling the oil is a bad idea. Just buy new oil. After it has been used, the oil has too many contaminants to be reused even after this crude "filtration". Vacuum pump longevity is directly correlated to the oil change frequency. In a laboratory environment, the oil is changed after each use. I wouldn't be surprised if most vacuum pump manufacturers recommend replacing the oil after each use in the owners manual.
You are on the right path...to a point. In the HVAC world we would change the oil after every evacuation of a system. That is recommended by almost every pump manufacture. With freeze drying we're not dealing with the same environmental factors as HVAC work. ASTM D1500 has a color scale on vacuum pump oil dealing with the amount of oxidation in the oil. Yes, you can change the oil as often as you want, but it really isn't needed. check out this video link: ruclips.net/video/vqAMUh5W7eE/видео.html
Hi Phil, is it normal for the freeze dryer to go 27 hours? First batch are frozen peas, corn, mixed veggies and broccoli. Anyone else experience this??
I Think the filtering system is totally useless. After one filtration, one has to remove the filter FOREVER, and use something else like TP or paper towels. And then, does anyone really want to reuse the used oil????
Good Stuff. Have you ever done any testing on the water that is removed from the food? No matter what I freeze dry it always has a distinct smell and a slight cloudiness, Thanks for sharing
When you use a Brita water filter and pitcher, the entire top reservoir will eventually drip through and rise enough to cover some of the filter in the bottom. I suspect the same is true for the Brits-Style oil filter. Point being, there is no need to remove top reservoir before it is empty. I can see how people that had the old candy jar type might get confused. I only just recently received my freeze dryer, so haven't had to filter yet. Thanks for putting up your videos; you always go the extra mile to explain and demonstrate useful information!
Thanks again for your assessment and analysis of this. I have been saving my used oil (unfiltered) for emergency, or for when the price of new oil gets too high, and your work on this has been very helpful! THANK YOU!
Fantastic video! Thank you for your time and effort!
Thanks for the outstanding analysis! Just an fyi, I was reading the freeze dryer manual and premium pump manual today. It recommended filtering the oil every 4-5 batches and changing it at 20. Nice informative video… again, thanks! Edit: We are fng’s to this. Today finished the first 5 batches in our new machine and filtered the oil. Could see no difference in what the oil prior to filtering looked like and to after filtering looked. They looked the same. As for the clunky way to drain some off, we didn’t. We just let it finish draining. It will eventually almost all drain down out even though the level of clean oil is higher than the bottom of the filter. But it took about 5 hours. 🤷
Sounds like you're on the right track.
Thank you for doing this video on oil filtration. I have always been concerned with the methods used to filter the HR vacuum pump oil. I received the original 2 jar filter from HR with my freeze dryer and used it once before looking for a better system. I first went with the Brita/toilet paper filter. It worked much better. Then I got to thinking. Why not devise a continuous filtration system for the vacuum pump oil? Our car's motor oil is continuously running through a filter when it is running. Why not the same with the vacuum pump? So I made a oil filtration system for my vacuum pump that employs a 10 micron diesel oil filter with water separator, an oil cooler and a 12v electric fuel pump to draw the oil through the filter and cooler and return it to the vacuum pump reservoir. I use clear vinyl tubing drawing the oil out through the pump drain valve into the filter, then through the cooler, then to the fuel pump and then back into the vacuum pump. My oil is always clear and any water that separates after settling is removed by draining the filter.
Your video now has me wanting to test my oil that is continuously filtered and compare it to the oil that is filtered through the Brita/toilet paper filter. Where did you get the oil test kits? I would like to order some and have my oil analyzed.
I looked far and wide for someone who could test oil for a fair price. Try Gear Head Oil Analysis (www.goanalysis.com/) in Orem Utah and Dallas TX. I send my samples to the Orem location. Cost is $25.00 for the kit.
Is your filtration system above the vacuum pump in case your circulation pump fails so the oil drains back down to the vacuum pump?
@Phil at 4800 feet Thank you for the info on the oil test kits. I was wondering if the tests were specific for vacuum pump oil or car engine motor oil. The oil filter, cooler and fuel pump are below the vacuum pump in my filtration system but because it is a closed loop and full of oil, even when when the fuel pump is off, the oil maintains the level that is in the reservoir, and since the vacuum pump is higher, there is no chance of the oil draining back into it causing it to be overfilled. There is no way for the oil to drain out of the pump unless a line breaks or the drain valve on the filter water separator is opened. I have used a cycle timer to turn the pump on and off, but I have also just left it on continuously when the vacuum pump is running. With the oil cooler, it keeps the oil temperature around 85 - 95° F. Without the oil circulating, I have seen oil temperatures as high as 120°F. (I have a temperature sensor on the bottom of the vacuum pump tank.) With this system there is about 3 times the volume of oil that would normally be in the vacuum pump, being in the filter and cooler. I change the oil and filter like you would on your car, but less frequently than I would without the oil being continuously filtered. No more draining and filtering after so many batches. Having my oil tested will help me determine how long I can go between oil changes.
Great video Phil, thank you.
This is fantastic a great video thank you.
How often do you need to replace the filter?
How long does it take to filter all the oil?
Replace the filter when it plugs up. A batch will filter overnight or faster.
I teresting comparison. I started with the real Harvey filter which used a car filter. I now have the HR semi-clone which you call the double stack. I have an old pump which is like the current standard pump. I filter every batch. The original stuff from HR in the filter quickly degenerated. I replaced it with coffee filters on the basket followed by as much cotton batten or balls as I could tuck in. Cotton likes water. I get the dirty oil in the top and it starts to drip. Around the edge the water and much of the sludge accurate, down from the little dome that feeds the filter basket. That I draw off with a baster-- and generally I get 2-3 ounces of water (I.e. the demister is not as good). My filtered Black Gold looks just like what I started with. And what I filter is generally a perfect load to the pump. One thing, HR did not do a good job making those -- the seals between the jars, etc. all broke and I need good high temp, (not needed) solvent resistant (needed) silicone to replace it. I redo the filter usually every 6-9 months. If I clean the pump as we used to do, it really does not accumulate much inside. BTW, I filter while the manual defrost is going on. The filter is much quicker.
I had to rebuild the double stacker too.
Here is my question from your oil comparison video; should we reuse the oil? I feel that we should not because I have had to replace a vac pump that has lost vac pressure and due to the new software update it could not get to a certain vac pressure in an allotted time so it would throw a failure code. I was using filtered oil. I gave that pump to a friend to use on her first gen freeze drier and she has had no problems with it.
Using nothing but new oil can be costly. I reuse my oil until it's cloudy. The only time I had vacuum issues was with leaks, not the oil. Oil should be filtered, and I change my oil after every batch (I have the premium pump). Water in the oil is what will lead to the death of pumps.
You should let your filtered oil to settle so the water separates to the bottom. You are pouring the water back into your pump.
I have a number of quart bottles where I allow my oil to settle. One bottle is marked "Junk oil" this is where the bottom oil goes.
If you wait a while longer, the remaining oil in the top section will flow thru the filter and all oil will be in the bottom container. Really no need for the handle. I have been using a Britta pitcher with cotton pads for the filter for over a year with no difficulties.
I have waited 3 weeks now.
@@kathyjeffords1671 How full is the pitcher? It will only hold so much and then will stop.
Also, how many times have you reused the filter?
This looks like a brita pitcher. Will the Harvest Filter fit properly in a brita pitcher?
Unknown. I never worked with a Brita pitcher- Sorry
Very interesting! Thanks!
I just got my fd today and it came with one of these so thanks!
Freeze drying can be addictive.
Hi Phil, thanks for all your great videos. I cant find a replacement filter anywhere, HR is out of stock. Any work around other than going back to the candy jars?
Hmmmm. I'll check into this.
Excellent!
I also use the Robinair oil. I use the Premier and have done well over 150 cycles, filtering and changing oil every 40-45 batches. My oil after using the HarvestRight filter pitcher since Day 1 has always been almost crystal clear after filtering, without the yellow tint. I cannot account for the difference between my experience and what is noted in this video. ?????
Could be the food I'm processing. I should keep a record. lots of fruits known for oxidation.
@@Philat4800feet Totally bet you're right. I do zero fruits. Mainly carbs and proteins, sundries, building prep inventory. What fruit I do FD is already dehydrated or powdered, etc.
Why not just wait for the oil to filer before you pour off the cleaned oil? Why do you need to pour it off in the middle of filtering?
It depends on how fast the oil goes through the filter. It's not required, but I change and filter my oil after every batch. Sometimes there is still oil dripping through the filter when I need to use it.
Where did you send the Oil for analysis?
gearheadlab.com
It takes my brita style filer about three days to finish a filter cycle. Is this normal seems extremely long time to me. ?
I hope once the filter has been saturated, it will filter faster.
I have a new HRFD and premium pump as of April, 2022. I used their filter on their oil at the correctly prescribed time. However; after the second run with the filtered oil a sensor indicated I needed to change my oil. So I no longer have filtered my oil, but I have collected it. Can you make any comments that I might need to consider before giving up on filtered oil? Also, does HR recommend how many times one filter can be used? I have a small HRFD. Thanks! PS- I love your channel and have shared video and recommended it to a FD group I belong to on Telegram.
I have asked Harvest Right the same question on filter life. No answer yet. As Freeze drier owners we abuse the purpose of a vacuum pump. I still change my oil after every batch, even with the premium pump. They were never designed to suck moisture and millions of micro particulates. I would still filter and reuse your oil until it reaches a point where the cloudliness won't go away.
My filtered oil went into the freezer to solidify any water. There was no water. But then after using the new filter from them the machine indicated the reused oil needed to be changed after only one reuse. I’ll filter after each use I guess! Also, do you know if a Brita filter works in the HR filter pitcher?
@@MrandMrsBurns Looking at the analysis; the filter appears to have stripped the zinc out of the oil. Zinc is an anti-wear additive. I'm not sure these carbon filters are what we should be using; after looking at the data.
There is a test you do (can't remember the name) after and oil change. You plug the pump onto the wall, turn on pump for 5 sec. Then turn off for 5 sec and repeat 10 (I think) times. When done, plug vacuum back into the back of fd.
How about just waiting for it to be finished filtering!
No handle needed. Patiently wait on the oil to drain.
Great video. Yellow background with white writing was very hard for me to read. Viscosity rating would be something good to look at.
Sorry. Limited text color
@@Philat4800feet Yellow happens to be the most readable text color for titling videos. A thin black outline on the yellow text will enhance the readability of the text even more unless using a black background of course. Your videos are great!
Thank you, maybe harvest right will put a handle on the filter and send all their customers one free of charge.
...and the price of gas will be under $2.00 a gallon :)
How many times should we run oil through the Brita filter before the filter needs to be replaced? As long as we are talking filters, what maintenance needs to be performed on the premium pump oil filter that is on the pump itself? Does the pump filter ever need to be replaced? Just curious as I have never seen these issues addressed. Great video by the way.
I've never used the Brita/Toilet paper filter. With all filters systems there will come a time when the filter plugs up and it will take longed for the oil to pass through. Pump filter? Are you referring to the exhaust filter cap? Any oil that gets up into this filter should drip back down to the reservoir.
@@Philat4800feet I’m referring to the oil filter on the top of the premier pump. The one that looks like the oil filter in my car. Lol. Maybe it is not an issue as I have not been able to find information on it. You answered my question about the oil filter pitcher, which looks like a Brita product. I guess I run the used oil through the pitcher filter a few times before disposing of the oil. How many times can I reuse the oil before it is detrimental to the pump?
Not actually a filter question but,,
Harvest Right says “this is normal”,” lots of people have this issue”,
As long as your pump is running fine,,it’s fine”
Is anyone here one of the “Lots of people”???
And I’ve back flushed it 7 different times now.😟
Opened it up and cleaned it And the sight glass .
And the oil has a weird burnt kinda smell to it.
Phil,,my oil is black (harvest right oil)
I wish I new how to send you pictures for your advise.
How are you filtering it?
@@Philat4800feet through 3 layers,,coffee filter-paper towel -coffee filter
Have you been processing a lot of meat?
No,,but I believe it’s because of all the boiled eggs I did.
Another freeze dryer Lady said hers did that when she ran batches of eggs,,then she kept changing the oil and back flushed more often and it finally cleared up. So that’s what I’ve been doing now and it Is getting lighter and clearer so far 😉👍🏻
Thanks so much ,,,,,this is a learning curve for sure 😁
My only feedback on this filter is this: NEVER DROP THE FILTER ASSEMBLY ONTO THE GROUND!! The Plastic container WILL SHATTER.
Yup, I believe the plastic is mostly acrylic and doesn't do well with impact.
Recycling the oil is a bad idea. Just buy new oil.
After it has been used, the oil has too many contaminants to be reused even after this crude "filtration". Vacuum pump longevity is directly correlated to the oil change frequency.
In a laboratory environment, the oil is changed after each use. I wouldn't be surprised if most vacuum pump manufacturers recommend replacing the oil after each use in the owners manual.
You are on the right path...to a point. In the HVAC world we would change the oil after every evacuation of a system. That is recommended by almost every pump manufacture.
With freeze drying we're not dealing with the same environmental factors as HVAC work. ASTM D1500 has a color scale on vacuum pump oil dealing with the amount of oxidation in the oil. Yes, you can change the oil as often as you want, but it really isn't needed. check out this video link:
ruclips.net/video/vqAMUh5W7eE/видео.html
Hi Phil, is it normal for the freeze dryer to go 27 hours? First batch are frozen peas, corn, mixed veggies and broccoli. Anyone else experience this??
Come down to moisture and sublimation. Both corn and peas have an "outer shell" that will slow the amount of moisture loss,
I Think the filtering system is totally useless. After one filtration, one has to remove the filter FOREVER, and use something else like TP or paper towels. And then, does anyone really want to reuse the used oil????
Why do you have to remove the filter FOREVER? I've never seen this recommended anywhere.
This is odd. see my comment above
Good Stuff. Have you ever done any testing on the water that is removed from the food? No matter what I freeze dry it always has a distinct smell and a slight cloudiness, Thanks for sharing
Yes, the water PH is on the acid side. No too good for the drain valve.
@@Philat4800feet thanks