Freeze dryers are best known for the fun food items they can be used to make like astronaut icecream, but they're actually really useful tools. From ideal sample preservation, to the preparation of useful cryogels, freeze dryers are used all throughout science.
As machines go, they're actually really simple with only a few parts, so in this video I demonstrate how to make a freeze dryer in an afternoon.
Parts list:
1 gallon vacuum chamber - https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVac-1-Gallon-Tall-Stainless-Steel-Vacuum-Chamber-and-BVV130-3CFM-Mini-Pump-Kit/302605256298?hash=item4674adc66a:g:xLAAAOSw7p5aXn~Z
2 quart vacuum chamber - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Best-Value-Vacs-2-Quart-Stainless-Steel-Vacuum-Chamber-and-3CFM-Vacuum-Pump-Kit/282769398318?hash=item41d65e9a2e:g:YtUAAOSwTEJaLyow
2 gallon stainless steel cooking pot - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-Stock-Pot-8-QT-Quart-2-Gallon-Soup-Chili-Pasta-Beer-Brew-NOTE/162279406326?hash=item25c89b3af6:g:g00AAMXQUmFSnmZh
1/4" flare union - hardware store
5/8" barb splicer - hardware store
foam sheets (I used styrofoam) - hardware store
Glue (spray adhesive is ideal but most will work) - hardware store
Dry ice - grocery store
Denatured Ethanol - hardware store
Svg2 field piece vacuum gauge - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fieldpiece-SVG3-Digital-Micron-Vacuum-Gauge-Replaces-SVG2-Easy-View/121751043579?epid=19003302604&hash=item1c58ed7dfb:g:sbUAAOxyf~hRyedr
2 stage rotary vane vacuum pump - cheap models likely won't work. Invest in a decent pump
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