Newbie with a fridge conversion project

BradM · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject:

You should buy and offset smoker and then turn the old fridge into a kegerator!!! Very Happy

BBQMAN · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject:

That's a very "cool" idea! Laughing

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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

Tony · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject:

BBQman,Greetings!
Foamed in place insulation as used in refrigeration appliances is referred to as Urethane Foam or Polyurethane Foam.

Of course, I forward no disrepect as to personal opinions.I only seek to help a Barbeque "newbie" to bring about the parts he has to assemble a cooker He is going to build anyhow.
We are all here to serve one another,Yes?

In that sense,I would add that I know of no data, in my professional experiece that explains "outgassing" as you described.
Please share Your Data with us all>

Thanks Much!
Best Regards, Tony

Tony · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject:

GonHuntin:
Boy,By this time I wish I'd gone Huntin!

It seems there are some out there that do not think that Your Fridge is a Viable Cooker!

Your Brother is certainly on the "Money." as He indicates split voltage as it relates to the individual elements.

What I asked You was if you plan to use 230V as opposed to 120Volts>
Sorry for the Confusion,if any.

Stay with it it Dude...Yer 'close to a Happy Ending!

Best Regards, Tony

BBQMAN · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject:

Outgassing would be the fumes released as you heat the material. Once again, they don't insulate ovens with it (for a reason). Can you name one product that uses that type of insulation for heated use?!

Do, and think as you wish. It is a disservice not to try and point people in the right direction. It is possible to make great Q cooked in a garbage can (hopefully a new clean one), but not galvanized for similar reason.

I see no harm in folks jumping off into the deep end without a paddle, as long as they were gonna do it anyway! Laughing

P.S. This is a great idea, as long as you remove the insulation, rubber seals, and any other plastic that will break down under heat. The fellow that built the fridge smoker used an old style metal one, and noted that he had done just that.
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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

GonHuntin · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 8

Tony & BBQman

I'll be using 120........I'm going to do some more investigating to see if I can remove the foam......however, if the interior box is sealed, then any outgassing that might happen can't get to the food....might have a fire and burn it to the ground.......but the food will be safe to eat! Laughing

I can use foil tape on any seams I'm not sure of......I know it will withstand the heat.......

Years ago, I worked for a company that did refractory work for refineries and we sometimes used a ceramic fiber blanket insulation called K-wool......that would be the perfect insulation for this project if I could find some that wasn't too expensive.....another option is to salvage the insulation from the donor oven......the problem is getting the old foam out and the new insulation in without destroying the fridge!

Thanks for all the help so far!

roxy · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject: Re: Newbie with a fridge conversion project

Tony · Posted: Feb 11 2006 Post subject:

BBQMan...I am the Fellow who built the "fridge smoker."

Best Regards,Tony

Tony · Posted: Feb 12 2006 Post subject:

Roxy: Hey Man! Thanks for your vote of confidence!

If I offended anyone on this forum with any of the context of my post(s) or even my demeanor as it has to do with this conversion project,I am sincerely sorry and ask that my appologies be accepted.
It pains me to even think that the Fine folks here and around this Forum might take offense at some of my technical directions.
Once again,no offense intended.

When I originally posted about NOT using fridges with plastic interiors,it was because these interior cabinets were vacuum molded of Polyvinylchloride (P.V.C.) and ,as exposed to high/melting temperatures exhibit a high level of toxicity that certainly CAN be lethal .

It had nothing to do with the inner foam insulation,however now that this is being discussed, it is well worth taken.

Thanks,Guys!
Best Regards,Tony

hvac81 · Posted: Feb 12 2006 Post subject:

Your answers may be found at http://www.foamex.com/ftpWs/MSDS%20Flexible%20Polyurethane%20Foam%20-%20English

Hope this helps Rolling Eyes

hvac81 · Posted: Feb 12 2006 Post subject:

Or not. Try to do a search and input: foamex msds

Foams that are produced to insulate, are manufactured using a polymer base material (polyurethane or other polymer base). the foam bubbles or cells are created by the addition of accellerants to cause the formation of bubbles or cells. Before 1991, refrigerants known as CFC's were used as the accellerant material - since then HCFC's are often used ( enviromentally friendly refrigerants). Now as a refrigerant is heated its pressure increases. No longer able to be contained in its cell it - it escapes ( outgasses?)..
CFC and HCFC refrigerants Decompose while being burnt and become poisenous gasses. If one were to use an electric heating element to create heat in a smoke chamber and NO combustion were occurring- and the decomposition temperature of the urethane foam was not exceeded, there should be no problem. I wouldnt do it, but this is just my opinion
For anyone interested, this information can be researched by inquiring about OZONE depleting refrigerants or msds sheets on refrigerants R12,R22,R11.You may also look at decomposition of any refrigerant
Good luck

Tony · Posted: Feb 12 2006 Post subject:

Hi.Gonhuntin..
Still with the Program?

Best Regards,Tony

GonHuntin · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 8

Tony · Posted: Feb 12 2006 Post subject:

GonHuntin: Yeah...Cool----I Mean,ahhhhhh,Yuh know what I mean!

We're in the middle of a MAJOR Nor'Easter up here,

(North-East New Jersey) !4" of White stuff on the ground so far and still pilin' up!

Looks like Pulled Pork and beans fer' lunch.Glad We froze that 2nd butt after pullin' on Superbowl Sunday!

Stay Well...Catch Ya'll on the Rebound.

Best Regards, Tony

roxy · Posted: Feb 12 2006 Post subject: Re: Newbie with a fridge conversion project

Tony · Posted: Feb 13 2006 Post subject:

Well put,Roxy!

Best Regards,Tony

Tony · Posted: Feb 13 2006 Post subject:

Roxy:
Have You checked your e-mail?
Best Regards, Tony

roxy · Posted: Feb 13 2006 Post subject:

Tony:

Yes I have dude, what am I looking for..?
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Tony · Posted: Feb 13 2006 Post subject:

I tried to e-mail you through the forum...I guess you didn't receive it.

Ring me up here...I'll explain. (fleetline51@msn.com)

Best Regards, Tony

BBQMAN · Posted: Feb 13 2006 Post subject:

Hi there Tony, been out of town for a few days. No offense taken, or meant!

Looks like you did a great job with your own fridge conversion.

I tend to be careful when it comes to machinery used with food and food production. My background is as a machine builder, primarily for the food industry.

I get a real kick out of how inventive and resourceful a lot of you guys are. I just like to be careful with advice, especially around new folks that might not know exactly what they are trying to do or accomplish. For instance, I build my own gas log lighters out of heavy gauge pipe that will take the heat from burning large quantities of logs. However, I dont post a "how to" on how to build them because done improperly will get you a quick trip to the hospital- or worse! Shocked

In any case, have fun, be safe, and keep up the good work! Very Happy

_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.