Tar Condenser

[wallie]

I read somewhere on the web about needing a Tar Condenser in a cold smoker,
Will someone enlighten me on what that is?

Thanks
wallie

[saucisson]

Wood smoke contains a lot of acidic tar. A tar condenser is a bit like a bottle trap, in which the heavier tarry compounds collect, leaving the sweeter, more volatile aromatics in the smoke to flavour the food. I use one as much to get some of the water vapour out of the smoke so that the humidity in the smoker doesn't get too high as for it's tar removing. It also helps ensure the smoke is at ambient temperature.

The pipe goes in through the top of the red fuel container and is taken down to the bottom in a pipe inside, then works its way back up to the top before exiting out to the smoker.


Dave

[spud43]

looks good. how often do u have to change water?

[saucisson]

I tip it out when I can hear the air bubbling through it. I generally get through several overnight smoking sessions before that happens. I have heard suggestions of deliberately setting it up as a bubbler like a middle eastern Hookah to really clean up the smoke but I haven't given that a go.
Dave

[spud43]

thanks ..mine is bubbling all the time ....would post pic of setup ..but dont know how to ...

[wheels]

Spud43 - welcome

There's a tutorial on posting a photo here:

http://forum.sausagemaking.org/viewtopic.php?t=1610

Phil

[spud43]

http

[spud43]

Edited by munki for conversion process - empty image tag was here

[wallie]

I am a little confused by these tar traps.
Where exactly is the smoke going in and out,also where is the water container.
I am under the impression that the smoke goes into the bottom of a chamber then as hot air rises goes out of the top of this chamber into the smoker, and the heavier tar deposits drop through a pipe in the bottom of the chamber into a water container.
If this makes sense.

wallie

[spud43]

im not sure myself...this my setup




pipe on top goes to bottom into water and comes out through front.

[saucisson]

That's rather large

Dave

[wallie]

Dave

I am a little confused by these tar traps.
Where exactly is the smoke going in and out,also where is the water container.
I am under the impression that the smoke goes into the bottom of a chamber then as hot air rises goes out of the top of this chamber into the smoker, and the heavier tar deposits drop through a pipe in the bottom of the chamber into a water container.
If this makes sense.

Is my thinking correct, is this what happens?

Thanks
wallie

[spud43]

it is abit on the big side....do the pipes have to be joined?
and how will i stop it bubbling all the time?
thanks

[saucisson]

I'll draw up a diagram of how mine works as it will be easier for me than trying to explain via keyboard

Dave

[spud43]

thanks will look foward to that