Equipment · Tanks and vats
Passive water tray moisture module
A cleanable open water reservoir with variable exposed surface, used as a passive moisture source for a food chamber, compared with an active humidifier.
Passive or active
A cleanable tray with variable exposed surface is a cheap alternative to an active humidifier. The brief describes it as useful for modest evaporative losses, because users may avoid unnecessary actuators.
The brief requires quantitative tests before any claim is made for it: a passive tray cannot lower a room that is already too humid.
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Where the moisture comes from
Moisture in a chamber also depends on the drying load and on air exchange. Guidance for biltong boxes sets 40-60% relative humidity as the working range and says that above 60% the air must be dehumidified or moved more.
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Equipment details
Made of
- Cleanable water reservoir tray — Food-safe, washable, with a fixed water level
Size not given - Wicks or other exposed-surface elements — Increase the evaporating surface
Number and material not specified
Limits
A passive tray can add moisture for modest losses but cannot lower relative humidity.
SourceExposed water must be managed hygienically; the brief warns against assuming a salt dish holds a chosen humidity under continuous evaporation.
SourcePlaces
Documented for international use, with no single place of origin assigned.
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Sources
Curing ChamberMethod · Materials · Safety
Biltong Box Design and Build GuideTargets of roughly 25-30 C at 40-60% relative humidity; if humidity stays above 60%, add airflow, more bulb heat or a dehumidifier.
Intake vents low, exhaust vents high; mesh over vents keeps insects out.
A 120 mm computer fan is the main moisture remover; a 15-40 W incandescent bulb gives gentle warmth; keep the interior under about 35 C.
Plywood is the author preference; stainless S-hooks or food-safe twine; avoid galvanised hooks touching the meat.
Hang pieces so none touch; run the empty box for an hour and check a digital hygrometer before use.
Cited in: Passive or active; Where the moisture comes from