Some Still Drawings

[HookLine]

These are some still drawings I have done over the years from ideas and designs around the forums and elsewhere. I thought I would throw them all together in one document for others to gawk at. More details in the document.

Sorry about the file size (1.8 MB). But it does contain over 70 images, and you can only compress an image so far before it becomes a fuzzy mess. You only gotta download it once.

Still Drawings.pdf.zip

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[Samohon]

Thanks Hook. I like the vapour lock idea on the LM's also the 45° VM offset head, (always wondered how I could use the 2 x 45° given to me)

Thanks again man...

[HookLine]

If you mean the internal vapour lock made by just turning the end of the reflux return line up a bit, then that idea came from Harry, IIRC.

[azeo]

Nice! a handy reference Hook, it will be my guidebook when the pencil comes out for the next build idea. Often going through permutations like these at odd moments, and the sketches are never in one place! Thanks for the work!

[blind drunk]

That's great Hook, thanks for sharing your file.

bd

[The Baker]

Thanks, Hook.

[HookLine]

Thanks, folks.

Forgot to give the link to Manback's thread:

Custom VM 'seagull' tee for flow direction

[Joel]

Thanks Hook,

They are some very informative drawings. Just what a newbie like myself needs.

Cheers.

[Oxbo Rene]

Drawings appreciated,
however, you put a "LOT" of emphases on vapor locks, are you sure that the vapor lock theory is that significant in these applications ?
And, if you believe this to be so, please convince me .........

[Oxbo Rene]

I will add this,
When I came here and studied to build one of these things, I don't recall seeing anyone having a vapor lock on their designs.
and, consequently I didn't incorporate one on mine, and, even though I do see a minor amount of vapor escaping from my take-off
tube from time to time, I've read and agree that it's miniscule and not a great sacrifice to the whole of the operation.
I'll be the first to admit I don't know jack about this stuff, but I pick up a little bit every now and then.
Siting here thinking, I would suppose that the addition of the vapor lock practice could possibly be due to the continued evolutionary
manner of this forum and it's members always striving to adapt to the better method as we go along, etc, etc.....
I sure don't mean to challenge nor piss off anyone, just lookin for answers .......
I'm done .........

[Popcorn Fan]

Hey Oxbo,

I thought the same thing about the vapour locks, I have never had any problems with loosing vapour (that said I have only built three stills so far)

I suppose another thing it depends on is the length of the takeoff tube, I use 6 mm stainless then have a pice of 3/8 copper that slips straight over the top of it that can be taken off for storage. If your takeoff tube is only say 8 inches you might have to use a vapour lock.

I'ld say it's probably in my opinion one of those things that are a nice to have, probably not 100% a must have but if you do have it on there good stuff. An alternative to a vapour lock would be to extend your takeoff tube and always have it pionting directly down as far as possible.
Vapour is always going to want to go up.

Thoughts?

[Oxbo Rene]

Appreciate the reply/input.
I don't know,
all I do know is that I'm pleased with mine the way it is and "I ain't changin" !!!!!!!

[Popcorn Fan]

If it works don't mess with it as I always say

[acfixer69]

Thank you Hook

This is a fantastic collection of still designs. Having the sketches all on one file makes a newbe like myself able to make comparison and then the best decisions to suit skills and needs.
Again thanks for all your time and sharing.
Acfixer69

[HookLine]

Howdy folks, been real busy lately, and have not had time to even log in since Xmas. Gonna be that way for a while for me.

But got a little bit of time for now to catch up with stuff.

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Drawings appreciated,
however, you put a "LOT" of emphases on vapor locks, are you sure that the vapor lock theory is that significant in these applications ?
And, if you believe this to be so, please convince me .........

Internal vapour locks are not strictly necessary, worst case scenario there is probably a small loss of efficiency.

External vapour locks (ie on the liquid take-off line) are very necessary, IMHO. You do not want vapour escaping to the outside of the still under any circumstances (except an emergency pressure relief valve going off).

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Correction to one of the drawings.

The second of the drawings I did about the liquid levels in the liquid paths is not correct (though there is no safety issue). In that drawing I have both versions of vapour locks for the reflux return path, the external and internal version, when you only need one of those (either will do). I was going to split that drawing into two versions, but forgot and ran out of time. Will re-do it shortly and post the new drawings here.

[HookLine]

Updated liquid level drawings.

Drawings used a Bokabob slanted-plate liquid management design to demonstrate the basic principle, but it is the same on other designs (invert cup LM, VM, etc).

[Bushman]

Hookline, I noticed on your examples that the valve on the takeoff is in the vertical rather than the horizontal position. I see most designs have it on the horizontal. Mine is also on the vertical part as well, mainly because that is the size valve I had and my take off starts too large for the valve. I do however have it toward the top of the takeoff as it reduces just after the 90 degree bend. In comparison to output in my reading I haven't noticed a difference from what others are getting. I do let it reflux for 45 min to an hour before I open the valve.

[HookLine]

Should not make any difference as far as I can see. It is just easier to draw that way. Remember, these are only schematic drawings of the basic principle, not detailed engineering drawings.

[HookLine]

Er, let me try that again. Trying to do too many things at once today.

By horizontal valve do you mean this?

In this still design the valve can be anywhere between the take-off port on the column and the vapour lock. But horizontal is a cleaner way to draw it. Thanks for pointing it out.

In the other two drawings (Liquid Levels 2 & 3), the valve has to be below the 'hump' in the reflux return line.

[Bushman]

Er, let me try that again. Trying to do too many things at once today.

By horizontal valve do you mean this?

Yes, that was what I was refering too!

[frozenthunderbolt]

Fantastic thanks Hook!

[HookLine]

Thanks.

Cheers

[HookLine]

Also see this post for another variation of a combined slanted plate LM - VM.

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 6#p6950596

[HookLine]

More drawings of the VM-LM slanted plate head.

[Samohon]

These are great Hook, wish I'd seen them before putting the LM above the VM branch. A lot easier to fabricate as well...

Thanks again man...

[HookLine]

I apologise for my tardiness.



Thanks, buddy.

Probably the main plus of this design variation is the obvious one, that it substantially reduces the total height needed for the slanted plate LM-VM head.

Also, it pushes vapour toward the vapour valve, and you can use an internal reflux return tube (it can be soldered/brazed into the main plate, via the vapour take-off port, before the reducer is attached).

The curved section at the top of the reflux return tube functions as a vapour lock (not strictly necessary on internal reflux return lines), and it also prevents falling condensate from dropping straight back down the tube.

Cheers
Hook

[Bubba Q]

In the drawings just below the VM area, you show 2 variations of connecting the pipe with a coupler. One method shows it correct to solder at the bottom of the couple and seal the top with flour paste or ptfe while the other shows it incorrect to solder the top. Why is that? I figure it would be a better seal to solder the top and ptfe tape the bottom no?

[Prairiepiss]

Liquid as in reflux will be falling or running down the walls of the still. So you want the permanent solder joint on the bottom. And the sealed slip joint at the top. This way the liquid will never run out. Even with a bad seal. It will act like a funnel and keep it all within the column.

[Bubba Q]

I'll buy that. I've seen it both ways on this site and I guess I liked the idea of soldering at the top as it would appear to be a better seal (and easier/cleaner than flour paste) limiting the escape of vapor. Never thought that having the lower joint tight with ptfe could aversly effect reflux but it makes sense that it could leak out there. Thanks PP!

[HookLine]

Updated drawing of the LM-VM head.

LM-VM Head.pdf

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