My reflux keg still

[RefluxKegStill1338]

Ok guys so today I drilled out the holes for a bolt on flange on my keg still. Cobalt bits work great for drilling stainless steel. I am going to put cork board as a gasket instead of the rubber gassket shown in photo. My cork board hasn't delivered yet. I have most of my column done. I'm using a 4500 watt element on 240 volts. Haven't built my PID controller yet but will in a couple weeks. Also I am using such a high element and voltage because of how well it works and to upgrade I will buy a half or fill size keg and convert over that way. So what y'all think?

[Pikey]

To add pictures
We have a thread - but I can't find it - should be a sticky - but isn't

To prepare photo

Find and clic"Open with"
PAINT
[Edit - "Resize"}
click "Pixels"
tick "Maintain aspect ratio"
change largest pixel count to 800
"Save as ..."

To place on post
"Add Attatchments"
"Browse"
click the name you just made
"Upload"
click the place on the post you want it t appear
"Place in line"

"Submit"

To get rid of that crappy TApatalk ad

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =3&t=65167

[still_stirrin]

...cork board as a gasket instead of the rubber gasket...

Make sure your "cork board" is all natural cork, not the "glued together" small piece of cork similar to a push-pin bulletin board would use. The glues will disintegrate when in contact with the hot alcohol vapors, so you'll lose the seal effectiveness.

...I'm using a 4500 watt element on 240 volts. Haven't built my PID controller yet but will in a couple weeks...So what y'all think?

Forget the PiD to control the heat element. You don't need temperature control for the heat input. If...you really plan to use a PiD, make sure it can be operated in manual mode where you can adjust the percent power, not set on a control temperature.

I suggest you do some reading on the forum to better understand why I say this...

Welcome to the site. Be safe. Be responsible. And be discrete.
ss

[Pikey]

Agree with ss - No need for thermostat controller - Cheap chinese power controller - Absolutely essential !

[RefluxKegStill1338]

I have musical grade cork board and the PID controller can be operated manual or automatically. can you show me a post telling me about why I shouldn't use a PID controller or what I should use to controller the element?

[RefluxKegStill1338]

With the cheap power controller I can't seem to find one cheap that can handle the 4500 w element. I found one cheap that will handle 3000w but nothing more online in my searches. I found I would be able to build a PID controller for about $75 or $80

[still_stirrin]

RefluxKegStill1338,

Looking at that bolted on flange element adapter, I wonder how you fasten the bolts to the keg? Do you attempt to thread the thin stainless wall? Do you have a nut inside to tighten against? Is the nut "welded" in place? If you can weld to the keg, why not simply get a triclover ferrule and weld that to the keg. Then, get a triclover to 1" straight thread adapter and use that instead, if welding is indeed an option.

I see you have a triclover fitting for the column attachment. Good. Now, do the same for your element install. You'll be glad you did.

Oh, and don't forget to ground the keg when you wire it up. Safety first!
ss

[still_stirrin]

I have musical grade cork board and the PID controller can be operated manual or automatically. can you show me a post telling me about why I shouldn't use a PID controller or what I should use to controller the element?

Look in the Related Electrical Accessories forum. Tons of discussions there. I don't need to "spoon feed" you.
ss

[RefluxKegStill1338]

Thank you.

[RefluxKegStill1338]

RefluxKegStill1338,

Looking at that bolted on flange element adapter, I wonder how you fasten the bolts to the keg? Do you attempt to thread the thin stainless wall? Do you have a nut inside to tighten against? Is the nut "welded" in place? If you can weld to the keg, why not simply get a triclover ferrule and weld that to the keg. Then, get a triclover to 1" straight thread adapter and use that instead, if welding is indeed an option.

I see you have a triclover fitting for the column attachment. Good. Now, do the same for your element install. You'll be glad you did.

Oh, and don't forget to ground the keg when you wire it up. Safety first!
ss

I have a nut on the inside used a flex wrench to get in there and tighten it. Didn't weld because I don't know of anyone who can weld stainless steel or I would have went that route. all stainless steel nuts bolts and lock washer.

[Pikey]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10000W-High-P ... Sw~CFY7gJE

or similar !

[Edit - How did you get your photies to appear so big ? ]

[RefluxKegStill1338]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10000W-High-P ... Sw~CFY7gJE

or similar ! :

[Edit - How did you get your photies to appear so big ? ]

Thanks and I added to photo bucket and resized using photo bucket to as close to 1000 pixels as possible then hit the img button above the message dialogue. When posting the pohoto use the direct link after resizing

If you need more help let me know maybe I'll add a forum about how I added photos

[still_stirrin]

...[Edit - How did you get your photies to appear so big ? ]

Thanks and I added to photo bucket and resized using photo bucket to as close to 1000 pixels as possible then hit the img button above the message dialogue. When posting the pohoto use the direct link after resizing. If you need more help let me know maybe I'll add a forum about how I added photos...

No-no-no...don't use a 3rd party host...they'll disappear and this thread will become useless. Resize to 800x800 pixels (maximum) and post on this site. That's how they'll sustain through time. That's how you're supposed to do it.

[Pikey]

.......Thanks and I added to photo bucket and resized using photo bucket to as close to 1000 pixels as possible then hit the img button above the message dialogue. When posting the pohoto use the direct link after resizing

Interestin way of doing thing Matt

We don't