3 inch vm tower

[stillenand chillen]

hay guys I am loving my new hobbie and thanks for all this great info! My question is in regards to time. As you know, I have posted pictures of my little friend. The tower is approximately 46" tall and 1.5" in diameter. If I were to build a 3" diameter VM tower would it take less time to do a run? I know there is other variables involved like a stripper run compared to a spirit run, what is the amount of alcohol in the mash, and so on. As of now, a 20 gallon charge in the still of birdwatchers mash takes approximately 9 hours to run that includes an hour for the still to reach operation tempature. I do not cut deep into the tails. I just dont think it's worth it. I just re-use the backset for the next batch. Without getting too technical guys, would a 3" VM save me some time?

[DAD300]

Yes...with proper power to the boiler and a condenser that can handle the increased vapor, the 3" diameter will move larger volume quicker.

Someone else will now get more technical.

[Coaster]

@ stillenand chillen,

I ain’t great on the math but I know that a 3” column output is twice that of a 2” column so the output of a 3” column would be substantially greater than that of a 1 ½” column. In short a 3” column would substantially produce a greater amount of product quicker than a 1 ½” column. Also if column height is a problem/concern a 3” column could be shortened compared to the height of a 1 ½” column and would still substantially produce a greater amount of product quicker than a 1 ½” column.

Regards,
Coaster

[stillenand chillen]

does anyone have any specs on a 3 inch vm tower build?

[Coaster]

does anyone have any specs on a 3 inch vm tower build?

@ stillenand chillen,

Suggest reviewing the “Some Still Drawings” thread in the ‘Research And Theory' sub-Forum.

Regards,
Coaster

[rad14701]

Well, 3" copper has 4x the volume of 1.5" copper, but that doesn't mean you would get 4x the output at purity... Remember, at 4x the volume you need to push roughly 4x the volume of vapor to achieve the same reflux ratio... The question is, would it take the same reflux ratio or more or less in order to achieve the same purity at a specific take off rate... Lots of variables come into play...

The short answer is, yes, you will shorten run times IF you can push enough heat to produce adequate vapor and also provide enough cooling... It surely won't drop it by 4x, however...

[stillenand chillen]

rad thank you very much for the info and going easy on me, I have been doing a lot of reading and found some of the answer but also made more questions for myself. I want to build something just dont know what yet Realy would like to buy KS hillbilly flute. It looks so cool I like to make both whiskey and neutrals. I have neutrals down thats easy, whiskey is a little tricky with the cuts but i am getting better at it. Just trying to improve my tower and time and to make better whiskey.

[rad14701]

For good whiskey you'd be better off building a short pot head that can use the same liebig as your VM column... That would eliminate the tinkering around trying to get the VM to produce flavored spirits... Just a thought... Or build the VM modular enough to allow the use of more parts of it for the pot still... Someone is gonna come along and say to use Tri-Clamps so I'll put the bug in your ear...

[stillenand chillen]

i have a 7.5 gallon pony keg on the way. Going to build or buy a simple pot still head like KS has on his website (will probably buy from KS. Not that much more money to have him do it for me). As far as my VM tower, still undecided. I will use the pony keg for spirit runs for my neutrals and also to make my fine whiskey....once I figure out how Just want to say to all you out there thanks and this is a great website.We are having alot of fun! My wife is hooked on her homemade amaretto and I love to sip on my whiskey. Going to make Taters Kalua tonight. Let you know how it turns out. lol.

[Adam78k]

Who is km I'm buying a still soon this would help.

[Coaster]

Who is km I'm buying a still soon this would help.

@ Adam78k,

I belive you actully meant to type KS instead of km

Kentucky Shinner (KS) was the Forum Username of HillBilly Stills.

Regurds,
Coaster