Steel in a boiler connection?

[baron4406]

Building my first still now, Will probably have 3 or 4 by the time I'm done. Right now I have a pot still the Forum Member Samohon design I saw on here all built, plus a valved Reflux head still. My boiler is the infamous old milk can. I want to make the pot still and reflux still interchangeable on the boiler. The problem has been the boiler connection, I really don't like the connection of the Samohon design i can only get a 1 1/2" hole in the copper cap and still have room for bolts/gasket. So I was rummaging around all my old auto parts and I found a small 4 bolt flange that I could solder a 2" copper union to. Only problem is its mild steel, would this be a problem?

[NineInchNails]

Steel is not advised. Copper and stainless steel is ideal. Some people use some brass parts.

[Braz]

I don't think the 1.5 inch hole in the cap is a problem. I ran that way with good success till I got a keg boiler.

[baron4406]

That looks exactly like my present boiler connection, my other plan was to get a 3" cap, then a 3" x 2" adapter. That would give me a much bigger hole. Don't forget my setup will have to accomidate a reflux setup also.Then again a hole smaller than 2" will help keep my packing in the reflux column. Thanks guys this board is great.

[Braz]

That looks exactly like my present boiler connection...

Go with what you have, it will work fine with either still head.

[baron4406]

Ok don't know what kind of cap you have, but the biggest hole I can get is MAYBE 1 3/8" and that's using the smallest bolts I have (M5). All I need to do the 3" setup is a 3" cap but if i don't have to spend that I won't. Since my Column is 2" I'd rather have a 2" hole coming out of the boiler. Or am I being too picky?

[Braz]

Or am I being too picky?

Yes.

You caused me to go out to the still shed and measure the hole and it is 1 3/8". Like I said, it worked well with both a 2" Boka and a 2" pot head.

[baron4406]

Thanks Braz. BTW all this talk actually caused my "McGuyver" mind to think up another rather elegant solution. I will post a pic when its done.

[baron4406]

Ok took a 4" section of 3" copper pipe, split it in half, hammered it flat. Traced out a 2" coupling then overlayed a 3 1/2" coupling. Drilled out the center with a 2" hole saw and drilled some holes. Fitted the coupling then soldered. Stainless bolts/washers and some PTFE gasket material.