Using butyl rubber as a seal.

[King Of Hearts]

I had mother boiler that worked well before, a 15 quart pressure cooker and it worked well and then my friend needed to use the boiler and...well....it didn't come back in useable condition. So I found this just laying around. It is alluminum the picture I uploaded was off google, too much work taking a picture, uploading it to the computer, then posting it. But it's the same setup. To controll the temperature I cut the power cord in the middle and wired a potentiometer in series with the heating element, screwed in a heat sink to the voltage regulator triac and enclosed the entire thing with a small plastic box. It works well and with a few calculations I discovered that with 100 volts running through the heating element it should give me roughly 175F.
I have read the introduction, and also many different topics before posting this thread. I wouldn't like to bother you guys if I could figure this problem out myself. I've spent alot of time thinking about this and I just can't get it.

You would be better off to find a suitable boiler non-aluminum.

[rad14701]

You need the capability to push higher than 175F... See the topics in the New Distiller Reading Lounge on how you can't control the temperature of a pot still...

[Prairiepiss]

I would say you already have the best answer. You may not like it. But it is the best solution. Flour paste.

[WV Shine]

Neither architectural or food-grade silicone have been approved for use... You never know what all they contain and there use with high temperature high proof alcohol is not documented... teflon/ptfe is the only recommended synthetic.

Edit: looks like the post disappeared, guess you got your answer

[Prairiepiss]

I guess you didn't read my post. Or go read the rules we live by?

[Mwilcon]

You need the capability to push higher than 175F... See the topics in the New Distiller Reading Lounge on how you can't control the temperature of a pot still...

It can go to about 250F, I was just saying that I marked the potentiometer where the 175F mark is so I can set it to that setting during the run.
And would 100% silicone architectural grade be safe to use as a seal? I was researching it and I found it is safe with drinking water and does not decompose in the presence of alcohol of any kind(ethynol, methanol, isopropyl,etc.).

[Mwilcon]

looks like the post disappeared, guess you got your answer

I deleted it because I wanted to add one more thing to it sorry bout that.

I guess you didn't read my post. Or go read the rules we live by?

I did read it, I read it many times; I was just saying that it is said to be safe with all chemicals when dry. But I wanted to check with you guys and now I know I shouldn't use it.

[Coaster]

@ Mwilcon,

By now I am certain you have read The Rules By Which We Live item #8 usage of plastics/ synthetics in distilling ->

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5090

Aside from focusing on how to correctly seal the lid of your coffee maker have you addressed the problem with the black Plastic spigot? That black Plastic spigot goes into the your coffee maker and has Plastic pieces securing it to the inside the coffee maker which are in direct contact with hot alcohol.

Regards,
Coaster

[Mwilcon]

Aside from focusing on how to correctly seal the lid of your coffee maker have you addressed the problem with the black Plastic spigot? That black Plastic spigot goes into the your coffee maker and has Plastic pieces securing it to the inside the coffee maker which are in direct contact with hot alcohol.

If your talking about the knob on the top of the lid I unscrewed, and drilled out a wider hole to acomodate my brass fittings.

[Prairiepiss]

No he was talking about the spigot that is used to fill tour coffee cup with. The valve.

[Mwilcon]

I don't think the spigot will pose much of a hazard because it's made to withstand much higher temperatures than that of what ethanol boils at. And its also been used many times to boil water.

[fullhouse]

boiling water and temperature has little to do with the fact the ethanol is a solvent ...it too is unsafe as a plastic