New member . New still

[trial&error]

dude thats awesome!! i might have to build one.

any thoughts of adding a valve that returns the liquid for controllable reflux?

can you make some detailed sketches/ plans of your concentric still?

[rad14701]

dude thats awesome!! i might have to build one.

any thoughts of adding a valve that returns the liquid for controllable reflux?

can you make some detailed sketches/ plans of your concentric still?

This design could easily be converted to RLM... Simply reroute the take off port downward, create a new take off point, and then put a needle valve and reflux tube below that with the reflux tube returning the reflux into the center of the vapor tube... This design can also operate at any angle from vertical to just above horizontal for added height - and could even be mounted off a packed column... The trick is to never close off the take off port...

[johnh89]

Sorry for not posting for a while but my life has been busy of late . Following concerns posted by masterpeter, I redesigned the still so there could be no build up of pressure if the outlet were to get blocked . I have never had the problem as it was designed only for distilling well cleared sugar washes but it was pointed out to me that these are public forums and other people may use the design to distil other stuff . I modified the design to a 2 part still which has made it easier to clean out . But did not post the replies here . My apologies . Attached are some photos of the still as it now is .

[Master-Peter]

Hi John,

yep I think now it is quite foolproof. I am just thinking of converting mine to a RLM head. This design could give a real nice RLM head on top of a column and is a great pot head for stripping without, as RAD already pointed out.

Egg laying wool milk pig - if I don't lack on theorie

Cheers
Peter

[johnh89]

Due to cicumstances beyond my control I still have not run my wash through it . It is still sitting on the bench in the garage where it has been for the last 3 months . With a bit of luck I may try it this weekend . I will let you know how it comes out .

[johnh89]

Just ran my 6 month old wash through the new still and I think that we are on to a winner . When I sober up in a few days I will give you a more impartial view . Managed 1.5 litres or so at 66% .

[Elut]

I'm planning on building a still just like that one, probably next month.

I'm trying to find out the modification which has been done to make it foolproof, but I don't get it.

Is there someone to kindly explain the modification to me with basic drawings?

Thanks a lot in advance !

[Master-Peter]

The modification was to build the stillhead in 2 separate parts, so in case of blocking of the outlet no overpressure can build up. Besides, it is easier to clean that way.
You can see it on the picture "still in 2 parts" from John. This is different from the previous model.

Cheers Peter

[LWTCS]

How are you sealing that (slip?) joint John?

[rad14701]

How are you sealing that (slip?) joint John?

I'm sure flour paste would work perfectly, if it needs anything at all due to the lap joint... Similar slip joints on my still have never leaked because vapor takes the path of least resistance, flowing up onto the condenser, and the condensate is at the mercy of gravity...

[johnh89]

The slip joint is not sealed with anything . It was unsoldered from a previous incarnation and the male part wiped when the solder was wet . It is now a tight sliding fit and does not leak at all in use . As the top of the still is now open to the atmosphere there is zero pressure in the body of the still to make it leak .

[LWTCS]

Thanks,
Can you also describe how you are installing your nipples (your welds are really nice)?