the problem with the CC still

[manu de hanoi]

Hi guys,
it's flattering to see the CC still is still getting some attention. There is an issue with the still that prevents me from advocating it's use. Control is poor. I think it has to be "linearized" a little bit. Meaning most condensation occurs on the firsts few loops of the condenser.
One solution is to make the condenser inefficient (using ss instead of copper, or running water slow for ex) then you get better control but then the condenser and sleeve have to be very long to catch all the vapors making the still awkward.
I think most condensation occurs at the tip because that's where vapors are most dense. Here's an illustration:

So if you have a good idea let us know.

[googe]

Would making the coil smaller diameter help to get the vapor further up the condenser tube?. If I understand right, its condensing to much before it gets up the condenser to collect?.

[FullySilenced]

If you look at Hook's drawings of the condenser for this type still... he spaces out the first few coils only half the cooling then really tightens the coils up on the back end/exit point.

I have one of these units mine is modified over the std unit, but it works very well... but i did space out the first few turns of the condense... you really need a needle valve to control water flow in a concise fashion...

But once you learn how to drive it... its just too simple to use...

FS

[Bushman]

If you look at Hook's drawings of the condenser for this type still... he spaces out the first few coils only half the cooling then really tightens the coils up on the back end/exit point.

I have one of these units mine is modified over the std unit, but it works very well... but i did space out the first few turns of the condense... you really need a needle valve to control water flow in a concise fashion...

But once you learn how to drive it... its just too simple to use...

FS

FS, you should make a short video while in operation as I know I would be interested in watching the adjustment during operation!

[HookLine]

I was thinking something like this revised version of my original drawing. Note the taper towards the bottom (decreasing coil size), as well as increasing spacing between the coils, so the bottom is basically a slim cold finger.

Still needs a bit of fine tuning, but this is the basic idea. (Have not drawn it in, but the top non-tapered section of the condenser could have an inner coil added to make it a double coil just in that section.)

[DAD300]

We're mixing LM and VM here. Manu's drawing is showing the LM, I'm not sure he produced a CM version.

With the takeoff on an LM being so small, I can see the either on or off, non linear. But with a 1." to 3" the linear control grows with the size of takeoff.

But Hookline's drawing is beautiful! Any tip would add to the linear control.

My Reflux condenser does have a pointed tip and could be pointier. But I have no control problems. I can go from closed, to drips, to pencil flow.

FS, is yours LM or VM Condenser Control?

[Prairiepiss]

I can see where it would be more of a problem with the LM version and less of a problem with the VM version. But I think hooks condenser drawing would benefit both designs greatly.

[HookLine]

LM version

[manu de hanoi]

the small coils dont have to be far apart (except for fabrication convenience) on the LM

[DAD300]

Hookline...

there would even be some adjustment in rotating the coil in your drawing, without moving it in and out! Rotating it so the spear of the coil was at the top rather than the bottom.

[HookLine]

the small coils dont have to be far apart (except for fabrication convenience) on the LM

Probably true for the LM version. But probably makes a significant difference for the VM version. But the experimental comparison needs to be done.

Hookline...

there would even be some adjustment in rotating the coil in your drawing, without moving it in and out! Rotating it so the spear of the coil was at the top rather than the bottom.

Ah, you spotted it already, before I could write up my Brilliant New Insight.

It is a nice side benefit of having a section of the condenser that is asymmetrical around the radial axis.

Probably works best for the VM version, but might also have some effect in the LM version.

Longitudinal adjustment for coarse control. Rotational adjustment for fine tuning.

The VM version also needs some means to direct condensate back to the centre of the column, but that is a minor issue, a simple customised curved 'tongue' of copper added to the bottom of the condenser should do it.

[kaziel]

Do you have some photos of your still? Reminds me design called aabratek.

[HookLine]

Sorry DAD, I did not read what you said properly. Eyes are playing up at the moment. Been pushing them hard for a while. Probably should take a few days off.

[manu de hanoi]

Do you have some photos of your still? Reminds me design called aabratek.

please check the video link on this thread http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16053