What to build

Vapor, Liquid or Cooling Management. Flutes, plates, etc.

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Roobrew
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What to build

Post by Roobrew »

Having posted the other day about column heights for a boka I also got a few replies regarding CCVM stills. This has now got me thinking as to what to build next after the pot still I have built. I will be able to manufacture most still designs with ease, so long as we are not talking something too complicated.

So what are your recommendations for a still for neutral based on a beer keg with a 3 Kw heater. It will need to be a 54 mm column , no more ....so any ideas and more importantly precise/detailed plans of how to make the thing....oh and how to operate ....as that always tends to help )))

Cheers

Roo
rad14701
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Re: What to build

Post by rad14701 »

Regardless of which reflux method you use, Cooling Management, Liquid Management, or Vapor Management, your packed column section should be 18x - 24x the column diameter... So, for a 2" diameter column, you should plan on 36" - 48" or packed column... Then you need to account for the height of the reflux, collection, takeoff sections that apply... All together you should end up with a 48" to 60" column from top to bottom, or thereabouts...

My personal preference is LM because it is an easy design to build and is more forgiving than other design options... But I am planning on attempting a CM configuration in the very near future, once I get my basement stilling area in shape...
Hound Dog
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Re: What to build

Post by Hound Dog »

Check these links out. Just a few of my favorite bookmarked threads. I suggest you use the bookmarks as you research as it is very helpful.


Boka reflux still how to build - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 60&t=36050

Condensers - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 87&t=43787

DAD300 special condenser - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 87&t=43955

Let's talk column packing - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=30727

Lava rock info - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=44119

Marbles as column packing - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=49735

LM operating instructions - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 63&t=13265

Now I need to go buy another damn spoon as this one is worn out! :moresarcasm:
LM Still Operating Instructions
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just sayin
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Re: What to build

Post by just sayin »

Hound Dog,
Thanks for putting that together. Great quickstart guide!
Roobrew
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Re: What to build

Post by Roobrew »

Cheers guys guys....lots of good stuff for me to knaw over )))

Roo
Roobrew
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Re: What to build

Post by Roobrew »

Thanks for the LM instructions Hound Dog......as although there is loads of instruction on building stuff here, recipes etc etc ........not a lot on actually operating your still after it is built ))
Hound Dog
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Re: What to build

Post by Hound Dog »

No problem on linking some of the bookmarks. Hope they help. Husker's guide on running an LM helped me understand it better than anything I had read, then if something is unclear and you just follow along it is easier to understand when you see it happening.
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thatguy1313
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Re: What to build

Post by thatguy1313 »

You can get a good neutral out of anything. I know people have good success with boks and theyre very popular. DAD300's CCVM is also a good one for neutral. Both are easy and fairly inexpensive. I like the CCVM because of the simplicity of the build and the simplicity of running it. It maintains reflux ratio throughout the run without having to fiddle with the condenser. I think that makes the VM design uniquely suited for neutrals.
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Roobrew
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Re: What to build

Post by Roobrew »

I suppose my criteria would be ease of use and output....I mean what is the best design that wont mean me sitting next it is all day (( ...when I can make another design that will be faster in use )) ..Wht I would like is maximum output with ease of use...
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thatguy1313
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Re: What to build

Post by thatguy1313 »

My $.02, go with the largest diameter CCVM that you have the height for. The column height needs to be at least 18x the column diameter. That's packed height. Then you have the tee fitting and the condenser above that. So for a 2" column you're probably looking at at least a 40" total height. If you can go to 3" you're looking at 60". Larger diameter=faster take off rates, taller height=more purity. I have 40" packed on a 2" column and achieve azeo relatively easily.

You could also build a flute if you wanted to go that route ....
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