Boiler for a still?

[tran56]

So I have a still that I made already it is a 55 gallons stainless drum with a 5 ft reflux column. So now onto my next project I am thinking of building another but only smaller about 30 gallons. Instead of using a keg I was thinking of using a new hot water heater as I have one on hand. Has anyone ever done this? If so how did you get around cleaning the boiler considering you only have to 1 inch diameter holes to work with? The real reason I would want to use this is because it is already so well insulated and all of my controls for my element are on it. So what do you think?

[Hawke]

Yes, it has been done. As long as you don't try to modify the tank, and break the glass lining.
The thermostats used on a water heater are not good for distillation, as the on/off cycle times are too broad.
As long as you are using cleared washes, just a simple rince is all it should need for cleaning. Once in a while, fill it with something like Oxy-Clean, if you get some build up.

[tran56]

Ok well what kind of thermostat do you suggest? On the last still I made I bought a thermostat but it was rediculously expensive is there any way to get one cheaper or build one?

[cob]

is it possible to move the stat you have between the 2 stills multitasking the equipment you have ? cob

[rad14701]

Most stills aren't controlled by a thermostat at all... The ratio of ethanol and water in the wash controls boiling temperature as well as vapor temperature... With a pot still both temperatures increase as the ethanol is depleted from the boiler... With a column still the temperature is controlled by reflux... As the boiler temperature increases, due to ethanol depletion, you can keep the vapor temperature in check by increasing reflux which in turn reduces the take off rate...

[scotty]

Ok well what kind of thermostat do you suggest? On the last still I made I bought a thermostat but it was rediculously expensive is there any way to get one cheaper or build one?

Read these instructions for a johnson A419
http://cgproducts.johnsoncontrols.com/M ... 125188.PDF



Here is the ranco controll--i have both and prefer the ranco because it has a hi temp limit of over 212 deg F in case i want to boil my water--the johnson only goes as high as 212 and i dont think it actually will hit that temp


the prices on this next link are reasonable compared to what other places are asking

http://www.rancoetc.com/etc_controllers-c-36.html

[brewmaker1]

I'm not sure about all water heaters, but the one's I have seen have two elements. One up high and one down low. If the one you plan to use has a top element you might want to disable it. You wouldn't want that element heating with no liquid around it. Just a safety thought.