My first VM still - run

[kaziel]

Just want to share with you my awesome exp after completing my first ever VM still and my first run, below parts:

Boiler - 30L keg with welded (tig + CO2) 5/4" heating element port,
Heating elements - 1.4kW + 2kw SS,
Controller - up to 5.5kW phase angle, digital 0.5% step 0-100% range,
Column 50mm (2") diameter, 120 (4') high, tri clamp fittings, material 304 SS, welded with tig + argon, whole thing etched, passivized and electro-polished,
Head 45cm (18"), 1" take off, 316 SS ball valve (PTFE seals) 1" to 3/8" 316SS reducer,
Liebig 75cm (30") inner tube 3/8 (1m - 40") jacked 35mm (1.25") 75cm jacked lenght 304 SS,
Reflux condenser 304 SS flexi tube 8-10mm outer diameter, 0.3mm thick,
2 tri clamp PTFE easy gaskets,
Packing SS scrubbers + 25cm (10") of copper SPP,

After doing cleaning run and checking for leaks I've couldn't wait for my WPOSW to finish so I've run 14L of my old wash (sugar+raisins) starting ABV was 10%. My power on run was 1.8kW and my boiler was not insulated (column was insulated pretty good). Fores & heads were extremely nasty after bleeding them i was collecting 100ml every 7min (850ml/h) abv of spirit was 97% @14C! I know you can't go pass 95.6% and 97% is due to my alcometer accuracy but I'm very pleased with outcome.
I've got 3 thermo-ports in column. Had only one installed (30cm below takeoff). I'm planing to move to eARC in a short while after I've finish my valve control. Thermometer in a base of a column is for auto start/stop process (cooling water, power), 3rd thermometer is in take off. I'm also planning on filling my whole column with SS SPP (only got like 1.2L now).

[Cardinalbags]

Nicely done Kaziel

[kaziel]

Thanks Cardinalbags, I think I can hit more then 1L/h running on full power (2.2kW cause my fuse is 10A only) with insulated boiler. Some say that LM is more flexible but i think I can do some nice neutrals with VM and I'm vodka guy so nice neutral is all I ask for.

[DAD300]

Very nice...I'm sure you can get more product flow...

Your welds look great. Beautiful SS coil....Reflux Coil being that long, your water flow should be very low...

[kaziel]

Thanks DAD . It really means a lot coming from you. I've wanted to go 3" with condenser controlled column but I've got most of the parts for free + that 10A installation. Maybe next year after rewiring my garage/basement and making a hole in concrete floor for 50L keg i will go 3 or 4". Will post some pics of SPP or Liebig later. I'm SS junkie.

[jarheadshiner]

Excellent looking rig kaziel! I just finished up a VM build myself. Glad to hear your first run went so well. Hope I have as much success as you did on it's maiden run. That's a monster RC! Mine is half that size and my biggest concern right now.

[kaziel]

My reflux coils are always overkill. Same thing happen 2 years ago while I was building my Boka. Well better safe then sorry. Didn't mentioned this earlier mine is 30cm (1') long didn't measure flow jet but 1.8kW got knocked down no problem and flow was really low (I didn't stuff my coil wit scrubies). BTW winding 304 SS flex is a pleasure compare to copper (did my share of that to) I've also have 316 flex and it spring a lot. Wish you all the best on you future VM run jarheadshiner.

[jarheadshiner]

Looks and sounds like it will serve you well. I went with the condenser controlled design so worst case scenario is a longer coil. I used the SS flex pipe also and doubt I will ever wind another copper coil. This will be my first reflux still so I am sure it will take some time to get used to running it versus my pot.

[kaziel]

IMHO reflux is easy compere to pot still. I'm uploading second part of pics.

[SoMo]

Kaziel that is gorgeous, beautiful welds and all you gotta be proud, good work. Melloman

[kaziel]

Thanks Melloman I appreciate you comment . Hope I will find some time to do another stripping run this weekend. I will also need time to complete SPP before spirit run. Thanks all you guys I couldn't do it without you HD.