Going to build a boka- Can i run some ideas past you all

[stringman]

Hi all

not sure if this is the best forum to post on, I was trying to post in the still design on the new distillers lounge but I couldn't .
So here goes.

I have got the bug and have decided to build a boka based on pikliks mini still design.

before I go out and buy loads of stuff I thought I would ask your thoughts on the following:

Boiler
https://www.amazon.de/Silva-Homeline-HG ... A+HOMELINE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Stainless steel preserving boiler.
Tap removed and will be replaced with either a copper tap, stainless steel bolt or access for thermometer probe.

Heat plate is underneath and is 2500w
Intending to put in a 10000w SCR voltage regulator. 13a mains plug one end 13a socket the other.
Was intending to keep the existing on/off switch and temperature regulator and just run the temp controller at 110deg C (maximum) and use the SCR to control the power to the element for heat control- would this work?
The rim of the lid fits inside of the boiler the plastic parts of the handle/locking mechanism that are inside will be removed. I hope to keep the outer parts of the handle as they will aid sealing.
I hope to wrap pfte tape around the rim of the lid and seal that way (may have to use flour paste as well.
If the handle/clips don’t handle that well then I may well fix steel, brass or copper nuts on the inside of the lid and bolt through the boiler (overkill?)
I intend to use the boiler as a pot still and also a boka and will be using 2”
Copper pipe.
The lid feels quite flimsy so I am unsure of how best to fix the column to the lid.
The options I am considering are:
Threaded couplers with the lid between and then solder.
http://www.jtmplumbing.co.uk/pipe-fitti ... ale-pp6083" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
http://www.jtmplumbing.co.uk/pipe-fitti ... ale-pp6087" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow.

Making a large diameter tri clamp ferrule and solder to the bottom (inside) of the lid and then solder over the join on the outside. Maybe I could slide over a large flange over the top of the pipe and solder it to the lid for added strength.
For the column I was aiming for about 1m and using a mixture of stainless steel and copper scrubbers
Is there any benefits or problems to having a mixture of 2 scrubbers?
I would like to keep the cost down.

I was going to use a head of about 30-40cm cm depending on the condenser I use. And follow the design from Pikluks post


For the condenser I was going to try and make a double coil of 6mm copper pipe or go the pre made stainless steel hose option
http://www.distillinguk.uk/stainless-steel/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

For water flow I managed to obtain a pond pump very cheaply
http://www.koi-zone.co.uk/Aqua-Forte-Po ... -2375.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I got the 20,000 which pumps 20,000L/H to a head of 7m
I think that might be somewhat overkill !!! Is there a way of working out a very rough idea of how much water I need? I have seen on one post that for a stainless steel condenser it should be around 1L per minute.
I think I may be best to sell my one and buy a slightly smaller one lol
In fact after searching on here I went for
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Temperat ... SwuLZY4N6w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

For the joins I will probably go for threaded couplers.
I know that tri clamps are popular but I like the idea of neat threaded couplers.

Any thoughts on anything before I start designing and buying?

Many thanks in advance

Andy

[Pikey]

I run 1 Ltre / minute on my pot - 2000Watt power - knockdown condenser.