Home Distiller

Just a thought, MCH got 2 steam generators
Maybe use 1 of them for a preheater
And the other for the boiler

Success!

I just happen to have 3 phase power available to me right now, so wiring the unit up was no problem.
I'm running at full power with no controller.

To manage water level in the steam generator tank I put together a toilet tank valve in a 5 gallon bucket, ran tubing between the bucket and the generator tank, and then adjusted the level of the tank to the fill level of the bucket by putting a piece of plywood under the steam generator. Hooked up a garden hose to the toilet tank valve for constant water supply.

The boiler tank holds 2 gallons and I had full steam 4 minutes after turning on the power. The toilet valve opens about every minute, adding I'd say less than a 1/4 cup of water to the bucket. No noticeable impact on steam output when refilling.
Because the water always flows from the bucket, through the tubing, into the boiler tank, the water in the bucket will never heat up. Heck, not even the tubing is getting hot.

Very pleased with what I'm seeing so far! I will never need to worry about running my keg boiler dry again when steaming.

Thanks again guys for the early input, you really inspired me to get this thing rolling.

Good description MCH. But for those who "read pictures better than words", can you post a photo or two?

Great job.
ss

I can take some pics next time I have it set up but here's a sketch showing how it works:

MCH,

I assume the bucket is open to the atmosphere. But the steam tank is piped to your mash vessel/boiler. So it has flow losses.

In order to "push" steam out of the line, there must be some pressure in the vapor and the steam tank. That pressure would make the liquid level inside the steam tank lower than the liquid level in the bucket, where it is regulated by the ballcock & float valve. Granted, the levels should be close. But depending on the steam piping losses, could be measureable...an inch or two.

If you want to ensure the liquid level is maintained by the toilet tank valve, close the top of the bucket and add a vapor tube between the steam tank and the bucket. Then the water levels would be the same because the pressure above the water in both vessels would be equal.
ss

Good point, I hadn't considered how the pressure would affect this when actually in use.
I might need to make something a little bit fancier than a bucket for my final design.

If I seal everything up I might add a piece of clear tubing between the water tube and the vapor tube so that I can still keep an eye on water level. Just for peace of mind.

Thanks for the tip!

It looks like a "home run"!