Building condensers

Anything cooling/condenser related.

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JJbrad29
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Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2017 6:19 am

Building condensers

Post by JJbrad29 »

Hey folks looking for some info on building condensers.
I have two designs picked out and material for both.
Bear with me as I'm not 100% on terminology.
Ill start with I am aiming to produce both distilled water
and corn whiskey possible venturing into flavoured spirits later.

First design I believe is considered a shotgun condenser.
On a 5 gallon still is half inch copper inside three quarter copper
with garden hose attached sufficient?

Second will be a worm. Is half inch flexible copper ( actually three eights)
big enough for same 5 gallon still?
StillerBoy
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3387
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 6:27 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: Building condensers

Post by StillerBoy »

JJbrad29 wrote:First design I believe is considered a shotgun condenser.
On a 5 gallon still is half inch copper inside three quarter copper
with garden hose attached sufficient?
You may want to read this thread first and it should provide you with most of the answers.. the condenser your are referring to is a liebig.. shotgun has multiple tubes..

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=34062

Mars
" I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent. Curiosity, Obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my knowledge and understanding "

– Albert Einstein
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cranky
Master of Distillation
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Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:18 pm
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Building condensers

Post by cranky »

This is probably everything you need to know about condensers, http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 65&t=20655

I don't like flake stands (Worm type) because they tend to have issues. In my opinion a liebig is the way to go. This is a really good thread on that
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =87&t=9247

One thing that is concerning me right now is that you may still have a lot of reading to do. If you haven't read then already read and follow the first 2 links in my signature.
JJbrad29
Novice
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2017 6:19 am

Re: Building condensers

Post by JJbrad29 »

StillerBoy wrote:
JJbrad29 wrote:First design I believe is considered a shotgun condenser.
On a 5 gallon still is half inch copper inside three quarter copper
with garden hose attached sufficient?
You may want to read this thread first and it should provide you with most of the answers.. the condenser your are referring to is a liebig.. shotgun has multiple tubes..

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=34062

Mars
Thank you sir. Answered most my questions there. Basically if I'm nervous about the cooling, I'll make it longer and or pack it.

I'm still nervous about the worm I think it'll work though.

Any info on the point where the cap transitions to the condenser. Can I run half inch directly of the cap or does it need to be a bigger outlet and taper down?
Wiz of Oz
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Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2014 7:43 pm
Location: Left Coast Great White North

Re: Building condensers

Post by Wiz of Oz »

+1 to what Cranky said. Read, read and read some more, starting with the two links in Cranky's signature.

I love my liebig, so glad that I went with that.

Be safe, learn and enjoy the ride cause it sure is a fun one!

Edited: I see your responded to Cranky's post while I was writing mine. Check out this thread http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 60&t=26460
it is the Diagrams and Plans thread and has great info that you will find useful.
All new distillers please read Crankys Spoon Feeding
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