Heating a reflux column w/ wood fire

[J_Dawg]

Anyone know about this? I am thinking a heat transfer type of system with a wood fire heat source may work, But simpler is better, and am looking for any ideas concerning this.

[junkyard dawg]

So does the J in your name stand for Junkyard too? I'm not the only one who likes dumpster diving and David Grisman am I? you pick a mandolin too?

Anyhow, what are you talking about? What sort of heat transfer system are you thinking of? I've (the real junkyard dawg woof woof!) been contemplating a steam generator system. Walking through a used restaurant supply today I came across a 60 gallon steam jacketed kettle... oh the dreams that set off...

The thing about running a reflux still or any still for that matter is that stability is paramount. You want a rock steady heat input for the best results. Thats easiest with propane or natural gas. Electric is smooth, but requires a little more investment in hardware to control it. I think a wood burning system would be supercool, but not a beginner type project.

[J_Dawg]

Lol, Pretty much.. The idea I was thinking was to basically do a double boiler type of system. First thoughts are to simply have a fire under a bucket of water that contains the boiler vessel. Second thoughts would be to have copper tubing coiled inside the boiler and plumbed into a sort of hot water tank (45 gal barrel?) Idea being that the fire could be located some distance away from any potential ethanol leaks.

[Peachey]

I think as long as you keep the heat constant, you'll be fine. You dont want surges of heat.

[stoker]

one thing is for sure: you'll have to work with indirect heat.
you could use an old oil drum as boiler
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the tubes are good too