Simple LM heads without using fittings

[HookLine]

Some simple LM heads that can be made without using fittings, just pipe/tube.

[Bagasso]

Some simple LM heads that can be made without using fittings, just pipe/tube.

The first 2 look like it would be a pain to get those collection funels in place and the rest look like complicated bokas. Maybe a simpler build would be like this (although I still see a problem with getting the collection funel in place):

Simpler Build

ETA: Maybe if the condesate coming off of the coil can be made to drip into the center, a much smaller funel can be used to make placement easier.

[bellybuster]

This is exactly how a craft advances, playing with ideas. I'm having a hard time figuring how this would be controlled at all. It would have to be run at 100% condensing all the time. Power management???

You've made me dig out the many drawings I've made of possible mods to my Nixon stone that gathers dust.

[Bagasso]

I'm having a hard time figuring how this would be controlled at all.

A valve on the output. My guess is that it is left out of the drawings because that is the SOP with LM.

[bellybuster]

I think he intended to leave out the valve on the output???

[Bagasso]

I think he intended to leave out the valve on the output???

He'll have to clear that up, but if there is no valve there would be no way to achieve full reflux.

[Hound Dog]

Yea, has to have a valve.

[HookLine]

Yes, has to have valve to be LM, otherwise just a pot still.

The first 2 look like it would be a pain to get those collection funels in place...

Solder the funnels in before attaching the top narrower section.

and the rest look like complicated bokas.

Nothing especially radical about them, just other ways of doing it without using fittings. My favourite is number 3. About as simple as it gets (except maybe could use a bent tab for reflux return instead of tube). Main advantage over standard 2 plate Boka is that it is much easier to solder in one plate, getting that second plate soldered can be be a pain. Probably also a little saving in height coz only one plate, but nothing major.

[Hound Dog]

I appreciate your drawings Hook. I plan on modifying my LM with a reflux return you had pictured in another thread and Bearriver had done. It has been in the teens and twenties out in the garage the past weeks so I have been delaying work.

[Bagasso]

Solder the funnels in before attaching the top narrower section.

That is what I meant by it being a pain. Those funnels with tubes attached would be difficult to get in, hold and solder.

ETA: Especially if you wan't to be left with a nice size tube for the take-off.

Nothing especially radical about them, just other ways of doing it without using fittings. My favourite is number 3. About as simple as it gets (except maybe could use a bent tab for reflux return instead of tube). Main advantage over standard 2 plate Boka is that it is much easier to solder in one plate, getting that second plate soldered can be be a pain. Probably also a little saving in height coz only one plate, but nothing major.

The second plate is just for directing the distillate to the bottom plate. Soldering the bottom plate to the column (with a bent tab) and soldering the upper plate to the coil would make things simpler.

[still_stirrin]

This seems so complicated. Why not use physics to help do the job. Rad's concentric condenser design is a great example. And if you use the "fittingless" build process, no fittings are needed, not even reducers. Have a look at this slide:

Concentric Condenser.jpg

It is efficiently designed and works very well. The liquid collects in the annular cup (around the venturi opening). It uses 3 different sizes of copper tube to create the condenser water jacket and the venturi tube.

Using fittingless build, you use copper wire (or small copper tubing) similar to making an "easy flange". Simple and cost effective. I recommend looking at Rad's page for a much better explanation.

But this attached slide outlines the fluid mechanics used in the design. Highly recommended.
ss

[Danespirit]

Nice drawing Hook..
I like all the inspiring ideas comming up in this forum..it's "fuel" for the neurosynapsis..

Hook..the first drawing..wouldn't that require some kind of vapourlock on the reflux return?
Or is the small diameter used, sufficient to let the distilate push the small amount of vapor down the tube?
Drawing 4-6 i suppose the valve will block the distilate and create a little dam on the collectionplate,that eventually overflows in the refluxline?

[Brutal]

Love creative alternative designs.