is my column weighing too much?

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yupiteru
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is my column weighing too much?

Post by yupiteru »

is my column weighing too much?
my 2 inch boka column weighs about 15 kilograms (without cooling water), I have the impression that it swings a bit too much,
I wanted to find a "standard" way to block it better,
what's now ?
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still_stirrin
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by still_stirrin »

Build a strut support from the wall. Or, build a hanger from the ceiling. Use your “hat rack” to figure out how to support a wobbly column. What can YOU come up with?
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Bushman
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by Bushman »

A picture will help. Along with the suggestions mentioned you may not have it secure to the boiler.
bbbark
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by bbbark »

I have a hook in the ceiling and a wire coming down to stabilize mine. I don't think it would ever tip, but this gives some added stability/insurance. It is cheap and easy.
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yupiteru
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by yupiteru »

I tried to put a rod to support the output condenser but it does not work very well,
now I realize that I did (incredibly) even a too large output capacitor
everything goes to destabilize the column even more,
I do not like the idea of ​​putting a hook on the ceiling,
because I can not move the distiller if necessary,
I try to make a system like in the picture with a collar and threaded rods
and let's see the result
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Kareltje
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by Kareltje »

You could put a chair under the Liebig. Or a beercrate. Or a pile of stones.
Or you could adjust the design of your still:
IMG_0242klein.jpg
As still stirrin says: what do you think yourself??
The Baker
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by The Baker »

Or a flat plate on the floor under the still. Stainless? And you can affix your braces/ supports to that.

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yupiteru
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by yupiteru »

the column (too heavy) distorts the upper part of the boiler (keg beer 30 liters) in addition to the fact that if the boiler is empty it is very easy that everything falls down,
then as it is, the column is never perfectly straight
however, making a wider base and anchoring the boiler could be a good idea
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Swedish Pride
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by Swedish Pride »

find a lighter packing material?
i reckon scrubbies are as light and cost effective as they come
Don't be a dick
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still_stirrin
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by still_stirrin »

yupiteru wrote:the column (too heavy) distorts the upper part of the boiler (keg beer 30 liters) in addition to the fact that if the boiler is empty it is very easy that everything falls down.
Got a photo?

All of the 30 liter kegs I’ve seen are stainless and quite robust. And the Sanke tap makes a great (solid) attach point for a column.

Granted, the keg diameter is not wide enough to support a high center of gravity with an eccentric loaded (heavy) product condenser, especially if the boiler is not charged (filled with wash). There are design solutions for this dilema, however, but I’d like to “see what you have to work with”.

Again, the stainless steel gage on the keg top should be robust enough to support the column loads, unless it isn’t a standard commercial-style keg.
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yupiteru
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by yupiteru »

Swedish Pride wrote:find a lighter packing material?
i reckon scrubbies are as light and cost effective as they come

yes, packing too heavy is the main problem,
another problem and the cooling condenser on the outlet pipe that was made too big,
this distiller configuration despite being my first construction, it worked almost immediately, distills my grape wine more than good,
 after 2-3 days of rest the distillate is drinkable,
this distiller I do not want to "touch it"
I have no other unfortunately,
if I find an identical boiler I will be able to weld some reinforcement brackets by a professional welder,
the defects that I see I take note and I will try to fix them when I build the next distiller, (probably an electric distiller)
in this distiller I already have, I will try to block the column only with screws and bars, no changes or welds
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by Pikey »

yupiteru wrote:I tried to put a rod to support the output condenser but it does not work very well,
now I realize that I did (incredibly) even a too large output capacitor
everything goes to destabilize the column even more,
I do not like the idea of ​​putting a hook on the ceiling,
because I can not move the distiller if necessary,
I try to make a system like in the picture with a collar and threaded rods
and let's see the result
I think we need a proper picture because what you have shown there is NOT a Boka ! That loks like a pot still but elsewhere you say you get 90%abv so to help we need a real picture !
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yupiteru
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by yupiteru »

Pikey wrote:
yupiteru wrote:I tried to put a rod to support the output condenser but it does not work very well,
now I realize that I did (incredibly) even a too large output capacitor
everything goes to destabilize the column even more,
I do not like the idea of ​​putting a hook on the ceiling,
because I can not move the distiller if necessary,
I try to make a system like in the picture with a collar and threaded rods
and let's see the result
I think we need a proper picture because what you have shown there is NOT a Boka ! That loks like a pot still but elsewhere you say you get 90%abv so to help we need a real picture !
yes that's a drawing done in a minute with paint, however I think some kind of support (extra) that blocks the very high column is necessary,
a well made support, quick release,
 an accidental fall (it can always happen) of a distiller with a 120-150 cm high column will probably damage the column irremediably,
especially if it is made of copper, the copper in the point that is heated / welded becomes incredibly "soft"
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Yummyrum
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by Yummyrum »

Pikey wrote:
I think we need a proper picture because what you have shown there is NOT a Boka ! That loks like a pot still but elsewhere you say you get 90%abv so to help we need a real picture !
Agreed totally Pikey.

yupiteru...mate ...time for a picture :crazy:
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yupiteru
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by yupiteru »

for the moment I solved that
with 4 bars of one meter each
I bolted a piece of u-folded metal that fits on the edge of the boiler and the outlet pipe,
I fixed 3 pieces of metal to the column with a metal pipe clamp
a really simple thing that will surely improve,
however, the column and the condenser are much more stable now
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RimaNTSS
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Re: is my column weighing too much?

Post by RimaNTSS »

Did you do it just on paper or also in reality? Just kidding :D Could you show the picture of the still?
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