Compact Air-Cooled Condenser

[oakgriff]

I am interested in building a compact air cooled condenser for my 4 gallon pot still. I've seen some threads where lengths of hydronic heating element were used with success, but I'm looking for something more compact.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/328126206" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow ... 2812620648

I found this heat exchanger on aliexpress, and it seems like it would work fairly well. I've messaged the seller to see if the use leaded solder (they probably do). I was wondering if anyone else has used a compact air cooling solution similar to this, or has a better suggestion for a heat exchanger.

Thanks

[acfixer69]

link don't work for me.

[oakgriff]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PURSWAV ... 20648.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Attempt #2

[pfshine]

Waaay too small. If you look at the specs it's 7mm (1/4") tube going through it. Also the nominal capacity is 250 watts, not nearly enough to cool the water down. But some bigger ones will work.

[oakgriff]

I'll take a look at the larger ones. My assumption is that the 250 watt rating was with no forced air. Could be wrong though.

If I am running off of a 1500 Watt hot plate is there a ballpark estimation for cooling that needs to happen? I assume ~85% efficiency from the plate to the wash, then probably another 15% loss through the other tubing and from the sides of the pot. I thought that even this little guy might be enough to handle it.

I don't need to do lightning fast runs.

[pfshine]

Whatever heat you put in you have to take out. If I were you I would try to make one that can handle 5500w because more than likely you are gonna build a bigger better rig soon enough.

[oakgriff]

Fair enough. After some more research, I think I have decided to go with a hydronic baseboard heater element cut into pieces and connected with a manifold placed in front of a small fan.
Based on some dimensions from the heat exchanger manufacturer and some calculations for forced convective heat flow, It looks like a 2 foot section of pipe will provide at least 2600 Watts of cooling power to the condensing steam from the fins on the pipe alone, using a conservative number for the air film convective coefficient. With another conservative estimate for the total coling from the exposed pipe surface + fins, total cooling should be around 4900 W.

https://www.engineersedge.com/calculato ... _10048.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/conv ... d_430.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
(Handy online calculators and information above.)

I am striving for a simplified operation of the still, without dealing with extra pipe, water flow, and flow adjustment, as well as a lowered cost of construction and use. Ideally using this air condenser and fan means that I'll only have to control a single variable in my setup, the flame on my burner.

There doesn't seem to be a large amount of interest in this thread, but I will update with results when I build the condenser and test it out.

[Appalachian spirits]

I misstrust any hvac/refrigeration componets unless theyre certified lead free. A LOT of hvac/refrigeration tubing and hardware are unsuitable for distillation. Not saying that particular unit isnt suitable just be careful of what you use

[OtisT]

Here is one solution. Check Out Transmission Oil Coolers like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HEADH4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Search posts by Redwood Hillybilly. He has some posts showing his rig with two of these for re-circulation cooling. You would need a 12V power supply to power the fan.

I'm not sure why folks are worried about lead solder on these. You only plan to run cooling water through them, right?

Otis

[Euphoria]

This is the one I built from a 16" X 16" generic copper radiator core from Amazon, and a 18" standard "el-cheapo" box fan that I mated to it. It sits on top of my 50 gallon plastic reservoir, and my cooling water is pumped through the system by a submersible fountain pump. I added quick release fittings on the hoses for convenience. I use it with both my 13 gal boiler and 26 gal boiler. Each are heated with 240 Volt 5,500 Watt elements. Hot water from the dephleg and condensers return into the top of the radiator, and the cooled water comes out the bottom, to return to the reservoir.

[Bushman]

Nice job Euphoria, I saw a similar set up at a craft distillery in Seattle.

[raketemensch]

Euphoria, are you running one or two elements in the 26 gallon boiler?

[danny1202]

Euphoria, i have a similar set up as to what you have cooling wise. Can you share what water temps your at lets say after 2 hours into a reflux run. Thanks

[oakgriff]

Bit late, but Bushman, what distillery was that? I'd love to go check it out.