Hello everyone, i was reading this forum for the past 3 months to plan my still setup. I built my shotgun condenser for 2200w so here is the time for me to share my experience and possibly guide others as you all did to me.
jacket: 320mm long 40mm ID copper 1mm thickness
inside: 300mm long 7 tubes from 3/8 OD soft copper-straightened. after assembly widened ends with countersink for better solder adhesion
endplates: cut with garden scissors from flattened copper pipe (1mm thickness) drawn in QCAD then drilled with hss step drill bit.
baffles: 4 baffles, same cut as endplates- (with %38 cut)
solder: felder 2mm 250gr 97/3 tin/copper alloy solder
flux: felder non-acidic copper plumbing flux (cheap stuff)
water inlet-outlet: cut from 3/8 copper tubes
First built inside, then slipped it into pipe. Used same solder (no silver solder used at all). To avoid previous solders from melting, i stuffed 3/8 pipes with wet cotton.
Parts for shotgun condenser -pipes straigtened as much as i can
Final on the shotgun condenser ( Used only 97tin 3copper solder, filled tubes with wet cotton to avoid melting)
You have put lots of effort in your shotgun condenser, and the 3/8" tubes will work well..
Unfortunately, I have a some concern as to how will you be able to check for leak, and I'm assuming here, once you solder the reducer end onto the main body of the condenser..
Also how will you clean the condenser out in the eventuality of a puked using 1/2" reduction at each end..
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 "
tiramisu wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 7:28 am
I have never seen a shotgun product condenser that breaks down.
Please enlighten me.
You have now...
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 "
StillerBoy wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 6:34 am
You have put lots of effort in your shotgun condenser, and the 3/8" tubes will work well..
Unfortunately, I have a some concern as to how will you be able to check for leak, and I'm assuming here, once you solder the reducer end onto the main body of the condenser..
Also how will you clean the condenser out in the eventuality of a puked using 1/2" reduction at each end..
Mars
I think in case of puking i had to just purge with boiling water and thats it. For the other question, i am planning to solder the fittings while it was filled with water so it wont be that hot in these joints. So no leaks will occour, correct me if i am thinking the wrong way. And if any leaks occour i can detect it after the assembly with using pressurized gas and submerging it under water.
But if puking happens and it needs to be cleaned like with brushes i may leave the bottom end without soldering but a snug fit to the condenser. Then i open it and clean. Also i am planing filtering/racking any grain wash before distilling
Last edited by stud_distiller on Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Not sure wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:38 am
Stillerboy can I ask what the small hole in the shell is for or is it just a black dot on the pipe
The hole(s) are there to assist in equalizing the air pressure between the outlet end and the end of the spout.. and really required when using a parrot, as it will allow the hydrometer to provide a stable reading..
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 "
stud_distiller wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:53 am
But if puking happens and it needs to be cleaned like with brushes i may leave the bottom end without soldering but a snug fit to the condenser. Then i open it and clean. Also i am planing filtering/racking any grain wash before distilling
I would certainly not solder the lower end on.. maybe have attached by using a small ss screw to hold it firmly in place..
stud_distiller wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:53 am
For the other question, i am planning to solder the fittings while it was filled with water so it wont be that hot in these joints. So no leaks will occour, correct me if i am thinking the wrong way. And if any leaks occur i can detect it after the assembly with using pressurized gas and submerging it under water.
Your method of building the condenser is one that is different than my.. the soldering is done all in one shot, the tube end, the plate, and the ferrule.. as to testing, I just use water pressure..
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 "
Not sure wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:56 am
When I've soldered I kept my material in wet rags to cool but that's just me
Having to use a wet rag is cause by using to much heat..
Reduce the heat used, and use smaller solder.. make smaller solder pieces by flattening regular solder size down some, cutting it up in small strips.. much easier to work with..
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 "
stud_distiller wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:01 am
that thing is a piece of art.
Thank you..
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 "
stud_distiller wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:53 am
But if puking happens and it needs to be cleaned like with brushes i may leave the bottom end without soldering but a snug fit to the condenser. Then i open it and clean. Also i am planing filtering/racking any grain wash before distilling
I would certainly not solder the lower end on.. maybe have attached by using a small ss screw to hold it firmly in place..
stud_distiller wrote: ↑Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:53 am
For the other question, i am planning to solder the fittings while it was filled with water so it wont be that hot in these joints. So no leaks will occour, correct me if i am thinking the wrong way. And if any leaks occur i can detect it after the assembly with using pressurized gas and submerging it under water.
Your method of building the condenser is one that is different than my.. the soldering is done all in one shot, the tube end, the plate, and the ferrule.. as to testing, I just use water pressure..
Mars
The Ss screw idea is brilliant. This way it will be secured but at the same time no need to solder it and kept it accessible. Thanks a lot for all your positive comments
thank you for sharing
