Hey guys been a long time since I’ve been on here. Life has kept me busy. So I’m in the process of designing/building my new boiler and wanted to ask you guys a question. Do you guys prefer a short but fat boiler over a narrow and tall boiler.
For instance a 20”x 20” or a 18” x 28” ? Purchased my
Last boiler I have used for the last 5 years and I’m wanting to build my own all out of copper sheet. Thank you
New Boiler Build
Moderator: Site Moderator
Re: New Boiler Build
I don't know if the design of a copper pot affects the product but the first thing I would think about is the adaptability to the heat source you use, then I would think of the helmet because the larger the kettle, the more (I think) the construction becomes more complicated. and lid sealing. There may be many other factors to consider (stability, space it occupies, heat diffusion, etc.) these are just a few things that come to mind.
- Twisted Brick
- Master of Distillation
- Posts: 3790
- Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:54 pm
- Location: Craigh Na Dun
Re: New Boiler Build
.
Yes, there a number of factors to consider when calculating boiler dimensions, including required headspace, whether or not it will be plumbed for use as a thumper, etc.
These two links may help with your research. BTW, Corene's skills are highly regarded here on HD and really knows her stuff.
New Copper Still
http://www.coppermoonshinestills.com/
Yes, there a number of factors to consider when calculating boiler dimensions, including required headspace, whether or not it will be plumbed for use as a thumper, etc.
These two links may help with your research. BTW, Corene's skills are highly regarded here on HD and really knows her stuff.
New Copper Still
http://www.coppermoonshinestills.com/
“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.”
- W.C. Fields
My EZ Solder Shotgun
My Steam Rig and Manometer
- W.C. Fields
My EZ Solder Shotgun
My Steam Rig and Manometer
Re: New Boiler Build
Thanks guys! I checked it out. According to her post she likes them short and fat. That’s how I will go about it.
Re: New Boiler Build
This is something g I've been thinking about, my original thought was to go tried and true with a keg and internal elements.
The problem in my mind at least us that my minimum still charge will be quite large, and its not going to me suitable for maceration gin absinthe etc.
So my thought is to go with a relatively tall thin stainless steel boiler of total volume about 30 litres 23cm square 60cm tall. Fully insulated with either a 4 or 6" ferrule on top. good for a charge from a standard 24 litre fermenter,
Have the elements external with aluminium plates to "spread" " the heat to mitigate scorching, total 3kw with half being actually under the bottom and the side elements no more than 100mm high. Bottom and side elements on separate controllers.
This arrangement should also allow for quite small amounts to be run - for example i could do a large stripping run then a spirit run without having to do several stripping runs to get enough of a charge to cover elements, also macerations of relatively small volumes.
I have VERY limited space so a single boiler with a modular head pot still / ccvm
The problem in my mind at least us that my minimum still charge will be quite large, and its not going to me suitable for maceration gin absinthe etc.
So my thought is to go with a relatively tall thin stainless steel boiler of total volume about 30 litres 23cm square 60cm tall. Fully insulated with either a 4 or 6" ferrule on top. good for a charge from a standard 24 litre fermenter,
Have the elements external with aluminium plates to "spread" " the heat to mitigate scorching, total 3kw with half being actually under the bottom and the side elements no more than 100mm high. Bottom and side elements on separate controllers.
This arrangement should also allow for quite small amounts to be run - for example i could do a large stripping run then a spirit run without having to do several stripping runs to get enough of a charge to cover elements, also macerations of relatively small volumes.
I have VERY limited space so a single boiler with a modular head pot still / ccvm
Re: New Boiler Build
I prefer diameter to be slightly larger than height. This link will help size the boiler and gives a fill volume option. I chose 75% full for head space.
https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculat ... n/tank.php
Edit- it may take a couple of tries to guess the filled depth to get your desired %.
https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculat ... n/tank.php
Edit- it may take a couple of tries to guess the filled depth to get your desired %.
My 9" Shotgun Condenser
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
Re: New Boiler Build
Thanks, had a little play with the calculator, same results as my simple maths.SmokyMtn wrote: ↑Sat Jan 30, 2021 8:10 am I prefer diameter to be slightly larger than height. This link will help size the boiler and gives a fill volume option. I chose 75% full for head space.
https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculat ... n/tank.php
Edit- it may take a couple of tries to guess the filled depth to get your desired %.
My reasoning for tall an thin is to give me a wide range of fill volumes from as little as just a few litres all the way to 24 litres full charge
Re: New Boiler Build
Glad it helped. I use it frequently to narrow down my own dimensions.
My 9" Shotgun Condenser
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.