Column length on a valved reflux still

[hummelfahrer]

High you experienced oldtimers,
I have a some serious questions to ask.
I plan to build a still,that will adapt to the 50 litre beerkegs that are commonly available.I plan to make it a valved reflux-type still.I will heat it with propane and a ringburner.Outdoors to minimize alc. vapours.
Now I got several questions:I have a lot of 2;5 inch stainless tubing on stock.
What is the best length for my column??How high should I branch off,to angle towards the condenser??How many turns should I give my condenser unit??What is the best diameter of condenser tubing?? Is it better to mount a small diameter condenser with a lot of windings or are a few turns of big dia. tubing the answer??
I assume that the best input for my reflux flow is just above the packing,dead centre.
Now,if any of you experienced old shiners are willing to me profounded good advice,I'm sure the first one to listen to you.
I thank you ahead of not leaving me stuck on doing it by trial and error.
hummelfahrer

[Grayson_Stewart]

Minimum 36" on the column, 48" column seems to work just fine for the majority of people here. Shorter the column the more reflux you will have to provide. Branch off after column packing and the reflux return line.

Number of turns is a function of how much copper tubing you can pack in there. You should be fine wrapping a double helix of 1/4" copper tubing from a piece of tubing about 20 feet long. The more surface area and the more nooks and crannies for the vapor to crawl around the better. This can be achieved with the smaller diameter tubing.

Good Luck.

[hummelfahrer]

Hello Steward,
Thanks for the info.These are definite measurements to work with.
And I ain't ashamed to ask,when not knowing.

[bokakob]

2.5"x15=37.5" (as more experienced references mention)
I would say 3 feet would be nice.