how does a condensor work ?

[terryt]

Hi there- I posted this a while ago, but it looks like it never made it, so I'm posting a second time. I am looking for info on the Bob Sebert type of still. I have bought his book, showing how one goes together, but I can't understand his description of how the condensor goes together. Would anyone here know - What is it that travels inside the 4 ft of copper line ? Is it the cooling water ?
thanks, TT

[Uncle Fred]

Hi there- I posted this a while ago, but it looks like it never made it, so I'm posting a second time. I am looking for info on the Bob Sebert type of still. I have bought his book, showing how one goes together, but I can't understand his description of how the condensor goes together. Would anyone here know - What is it that travels inside the 4 ft of copper line ? Is it the cooling water ?
thanks, TT

The review of his book sounds like he's making the still out of plastic pipe, is that right? Don't do it.
Do you have a picture of what you are talking about? Or a better description?

[ponyboy]

Areyou talking about one of these?

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[Guest]

yes, that's the one. I have everything made except for the condensor and the hoses that connect all the tubing.

[LeftLaneCruiser]

Is the stuff you make intended for drinking ? Then don't make such a still. Get rid of the plastic first...

Replace those tubing with copper or ss.

There has been a LOT of discussion on plastics in the past, try the search function and/or FAQ's to get an idea.. After that think it over once more..


KJH

[knuklehead]

I think that inside the PVC pipe is a coil which the vapour passes through, sort of like a coil in a bucket but with constant water flow. The PVC only touches water, not distillant. Everyone is right telling you not to use the plastic hose. The rubbing stopper in the top is also no good. If you use copper cap, attach copper tubing to make the U at the top of the column, then attach the U to a copper coil which goes into the PVC condenser shell and continue on with copper on the output it will be fine. You don't want any alcohol coming in contact with vapour or distillant. You can use the same design just make the changes suggested.

[Guest]

thanks guys - this is a great site. So the copper line that runs inside the abs carries the distillate, and the inside of the abs deal is hollow and is used to circulate cooling water. I can do that.