From reflux to pot

[Grayson_Stewart]

Brought over from old forum:

BigA
(stranger)
09/20/04 08:33 PM
From reflux to pot



HI all,
I've been over on moonshinestill.com and looked over the site a few times and the valved reflux still head looks like the one for my first still.

I will be attaching the column with a bolt-on flange. After reading a few dozen threads on this site about using a pot still I think I might want to convert this still for that use later on. What do you guys think would be the best design plan to use so my still can be used as a pot still? Should I just bolt on a new condenser later or place a union in it now?

Also, in addition to a better condenser, are there any other improvments to this"world class distillation apparatus"?

Thanks, that's about all the stupid questions I can think of right now.

Ubernewbie,
BigA

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Fourway
(old hand)
09/20/04 08:41 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: BigA]



the nicest improvement in my opinion is the bokakob dual elliptical plate inline head. it's hard to find plans for though.

Gin was mother's milk to her. - George Bernard Shaw

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Knuklehead
(enthusiast)
09/20/04 08:44 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: BigA]



Improvements...yes. The coil is way to small. Use 16-20' of 1/4" copper for the coil instead of the suggested 4'. I learned this the hard way. Also, if you want to make neutral spirits up to 95% increase the column length. I increased mine to 36" from the suggested 28 and I can pull just under 95%. I would suggest another foot if you have no problem with height. Other then that it is a great still. If you have questions don't be afraid to ask because there are a few members here with the same set up and they can all make great suggestions for improvement.

I am Canadian

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BigA
(stranger)
09/20/04 08:48 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: Fourway]



I did see that today on some back pages, it looked a little bit more than I wanted to do for my first go. I do like the idea of a single column, it would look much cleaner than the one I'm planning.

Thanks,
BigA


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BigA
(stranger)
09/20/04 08:57 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: Knuklehead]



Thanks Knuklehead,

No, I have no problems with height. I was planning on 36", but I can go higher. Today I read a number of posts about cooling and was going to go with what you suggested.

Do you think it's important to increase the size of the head to 3", or should I just keep it 2" and add the 20' of 1/4" coil(wrapped around a 1 1/2 form) to form a longer head?

Thanks,
BigA

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Knuklehead
(enthusiast)
09/20/04 09:09 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: BigA]



What I think is that the condenser jacket size doesn't matter. What I don think is important is to start the coil as tight as possible. I put a double helix in my 3" jacket and I always put a scrubber on top of the condenser just to slow down the speedy vapor. If you have a 1 1/2" tunnel through your coil you will get a lot of vapor just shooting past the coil through the center unless you slow it down somehow. You could push a scrubber into the coil or just plop one on top like I do. I have also read of people taking a piece of 3/4" copper pipe caped at one end and using that to restrict the flow down the center of the coil. Also, I started my coil around a 1" pipe and then went around that with another layer. My coil goes down into the 3-2 reducer you see on the plans. Another word of advise which I didn't have is to make your coil removable. Make it so the intake and output of the cooling water end at the top so you can pull the whole thing out and clean it as well as inside the condenser. Good luck.

I am Canadian

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BigA
(stranger)
09/20/04 09:34 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: Knuklehead]



I was planning to run the inlet of the condenser down the middle of the coil with two 90 deg fittings at the bottom.

thanks,
BigA

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grayson_stewart
(enthusiast)
09/20/04 10:23 PM
Re: From reflux to pot [re: BigA]



My column is about 46 inches of packing with a union at the top and I have the removable condensor. It makes flushing the whole thing out alot easier, I can get a scrubber in and out of the coil, place one in the top of the cap, and even remove the entire coil to soak in vinegar from time to time.

Good things may come to those who wait. But only the things left by those who hustle