How do you calculate efficiency?

Fatboycrash · Post by **Fatboycrash** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:04 pm

Gudday,
Forgive me if this has been answered previously, and if it has please direct me to the correct place/thread.
How do you calculate the most efficient temperature or energy input or output for your charles 803? I intend using LPG gas to fire a 200 liter drum boiler. What parameters need to be measured? Boiler temperature? Vapor temperature and cooling water temperature over time? LPG gas usage over time as opposed to output and Alcohol proof?
Is there an existing methodology for this? Anyone had any experience? Do you bring the wash up to temperature as quickly as possible and then back of boiler heat or is it more efficient to use a constant heat?
Hmmm... Such a newbie with so many questions...
Regards
FBC

stoker · Post by **stoker** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:06 am

those calculations are very difficult, there are a lot of things you dont know about a still, if you havent built it yet.
doing a testrun and measure the output would be the best way

otherwise, all the energy that goes in, has to go out, but keep in mind the loss of heat due to bad insolation