First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

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Pita
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First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Pita »

I posted this in one of my previous posts, but since I was the last reply prior, I doubt anyone would notice there's a new post (I sure wouldn't!). It's better suited in here anyways. Pretty much a direct quote. What do you guys think?


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I'm going to use Hawke's suggestion on the sizing.
Everything should be relatively to scale. The pipe parts are definitely, but the couplings are guestimated. The column is made of an undecided length of 1 1/2" copper. The T is 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 1/2 (actually - I based that part off a 1x1x1/2, so I'll probably need to do a step down.). the 1/2" meets a 1/2" disconnectable union and then a 45* bend. That connects to my poorly drawn up 3/4x1/2x1/2 T. The 1/2" is inside the 3/4" liebig (36") with another T at the end.

How's it lookin'?

Pita
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Four20
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Four20 »

where the T joins it all together why not add a 45 pointing back down into the collum to add a small amount of reflux?
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Hawke
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Hawke »

Looks like it will work. Dont need much above the outlet. You could even use a reducing 90* instead of the T.

Why add reflux to a pot?
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
CoopsOz
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by CoopsOz »

It will work but don't over complicate a pot still. Remember a coil in a bucket works very, very well! If those bit's and pieces are what you have lying around then go for it, but if you have to buy the parts you could minimise fairly significantly. I'm definately not saying mine is the only way to go but it is an option.

CoopsOz pot
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blanikdog
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by blanikdog »

A bloody good option!!!! I suspect that I'm getting reflux - too much - in my new setup. I have eight inches of two inch coming from the kettle now and it seems to have made a big difference in time to collect. Maybe I'll need to insulate it???

blanik
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Oaty
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Oaty »

Coop has a point. That leibig condenser is at least somewhat difficult to seal. And a coil works fine. That said, I use a leibig myself.
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violentblue
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by violentblue »

I've done both, and I prefer he worm and bucket. simpler to do and you don't need to use nearly as much water
Pita
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Pita »

I already have my liebig half together. I am, however, positioning the union in such a way that I'll be able to run a thumper into a worm/bucket condenser in the future if I ever feel like it.

Any suggestions for column length? Is the 1 1/2" column a good size or would I be just as good with a 1". I would have to order anything over the 1" - not that it should play into my decision.

Thanks guys!
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Aussie Beamophile
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Aussie Beamophile »

Pita

I have approx 24 inches of 2 inch pipe for my column, others have more, others have less (some even have no column).

Like Coops said, don't over complicate it, there is no right or wrong. Whatever you do (based on that drawing) will work and then you just need to work out how to drive it.

Get it built and get started coz it's good fun!

Cheers,

Scott
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Oaty
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Re: First Pot Still Design - Any suggestions?

Post by Oaty »

My leibig is closer to 36 inches of 1 1/2 outer and 3/4 inch inner, but I'm using the 2 inch column of my reflux as the pot.
Never refuse to do a kindness unless the act would work great injury to yourself, and never refuse to take a drink-- under any circumstances.
- Mark Twain's Notebook
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