Charles 803 Still ?

[quirxi]

Hello,

has anybody here ever made and used a Charels 803 still ?
I have bought the plans some time ago and intend to build one in order to produce fuel alcohol.
But before I start it would be interesting to hear what other people think of the design of this type of still.

Here are two links for the people who never have heard anything about htis still:
http://running_on_alcohol.tripod.com/id3.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
http://www.beige.org/~gltweasl/equipment.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

So, if you have some experience with this type of still or some thoughts/concerns about it's design I would be pleased to hear from you.


regards,
Arno

[mulekick]

I have an 803 and have made some changes. Some of the changes are:
1. No need to buy that $300.00 valve.
2. No need for making the copper coil for the bottom part of the still.
3. No need for marbles. Use copper or SS scrubbers lightly packed in place of the marbles.
I know that this still is discussed on other forums, both pro and con.
I have used my 803 (3 inch dia.) for a few years with good success. Even if you don't do any upgrades to it, you will make ethanol.

[quirxi]

Ok, thanks for your answer - so at least I know it works and can be used for producing ethanol before I have to try it out and build one myself.

arno

[showrguy]

i built one but never ran it, it is complete, with copper stand and all...
i'd sell it if someone made me a decent offer.. now it's just sitting in the basement.
after all the research i did on making ethanol i decided to make flavored ethanol, and built another still..

[hardliquor43713]

i built one but never ran it, it is complete, with copper stand and all...
i'd sell it if someone made me a decent offer.. now it's just sitting in the basement.
after all the research i did on making ethanol i decided to make flavored ethanol, and built another still..

[manu de hanoi]

I don't remember seeing a spent wash/product condenser heat exchanger on the 803. I recommend it for energy saving purpose

[Ethanol Al]

mulekick, I wold love to hear more detail about the mods you have made to your c-803. Did the mods up the output of the column or just make it easer to build and operate? Thanks Al

edit: if you are still around the forum that is, just looked at the date of that post......

I have an 803 and have made some changes. Some of the changes are:
1. No need to buy that $300.00 valve.
2. No need for making the copper coil for the bottom part of the still.
3. No need for marbles. Use copper or SS scrubbers lightly packed in place of the marbles.
I know that this still is discussed on other forums, both pro and con.
I have used my 803 (3 inch dia.) for a few years with good success. Even if you don't do any upgrades to it, you will make ethanol.