VM head variations

[gbdsl0]

Hello all. Some time ago I erroneously built the Still Maker Internal Reflux Still (I have taken some re-assurance from the fact I am not the only one) After plenty of reading I have decided I am going to recycle this still and convert it to a VM still.

It's seems relatively simple to do and I was originally going to replicate the design outlined in the Compleat distiller.

I have throughly searched this site for everything relating to VM and have found there are several variations as to where the gate valve is placed and the design of the take-off point. Please forgive my rudimentary drawings

Still Head 1.jpg

Still Head 2.jpg

Still Head 3.jpg

Still Head 4.jpg

Still Head 5.jpg

I have my head around the reasons for different designs around the take off point (Reflux control) but can't seem to find solid reasoning for the placement of the gate valve. Does this just come down to perosonal choice of the builder or is it efficiency/cost related. I can see placing the valve on the vertical allows the use of a smaller valve but I already have a 1 inch valve.

I'm sure this has probably been covered but I haven't been able to find it after over a week of searching.

Thanks to all those who have posted the excellent pics of their rigs and offered their time and advice helping us newbies out.