The big NO NO, plastic in a still

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Nightforce
Swill Maker
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:18 am

The big NO NO, plastic in a still

Post by Nightforce »

Okay, so I have some "plastic" in my still. To be specific, it's a valved reflux still similar to the one on moonshine-still.com only made from 1½" and 2". I machined a bottom valve housing from some acetal copolmer (delrin) and also made a plug for the top of the column where the thermometer goes from the same material. The plug at the top is sealed via 2 buna-N o-rings. Tolerance between the thermometer port plug and tee is about 0.010". The valve assembly at the bottom of the still head is as tight of a machined fit as possible to the copper tee, about +0.005" press fit, with a rebated lip and sealed with JB Quik on the outside (no JB in contact with the interior of the still head). I've checked the chemical compatibility of delrin with all the by products formed in the foreshots noted in these forums and every one, with the exception of acetic acid, it's listed as A - excellent.

I know most here would instantly say "no way, no how", but given the good chemical compatibility of delrin to the products it's in contact with, is this really a bad thing? I've checked the surfaces of the plastic and have not noted the slightest bit of erosion or marring.

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