Automatic temperature control

[carlo]

as anyone figured out a way of controlling the temperature (the water flow) automatically. I don't see why you shouldn't be able to hook up a digital thermometer to some sort of micro processor and a solenoid (or the like) to regulate the temp/water. That way you can set the temp and forget.

Is there anything on the market that does this?

[Time Lord]

It can be done and valves exist for exactly that purpose. Cost is a problem.

Danfoss is a source for automatic temp control:
http://www.danfoss.com/NR/rdonlyres/801 ... 00E102.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[rad14701]

carlo, why would you need such fine control over coolant flow...??? Have a read around this site if you think you distill by attempting to regulate vapor temperature with coolant... Distillation doesn't work that way as is covered in the distillation theory section of the parent site...

The only reflux column that has ever really attempted to use that technology was the Charles 803, from back in the 80's, which was intended to be used for fuel ethanol only... The temperature controlled water valve ranges in price from $195 - $395, depending on where you can find them, and the resulting product is not what you would want to be drinking...

[carlo]

Thanks