Double Reducer

[O'Mahony]

I just thought to show progress on my second still build. The pictures pretty much tell the story............... the rest I will try to describe.

Construction: 2” diameter column with a 1.25” X 3.25" long throat between the reducers. The condensate overflow tube is 3/8" diameter. The top reducer is 2.5” diameter to accommodate the condenser coil. The condenser coil is built using nearly 15' feet of 1/4” tubing (parent site) having an overall length of 6.5” A 1” cold finger soldered to the vented condenser shell cap. Using an 7.5 gallon stainless steel boiler with a 1500w immersed element.

The overall packable minimum column height is yet undecided but it will be an extendo slip fit take down column. This unit is intended for a friend who's current living situation demands compact. I do look forward to running it! Cheers O'Mahony

[rad14701]

O'Mahony, that double helix reflux condenser is already overkill for a 1500 watt element, and even more than that... No need to complicate things by adding an additional coldfinger condenser along with it... What you have there should knock down more than triple what you're currently intending to throw at it...

How will you be handling the deflection of the reflux dropping off the condenser...??? Use of a Tee, loose slant plate, slotted throat and cap, or some other method...???

Looking good so far... Keep us posted...

[O'Mahony]

Rad, thank you for your input! I did calculate (parent site) the condenser being over sized before I wound it. Beyond my need to build everything “overkill” my over-sizing is a consideration of using less water (gpm) thru the condenser to achieve the needed knock down. The condenser water will (at least initially) be total loss.........down the drain. I think I will end up with a short 10.5” over all length condenser / reflux head section when completed, so still staying relatively compact.

This same condenser / cold finger set up works seemingly very well in my first (posted) build, so I thought to use it again. The cold finger won't be irrigated and I sort of view it as a vapor splitter, directing the vapor toward the condenser coil. I believe that the condensate collects and follows the coil to the collection cup reservoir. Any rate my first build collects well using this method without shielding the vapor / reflux path. I also wonder if the venturi effect (added velocity) of the 1.25” step down won't make use of the additional surface area of the condenser? Probably day dreaming.........but regardless, I am confident it will work well.

This build is actually further along than the photos I've posted today. I will look to update this build with some additional photos in a day or two.. Regards, O'Mahony