LM VM modular design idea

Vapor, Liquid or Cooling Management. Flutes, plates, etc.

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Schwartzer
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LM VM modular design idea

Post by Schwartzer »

I am planning on building my first still. I decided on a VM LM modular combo. I have an idea but not sure if it will work. has anyone put slant plants by the VM opening and a small shelf to cause turbulence. Two other options would be dual slant plates and the 2" T below it Or dual reducers with a T in between them? I attached a picture of my idea.

Another question, for the multiple connections should I use threaded fittings or silver solder a SS tri clamp ferrule on a copper pipe? Can someone give me the pros and cons on the connections for copper pipe (slip, tri-clamp, threaded)
Tpipe.jpg
?
rad14701
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Re: LM VM modular design idea

Post by rad14701 »

Yes, deflector plates have been tried and found to not be effective... Your best option is to build what has become the de facto standard for LM/VM columns where the LM is at least a column diameter or two above the VM branch... Having the LM collection cup right at the VM branch will cause diminished performance...

However, if you want to try proving previous finding wrong, go ahead and give your idea a go - but you will need a standard VM configuration for performance comparison... You should actually have three heads - your LM/VM Tee, a standard VM Tee, and a LM/VM head as has been proven effective by forum members... Heck, build a fourth by having a Bokakob dual slant plate LM section and you'll round out the whole field...

I wouldn't waste my money on expensive threaded fittings... I'd use slip fit as much as possible and only solder the lower side of couplers... That's the method I have always used and have never had problems... For our use there isn't enough stress to dictate absolute rigidity...
Schwartzer
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Re: LM VM modular design idea

Post by Schwartzer »

Thanks for a quick and helpful response!!
Would your design with a T between the 2 reducers work as good as a larger diameter T before the reducers?
What kind of seal do you use for your slip joints? ( flour, Teflon, nothing...)
rad14701
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Re: LM VM modular design idea

Post by rad14701 »

The reduced T causes better separation at the branch due to increase in vapor speed... It is explained in greater detail in the appropriate topics...

I use flour paste to seal slip joints but Teflon tape might also work for larger slip joints...
Schwartzer
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Re: LM VM modular design idea

Post by Schwartzer »

Is there any issues if using the same liebig for both LM and VM?
Building your head with a T between reducers is there a distance from the LM part to the VM part do I have to worry about? I plan on using a 2 to 1 reducer so with all the fittings the LM & VM will be at least 2" away from each other.
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