Airstill top lifts up while distilling.

[Usge]

I wont' argue any defense of an airstill, or argue anyone's opinions about them. But, just for factual reference so we have the correct information we are talking about: The "distiller" models are not entirely identical to the water purifier versions. They do share the same common manf of parts...but the alc versions have lower watt heating units and higher speed cooling fans compared to it's sister/cousin water distiller. I've had/used both. It's enough of a difference to notice in operation...but I'm not sure it really makes much of a difference to the overall points made about these units (one way or the other).

They BOTH share the problem with plastic between the coil output and the collection vessel. And it's nasty chinese smelly loaded with chemicals plastic too. There are mods (listed in the reading section) to by-pass and get around some of these issues....but in the end...it doesn't change what it is..nor how it functions overall. I think the stealth/coffee pot kind of thing is what appeals to most people more than anything else.

[Prairiepiss]

They also bag manure and sell it as expensive fertilizer. And have al kinds buying it. But its still shite in a bag. That really could be had for free. With a little leg work.

Just sayin.

[Odin]

Guys,

With all respect: I think I did a good job in answering the OP's question.

The anymosite against airstills is fine with me. No problem. Or at least: "not my problem".

I will leave it at that.

Good day to you all, Odin.

[Prole]

Better to get an alembic like on of these, http://www.hogacompany.com/distillers_pricelist.htm. I can get up to about 84 abv which is more than sufficient.

[nitrous]

for what it is worth, at least one manufacturer offers glass replacement for the outflow.
nitrous

[Usge]

I know some have offered glass collection receptacles, but they still have the problem with the nose being plastic..ie., the distillate drips out of the stainless coil into a plastic nose/bag then drips down into the receptacle/pot for collection. It's always been easy to replace the plastic jug it comes with with a jar or glass or etc..to collect in. Less easy is addressing the plastic area between the output coil and nose.

[nitrous]

I know some have offered glass collection receptacles, but they still have the problem with the nose being plastic..ie., the distillate drips out of the stainless coil into a plastic nose/bag then drips down into the receptacle/pot for collection. It's always been easy to replace the plastic jug it comes with with a jar or glass or etc..to collect in. Less easy is addressing the plastic area between the output coil and nose.

No, this is an addon beyond the recepticle.
The price is an added $8.00 over usual price

nitrous

[Coaster]

@ nitrous,

Could you provide amplifying information on this “glass replacement for the outflow” that you referring to?

Regards,
Coaster

[Usge]

Yes, I'd be interested to see that too. Nitrous, are you saying it has "glass" on the end of the coil inside the head...leading out to the end of the nose, where it then drips into a collection vessel? That would be new for sure.

[drpotoroo]

The air still I bought has NO plastic at the end of the condenser tube. Unless it is the plastic hood being referred to. As yet I have never seen the hood come into any contact with distillate. I imagine it is there for safety if the still pukes. I measure 85% ABV running 40% through again if I cut conservatively. Nevertheless, I am only playing with this to learn while I slowly educate myself on building a real still using advice from these forums and the parent site.

I appreciate the tips on controlling the power level, in the meantime.

[drpotoroo]

Actually, anyone know where a voltage controller can be obtained inn Australia? I can only locate them for different input voltages or different plug configurations than we use here.

[Usge]

The air still I bought has NO plastic at the end of the condenser tube. Unless it is the plastic hood being referred to. As yet I have never seen the hood come into any contact with distillate. I imagine it is there for safety if the still pukes. I measure 85% ABV running 40% through again if I cut conservatively. Nevertheless, I am only playing with this to learn while I slowly educate myself on building a real still using advice from these forums and the parent site.

I appreciate the tips on controlling the power level, in the meantime.

Would be very helpful if you could post a pic?? Or a link? Mainly because if this is a new model different from past ones...I would like to update the reading lounge with info on it. I would appreciate it very much.

I'm no "lectricion", so somebody else would need to confirm this....but I think I recall some people use router speed controllers (variable), to control voltage and/power for heating elements, etc. Most of the one's I've seen are 10amps and designed to work with standard routers. You plug your device into the controller..and then it has a variable dial/knob to control the output/rate. They aren't that expensive (about 21-30 bucks). Again, I would wait until someone who has more experience with such things to advise whether this would work or not (and not burn up your unit in the process).

I'm less sure about the AU models/specs. But a quick search did turn this up http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=KC5478" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Pricey if you ask me.

[drpotoroo]

Yes, thanks - that's looks like the type of thing I'm after. I looked on ebay first, didn't think to try Jaycar. (I usually don't buy this kind of stuff on ebay, but it is generally a good indicator of IF something exists. Not this time, though.) That one is a DIY kit, but a step in the right direction and gives me some other ideas where to look.

I'll see if I can post some pics of the still head later.

[Dnderhead]

if your going to use any kind of curent control,,you need to separate the fan from the heating element.
as the fan could run slow or even burn up depending on type.

[drpotoroo]

Yes, thanks. I have a UPS I can use to power the fan independently.

[drpotoroo]

Here are a couple of pics of the air still I have, as promised. You can see the overall design is the same as all of them. I wonder if Still Spirits have just modded stock they get from China? As you can see, the pipe is stainless steel right out the nose.

Still lid

[Coaster]

@ drpotoroo,

Thank you for posting the picture of the modified re-worked AirStill.

Although someone has ‘re-worked’ the AirStill a problem remains with this design. There is a plastic/synthetic o-ring grommet of some kind holding what appears to be a stainless product discharge tube in place. This plastic/synthetic o-ring grommet is in direct contact with high temperature high proof alcohol vapor.

Regards,
Coaster.

[rad14701]

drpotoroo, I agree with Coaster on this one... I'm seeing some type of synthetic between the larger than needed hole in the top of the boiler and the vapor take off tube... Can you guarantee that this synthetic component is suitable for contact with high temperature high proof alcohol vapor and liquid...??? Do you think the modifier, Still Spirits (?), is willing to guarantee that...???

[Usge]

Thank you drpt. Yes, It appears they extended the stainless coil up to the nose. that's helpful...in that at least you don't have to add an extension or use a compression fitting. I noticed you also cut the bottom of the plastic nose out to keep it from dripping through there as well. Wondering if other newer models from other sources have the same mod?

Coaster is right about the silicon grommet that holds the coil in the head. Some models actually have a splash guard (ie., a small metal shield) over the opening to keep it from puking as easily. But, that grommet is common to all of them that I'm aware of.

[drpotoroo]

I haven't made any modifications to this - the nose was cut out this way when I purchased it.

I had wondered about the silicone inside. As yet I haven't thought of a way to cover it.

[Usge]

That's interesting drpotoroo. If you take a look at the pic on their website of your still, it clearly shows the plastic nipple on the bottom of the nose ..ie., where it would be sealed in. In either case..it's the way you need to have it to keep the distillate out of the plastic. So, great!

ie., the silicone grommet etc. I don't really know a good way to cover it up either. Maybe wrap the coil end in PFTE tape enough to lodge it in the hole and seal it up good? That or just wrap the silicone grommet in PFTE enough to cover it some.


From StillSpirits website

turbo_air_still.jpg (7.36 KiB) Viewed 1795 times