Danger of explosions?

[beer-baron]

Hi everyone.

I'm still in the reading phase of this hobby and some people are saying that stills can easily be turned into bombs if not operated correctly.

How big of a danger is this?

Thanks

[Bushman]

Your going to want to do a lot of reading here as safety is our main concern. You can make your still into a bomb if you don't build it right that is why you need to do your research and truly understand the process.

[Ayay]

The danger is real.

1. Too much pressure. The boiler must never be under more pressure than is needed to blow bubbles into a thumper or through a series of plates. A pressure burst happens when the outlet is blocked or cut off. This will release a sudden spray of boiling liquids and flammable gasses. Stills are open to the atmosphere through a breather hole situated past the condenser; a thumper or 'plate' is before the condenser.

2. Letting the hot alc vapours mix with air. This is what a carburettor does for the purpose of an explosion. The hot alc vapours must go straight to the condensor and be rendered to cool alc liquids without contacting the outside air.

3. Leaks and spills. Hot alc vapours must not leak out on their way to the condenser. The condensed liquids must not leak or spill near a naked flame, hot spot, or spark.

Build your still as strong as you can. It must be at least 100% leak-proof; and yet it must also breathe without leaking anything.

[Scotty72]

+1

Ensuring your design (or circumstance) doesnt allow pressure to build will greatly reduce any risk.

Never-the-less, circumstances sometimes intervene: water supply or the pump might fail; something may cause the still to topple; a pipe may burst etc. Etc. Therefore, it is wise to never leave your still unattended - at the very least, never be out of ear-shot as, as this is often the first clue that something is awry. In any case, visually check very frequently.

Know your still, read and follow instructions and you'll be as safe as houses.

Scotty

[WalkingWolf]

Follow the left hand without losing sight of the right . . . . . grasshopper.

Good rundown Ayay.

Welcome to HD beer-baron. The potential is always there but as you read and understand more you will come to realize that, with due diligence, the "bomb" scenario is avoided.

[beer-baron]

I'm getting the Essential Extractor II from Brewhaus so I think my still should be safe enough. Right?

[moonshine guy]

I do not like the boiler they sell, the base is way to small for my taste. Small at the top and bottom and wide in the middle. The column are ok, but make sure you put some copper packing in then. Always have to have some copper in a stainless steel rig!

[Bayou-Ruler]

I do not like the boiler they sell, the base is way to small for my taste. Small at the top and bottom and wide in the middle. The column are ok, but make sure you put some copper packing in then. Always have to have some copper in a stainless steel rig!

Get the premium kettle:



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[Samohon]

I'm still in the reading phase of this hobby and some people are saying that stills can easily be turned into bombs if not operated correctly.

Only if you don't study the pages here at HD...
A still is like a big domestic kettle, always open to the atmosphere and never sealed...
Even the flute builds are open to the atmosphere, but are advanced designs for the novice...

Welcome to the boards...

[beer-baron]

I am getting the premium kettle. Great deal on a New In Box Rig. Can't wait to fire it up.