column size advice

[PANMAN1965]

I have an 8 gallon cooking pot that I want to convert to a stove top . I have made beer for a long time so I am ok on the fermentation part, but I want to convert the lid of the pot to a column and just make a simple pot still with a counterflow ( lieberg I think you call it) condenser.. I have a stainless steel tube from a sanke keg and the ID seems to be right at 7/8" If I cut a hole in the top of the lid and have this tube welded to it will that work or is it too small. I also have about 4 feet of 2 inch stainless pipe I could use but I am afraid that for a 5 gallon wash that will be overkill. Either way the rest of the build will be copper. ALSO I have been reading and watching videos for over a year off and on but still have a few questions such as how fast or slow to run... ANY advice is greatly appreciated.

[PANMAN1965]

by the way.. posted this here because I saw someone say that too small of a column can cause back pressure and basically create a bomb.

[Prairiepiss]

1/4" would be too small. 3/8" would be the minimum recommended size. 1/2" would be better. For the riser off the top either of what you have will work.

[PANMAN1965]

thanks. I will use the 7/8 pipe.. will make the arm and all easier to make.. way less reducing.

[Prairiepiss]

Something to consider. If you make it from the 2" pipe. Later on when you want to upgrading to a bigger boiler. A keg. The 2" can with the addition of a triclamp ferrule clamp right to the keg.

[PANMAN1965]

I have a nice 15 gallon keg I was planning on using later...won't a 2" 3 foot column be way too much for an 8 gallon pot? or can it be too big?

[Dnderhead]

i'm not to much into reflux stills but id say it will work fine

[PANMAN1965]

http://www.stilltutorial.com/index.php
I have a question about this design.. it looks to me as if you would be collecting your product directly above the flame if using this on a keg still with a propane burner...Wouldn't it be wiser to angle the condensor out and away from the column? OR am I being overly paranoid?

[Prairiepiss]

Yes it would be safer to collect away from the boiler. Especially if using flames to heat. I would stay away from the link. The 2" will work just fine on that pot. But if you already have a keg. It will be much easier to just start with the keg as a boiler. Add a triclamp Ferrule to the bottom of that 2" and clamp it on the keg. Don't even mess with the pot. The keg is so much easier. You will eventualy want to do it anyway. So just do it.

[rad14701]

http://www.stilltutorial.com/index.php
I have a question about this design.. it looks to me as if you would be collecting your product directly above the flame if using this on a keg still with a propane burner...Wouldn't it be wiser to angle the condensor out and away from the column? OR am I being overly paranoid?

You can do better than that design... Simply because someone creates a website and dedicates it to a specific still design does not make it the best option... Do you really really need CAD drawings and step by step instructions to build a still...??? Stick with one of the proven designs discussed in these forums instead...

[rainman13]

eveyone says that 7/8" is too small, 1/4" will build too much pressure, " You need a Tri-clamp". First, my column, packed with copper mesh and a 1/4" copper arm to the worm works fine.never had a pressure issue. i use a No-Hub-connecter,( a rubber slieve (2" x 1 1/2")and 2 hose clamps). no leaks. good thing i dont listen to everyone. also a 5/16" racking tube is fine to transfer low wines to the boiler, but dont use the acrilic tube because it will dissolve with high alcohol, i use a S.steel racking tube.