Need a little help with my worm

[Squattingcoyote]

First off let me say I really appreciate the wealth of infinite knowledge available on this site. I'm in the middle of making a pot still head for my 15.5 keg and need some advice.

I have a worm already constructed from a previous (abandoned) project, it is 10' of 1/2" copper tubing in a 7 gallon stainless pot. Is this enough worm for 10-12 gallon washes? I believe the rule of thumb is about half the size of the boiler so I think I'm okay on the flake stand size but what about the tubing? Would I be better served to get something with a bigger ID?

Any help is uber-appreciated. Thanks!

[heartcut]

That ought to work, but you'll probably be able to strip faster through 3/4" (over twice as much area). Don't let that keep you from running, what you have will condense some spirits. The 7 gal volume won't be a problem if you can circulate water through the pot.

[Squattingcoyote]

Heartcut, thanks that's what I was hoping to hear. I remeasured just a sec ago and its more like 16' of worm. I'll give'er a go and see how she does.

[Squattingcoyote]

Just to clarify, this is 1/2" OD tubing. Am I still okay? If not I can go find some bigger stuff if I have to.

[wv_hillbilly]

1/2 OD is about the absolute smallest I'd go. It may be alright for spirit run, but you may get some huffing and surging on stripping runs.

[Squattingcoyote]

Good deal I'll just have to run easy and see how it does.

[lickermaker]

Good deal I'll just have to run easy and see how it does.

That is usually the best advice for anyone running there own still. you gotta run your easy and see what happens with yours. Being that just about every one is different and the running conditions are different. you gotta make your own experiences