Just Joined

[Candleworks]

Hi

I am completely new to distilling but well versed in making beer.

Got the idea to build my own still while traveling Europe. First tasting the Korenwyn in the Netherlands and then visiting Sipsmith Gin distillery in London. Just had to try my hand at making my own gin.

Couldnt make up my mind on a type of still so I designed my own... Switch from a reflux to pot till by adding a thumper or bypassing it with copper pipe and opening the reflux tap. It also had to be small and able to take apart easily to hide... Not exactly legal here.

Only done one cleaning run so far but hoping my idea works.

Here is 2 pics

Cheers from the sunny side of Africa

[rad14701]

Greetings, Candleworks...

Looks like a spaddle legged coat hanger still... Just kidding... Kinda...

Where to start...???

A glass jar as a thumper is a bad idea... Not big enough to make a difference and also a safety concern...

Not sure what your thinking is with all of the pot column, including angled section... Is it packed...??? Packing a pot column doesn't really do much at all because unless there is forced/dynamic reflux, by having a condenser above the packed section, as soon as the packing reaches vapor temperature there will be virtually no reflux...

Way too many valves on that contraption, which can cause safety issues...

I just don't see how you think that setup will run efficiently in any mode... Perhaps you can explain it a bit better but, personally, I'd suggest tearing ti back apart and building two purpose-built still heads... At the moment it just looks like a plumbers nightmare...

I'm not saying any of this to be insulting, I'm merely pointing out the obvious... You need to do some intense research here in these forums before thinking about putting your ideas into practical application... We promote safety here and I'm not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling by looking at your current configuration...

[Mazriam]

I see where your going with it. I like the idea, being able to return the distillate back to the boiler if you so desired. I don't know if this serves any purpose or gives any advantage.

I could be wrong here, but it would appear you have your thumper backwards. It appears the vapor being routed into your thumper is attached to the short pipe in the thumper....yes? I've never ran a pot still, but i think that's backwards.

In addition, a glass thumper poses a safety concern, if for any reason, your thumper was pressurized, it could explode.

[rad14701]

I could be wrong here, but it would appear you have your thumper backwards. It appears the vapor being routed into your thumper is attached to the short pipe in the thumper....yes? I've never ran a pot still, but i think that's backwards.

In addition, a glass thumper poses a safety concern, if for any reason, your thumper was pressurized, it could explode.

You are 100% correct, Mazriam, that thumper is piped backwards... The way it is connected now would cause pressure to build and push thumper juice up and out of the thumper... Yet another reason more research is required... And another reason not to run this configuration and start over...

[Prairiepiss]

Look out glass jar and valve on output. It's a bomb. Take cover. Ahhhhhhh.

[Coyote]

Welcome!

You have much reading to do before you are
ready to start running anything except away from
that thing!

Safety First and Always

Yes your thumper is backwards

No valves in the vapor path just not a good plan

Please read read read some more

Good luck
Slow down, you'll get a more harmonious outcome

Coyote

[Candleworks]

I know there need to be some changes made.

The thumper is on backwards I know. That has changed and the glass is next to go.

The idea is as follows:
The column can be packed if needed or left open.
The bend is to allows the chiller to run parallel to the top part and still allows a connection with the column.
For pot still mode I will install the thumper ( no glass), close the reflux valve that connect to the column and let it run free.
For reflux I would disconnect the thumper and replace with copper pipe, close the outlet valve down to allow liquid to build up and spill down the reflux connect.
The 3rd valve right after the chiller is only to allow it to swivel when connecting, the tap has been unscrewed and cant be closed. Dont want pressure to build up. A hole has also been drilled chiller side of the taps to prevent pressure build up.

A lot of the design was dictated by supplies available and my limited building skills.

[Candleworks]

Just to make clear I have only run it once for a few minutes with water to check if my seal with the kettle was tight.

Before I do anything further I'll change the glass thumper and redesigned the exit