Well I final got everything together. I had to wait for a few parts to arrive. The head is attached to the lid using a sink flange. I ended up using a FIP copper fitting that allowed the reducer to slip right onto the female threaded coupler. It made the connection a little cleaner and reduced my likelihood of a welding error. The lid has a nice ridge that can be sealed with flour paste. I thought about using a HDPE tube and slicing it lengthwise to fit the edge of the lid. Clamps would then hold the lid in place. The section on the lid where the two ends meet was causing me fits with letting vapor out. I may try using the tube and then a small amount of flour paste to seal the problem area.
My first is a basic pot still with a Liebig condenser. The boiler is an old coffee percolator (3 gallon). The new percolators have an automatic feature that lowers the temp after the preprogramed brew time. This one is at least 20 years old and thankfully it was made before they added the automation to the controls. The dial set to 10 will rapidly boil water. Between 7-8 the temp holds around 190. Hopefully during my cleaning runs I will be able to get a better feel for the dial settings. Eventually I would like to add a tank thermometer, but need to increase my welding and brazing skills.
at the top of the column I have a space for a thermometer so I can keep track of vapor temps. This will be attached using a stopper with a small hole for the thermo to go through. I soldered a union to the condenser to make it easier to break down for cleaning and storage. Probably didn't need it, but I think it will come in handy.
This has been a great site to help along the journey!
K
First build - Coffee Anyone!
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First build - Coffee Anyone!
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