Insulating a column

[Deerhunter]

I built a 2" modular Boka and was reading some post on insulating the column. Just wanted to make sure I understand what I have read so far. Which is, when running a Boka in reflux mode you don't want to insulate because you actually get a little reflux from the column itself. You do want to insulate when running in pot still mode. Correct?

[DAD300]

Stilling indoors or out? Outside keeping the wind off of it is as or more important. You can do that with cardboars.

Overall the idea of insulating is to save power, you force the reflux.

[Deerhunter]

Will be running outdoors maybe in a shed. I see your point with the wind hitting the column. I guess that would give you fluxuating column tempsn as well.

[NZChris]

You do want to insulate when running in pot still mode. Correct?

That depends on the surface area of your column, ambient temperatures, air movement etc. The smaller the column is, the less reflux it will have and the less important insulation, or none, will be. A pot still doesn't even need a column except to raise the outlet of the condenser to a convenient height so that you can get your jug under it.

[BentJar]

Insulate the boiler and the column to keep reflux consistant.

[cranky]

Personally I don't bother to insulate and don't have any problems on my pot or my 1.5" boka. but I run electric indoors which may make a difference. The way I see it is insulation is pretty cheap and isn't going to hurt anything and may save a little energy which may be important if your running outside or propane.

[still_stirrin]

I have Reflectex on the boiler and column. It helps reduce conduction through the metals and thereby reduce heat loss to the ambient air. This means that your energy is better contained within the boiler and still for the purpose you're intending it for. It improves efficiency.

Since the column reflux relies on the temperature gradient, insulating it helps establish that gradient quicker and maintain it more stable throughout the process. Insulating the boiler helps contain the heat, speeding up the boil.

Insulation on the reflux head, however, would be counter-productive. And as such, is not recommended. The reflux condenser is where you want to liberate heat from the vapor, so allowing heat conduction (through the metal surfaces) and convection (in the water jacket and ambient air) assist in that heat ransfer.
ss

[Hound Dog]

I did not see where insulation helped anything. I run 50+ inches x 3 with lava rock but run it in a garage so wind is not an issue.

[STILL WORKIN]

If I may, I would like to know more about ambient temp in relationship to a 4" 4 plate bubblecap CCVM on a 25 gal copper pot with a edelmetall burner.
Logically(to me) it would not make sense to keep the column insulated throughout the run because of the temp interference with the reflux process. This is my assumption.
Currently it is 4 c/38 f in my shed.

My question is. would it make sense to insulate until the plates started to fill or should I leave it work?

Question. Can I use a non weld thermal well in my pot or must it be soldered.?

I've had two light day pad's under my eyes for the last couple weeks reading about column's and only found this thread about ambient temp. was hoping
some one could direct me to more threads.
Thanks
STILL WORKIN

[Saltbush Bill]

This thread was started in regards to a Boka slant plate still which is a true reflux still used for neutral / vodka production.
A four inch 4 plate column is used for making flavoured spirits, which is an altogether different subject.
A plated column does not need insulation.

[STILL WORKIN]

Thank you.

[Bee]

Insulation will keep you from getting burnt touching the column.