Condenser

Anything cooling/condenser related.

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lostnalaska
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Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

Ok started to do a coil condenser for the main column. Building a CM. coil was a Paine in the but and not what I think I want so no I'm looking at a dephlegmator. I was going to use 3 1/2" lines inside. Attached are pics. Do u think solder will be strong enough to hold the end caps on the the weight of the still. Also is a pic of what I have so far. I was going to crop it into the main column, a few inches below the T. Total height will be about 58". Will it be strong enough?
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kiwi Bruce
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Re: Condenser

Post by kiwi Bruce »

You should be OK, whats your pot made out of? How is it going to be attached? When you do your final fit-together, before your cleaning run, you'll see how stable it is. If you have any doubts at all, construct a stand to support the whole column, it could even be something that comes down from the ceiling. By the way...good pics. kiwi
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lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

My pot is a 13.5 gal keg.

My intention was to get my column about 6" below the T. I was going to use the 8" piece of 2" pictured, flip the caps upside down as pictured solder them two the 8" piece, drill my holes for three 1/2" pieces to run along the inside for the vapor to travel and drill two holes into the side, upper and lower for the inlet exit. I'm just worried abot the strength of an essentially two flat pieces soldered together.

Or I can try to find some copper flat stock and cut circles then just use two couplings. What do I think?
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Re: Condenser

Post by googe »

it would work like kiwi said, but ive done a few joins like that and with weight on them they can produce a weak point. A normal build like you mention with the couplings would be strongest. Cold fingers work OK too, tpee did a good one http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 17&t=47020. Good luck mate.
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lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

Well I ended up ordering two pieces of flat plate to build the condenser properly. Would rather not risk it being unstable.
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Bushman
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Re: Condenser

Post by Bushman »

If you are going to drop the dephlagmater in through the top you should check out my dephlagmater build of how to fit the pipe inside another pipe. I have a 4" column and cut and shortened the diameter of another 4" copper pipe by cutting the length and bringing it together so it slides into the main column. Below is a link to my build.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 50&t=28241
lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

Bushman that is an awesome build and some great craftsmanship.

My intent is to build the shotgun condenser and solder it in the column with two couplings. My pipe is 2" so I'm gonna use 4- 1/2" piping inside, and drill into the side f the pipe for my inlet outlet. How far below the T should I crop it in. I was thinking about 6 inches?
lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

Ok just got my couplings former my in column shotgun cooler. Do you think I will have to solder these in? It says the o rings are rated for 250 Fahrenheit. Plus I think they will make a tight enough seal. I like the idea of it being removable. What do you all think?
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pythonshine
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Re: Condenser

Post by pythonshine »

Pretty close to rule#8 don't you think?
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Kegg_jam
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Condenser

Post by Kegg_jam »

Here is the tech data on that seal I think.

http://www.viega.us/cps/rde/xbcr/en-us/ ... tions).pdf


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lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

I will give it whirl during my vinegar clean and see if I get any vapor by
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der wo
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Re: Condenser

Post by der wo »

Those O-Rings are EPDM. Probably safe for pure ethanol. Probably not safe for foreshots. According to the data we have. Perhaps in a few years we have different data...
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UnSub
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Condenser

Post by UnSub »

Maybe find direct replacement PTFE orings? Is all Teflon hard white or is there a softer variation?
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der wo
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Re: Condenser

Post by der wo »

UnSub wrote:Maybe find direct replacement PTFE orings? Is all Teflon hard white or is there a softer variation?
That would be something new. Teflon is always hard and mostly white. There are teflon coated o-rings. I don't know, if with the right measurement.
In this way, imperialism brings catastrophe as a mode of existence back from the periphery of capitalist development to its point of departure. - Rosa Luxemburg
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UnSub
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Re: Condenser

Post by UnSub »

Then I suppose it would be nearly impossible to contort Teflon orings into the press fitting.
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der wo
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Re: Condenser

Post by der wo »

Perhaps the coated ones? But I don't think he will find.
The best method (besides triclamps) to couple copper pipes is in my opinion:
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 16&t=28791
You only need normal solder fittings and teflon tape and it's stable and makes a good seal. That's what I use. That's what I recommend lostnalaska.
In this way, imperialism brings catastrophe as a mode of existence back from the periphery of capitalist development to its point of departure. - Rosa Luxemburg
lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

Well they also came with solder o rings that replace the EPDM. Stick them on then heat is all you do.
lostnalaska
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Re: Condenser

Post by lostnalaska »

That's an awesome idea der woo. And we all now the Teflon will take the heat
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