CM water temperature control

[Klein]

Hey guys I have finished my other projects and was looking for another project to tinker with.

Background information

I have the t-500 reflux still and I have removed all the synthetics (other than the top cap).
I also made an attachment for the lid so I also have a pot still as well.
For my pot still head I also made a 32” Liebig ¾” over ½” as well as an inline parrot.

I am using well water, so like others I have the same problem of water pressure variations. To solve this I have a bucket on the roof trusses with a float valve to keep it full and at a constant level. As well as a pipe on the side at the bottom for the water to flow with gravity down into my still. This setup Works well and has been tested with cheap garden hoses mounted the same way the permanent pipes would be laid out on the wall. Before I do the gravity fed system I’d like to try another idea, due to the fact that I could see possible problems with that setup, like a blocked pipe for example.

Next project

My next idea is to try to electronically control the temperature of the cooling water. They (still spirits) say to run it between 50 and 65 degrees Celsius. I would like to be able to set it to keep the water temperature around about 54 degrees Celsius. What I’m not sure about is what controller id use, but the idea would be to have a thermocouple and a small proportional valve.

The idea is that maybe I could use this system to replace the gravity system and I could also take it when I move out. I would also have it housed in a pvc box that would be large enough that I can later add more safety features.

Before anyone says it, no I am not leaving it alone! When I try to keep it set at the low 50 range it often drops into the 40s.

If anyone would be able to help point me in the right direction that would be a huge help.


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[rad14701]

Perhaps too simple but how about utilizing a secondary pressure regulator so the flow remains constant... Your water temperature isn't varying, just the flow rate... No electronics required, just a pressure regulator... KISS...!!!

[Klein]

I have read that on other threads, but was never able to find one that I thought would work.


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[rad14701]

I have read that on other threads, but was never able to find one that I thought would work.

Home Depot, Lowes, eBay, Amazon... All you need is a valve that you can set at a lower pressure than your system cycles at and still get the coolant flow volume you require... No gauge required... Just set it for a given flow rate and adjust from there, up or down, as needed...

[Klein]

If I remember correctly back when I was looking for it, the nearest homedepot and home hardware did not have any. I guess it's one of the only problems of living in the middle of no where lol. I'm in Ottawa for trade school. So I know I can get them here lol. Thanks for the reminder rad, it never crossed my mind to look for them here :/



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[rad14701]

Something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-3-4-in-Brass-MPT-x-FTP-Pressure-Reducing-Valve-3-4-LFN45BM1-U/205073410


Get one that has the connections to suit your needs...

[Klein]

Looks like Home Depot in the USA have a lot more options then in Canada.
Thanks for all your input rad. I'm not sure why I did not think to check for them when I got into the city lol


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[WIski]

This may be a cheaper fix. I have one these and it seems to stabilize my water supply very nicely for our purposes. YMMV

https://www.dripdepot.com/item/senninge ... psi-15-psi" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow