2" boka head + 4" column

[Klein]

any reason why a 2" boka head on a 4" column would not work? planning on running it at full power (5500w) the coil is ~10" long double wound 1/4" od with good flow.

i also (assuming this all should work) plan on having a 3/8" od takeoff and a 1/2" npt stainless steel needle valve. not sure if the 1/2" would be too big or not

[bluefish_dist]

I run a 2" vm head on a 4" column. Just realize that the vapor speed will be faster between the plates. An external return might be need to limit smearing.

[Yummyrum]

Klien are you talking a out a 4" packed column or a 4" plated column ?

[Klein]

4" packed

[Yummyrum]

Just keep slowly increasing the power until either of two things happen ... Vapour will start coming out the top vent if you have exceeded the RC condensers ability to hold full reflux ...or liquid will start spurting out the vent if its flooding . I think the former is more likely to occur first ..... then back it off a bit .... this is as good as it will run go with it .... take off some product .

[Klein]

If it can't handle full power I might just build a 4" boka

Any thoughts on the 1/2"npt needle valve? The 1/2 thread works well for me. Any down side to going that big?

[still_stirrin]

...Any thoughts on the 1/2"npt needle valve? The 1/2 thread works well for me. Any down side to going that big?

If it ain't broke....don't "fix" it.....
ss

[Klein]

I can get the 1/2 for the same price as the 3/8. But with the 1/2 I have the parts. I'd have to get fittings for the 3/8.

As I don't have any 1/2" needle valve I am not sure if i would loose too much control or not.

[bluefish_dist]

I have a 1/4 and 1/2 needle valve. The 1/4 adjusts nicely, while the 1/2 is too course for my tastes. This is on a still running 8000w. I don't run it as a pot still so I don't know if either one will flow enough for that application.

[Klein]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll take a look at the 3/8 and stay away from the 1/2