Tower of Power

[Burl Jerkins]

Has anyone used the Blichmann Tower of Power 240v controller for distilling? Have a question about temperature probe placement.

[fizzix]

I'm assuming you have the electric controller model instead of the gas controller one.
Don't use the temperature probe for distilling*. Instead, put it in Power Control "ON" mode to modulate the power by dialing in a percentage.
Crank it up high to get the boil going, then dial back the percentage to get a fine pencil lead product stream coming out of the spout.

*You can't run a boiler by temperature. A reliable product stream can only be controlled by power input to the heater.

I've never used the Tower Of Power, and I'm only going by the manual's instructions. Maybe someone with first hand knowledge will have better advice.

[acfixer69]

When I saw tower of power I was thinking 69-70's R&B. Gettin old as gold. As the fizzman said and we are also assuming that you are still running a pot still. And also taking it that you own one already. If you don't there are other options for less money.

[Burl Jerkins]

I have not purchased yet. I've looked at other controllers, most seem like home built junk compared to the ToP. Would love some ideas. Want 240 for sure.

[Burl Jerkins]

When I saw tower of power I was thinking 69-70's R&B. Gettin old as gold. As the fizzman said and we are also assuming that you are still running a pot still. And also taking it that you own one already. If you don't there are other options for less money.

Running a 13 gallon milk can with a 2 foot, non-reflux, copper column.

[fizzix]

If you don't have one, there's DEFINITELY less expensive options. C'mon you controller guys. Where are ya?

[Burl Jerkins]

I have some time. Really want electric to do runs in the summer. Can't use gas in private when it's 80 outside, too hot in the garage!

[acfixer69]

There are many controllers out there and you can spend as much as you want. The one that stilldragon sell is as good as any and if you are the least bit handy can assemble it. I'm not affiliated in any way but giving you an option.
http://stilldragon.com/index.php/diy-la ... oller.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[acfixer69]

I have some time. Really want electric to do runs in the summer. Can't use gas in private when it's 80 outside, too hot in the garage!

Electric is the way to go for most in the burbs got to go inside and for me it was the only way.

[Burl Jerkins]

There are many controllers out there and you can spend as much as you want. The one that stilldragon sell is as good as any and if you are the least bit handy can assemble it. I'm not affiliated in any way but giving you an option.
http://stilldragon.com/index.php/diy-la ... oller.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

That does look pretty simple and the price is right. Do you use this setup?

[Saltbush Bill]

Many many distillers world wide are using the option that AC posted up , The other thing is way over priced for what you need.

[acfixer69]

There are many controllers out there and you can spend as much as you want. The one that stilldragon sell is as good as any and if you are the least bit handy can assemble it. I'm not affiliated in any way but giving you an option.
http://stilldragon.com/index.php/diy-la ... oller.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

That does look pretty simple and the price is right. Do you use this setup?

Yes very similar to it but I built mine before the evolution of controllers. I wish that choice was out there 8 years ago.

[nuntius01]

build your own. i built mine. not that hard. might cost you about a hundred dollars with parts.

[The Baker]

How big is your element??

If it is fairly low capacity you probably don't need a controller at all. What do you experts say?

Geoff

[acfixer69]

build your own. i built mine. not that hard. might cost you about a hundred dollars with parts.

That's why I sent him that direction one stop and 50 bucks and at your door.

[freefall]

I am running the controller kit from still dragon on a 5500 watt heater. It works great. I do want to add an ampmeter to it as part of my flute upgrade. I will be fixing a second keg up for runing the flute I am working on and will upgrade the controller as well a bit.

[Burl Jerkins]

Thanks folks! Think I will just build one myself. I'm pretty handy, mechanic by trade, can probably figure it out. Have a great electrician's supply store close.

[greggn]

> https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main ... cts_id=353" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow


I've built two controllers using the Auber SSVRs ... add a meter to facilitate a repeatable process.

[Burl Jerkins]

> https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main ... cts_id=353" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow


I've built two controllers using the Auber SSVRs ... add a meter to facilitate a repeatable process.

Meter? Should probably know what you are talking about, but tell me anyway, lol! Ammeter?

[greggn]

> Meter? Should probably know what you are talking about, but tell me anyway, lol! Ammeter?


Yes, an ammeter.

Having grown tired of pencil marks on my first build I added the following to my second build to provide a more consistent and repeatable process.

https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main ... cts_id=490" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Burl Jerkins]

> Meter? Should probably know what you are talking about, but tell me anyway, lol! Ammeter?


Yes, an ammeter.

Having grown tired of pencil marks on my first build I added the following to my second build to provide a more consistent and repeatable process.

https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main ... cts_id=490" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

What about a digital PID controller? Any drawbacks other than price point?

[Expat]

PIDs are useless for distillation. Plenty of threads on that topic.....

[Burl Jerkins]

PIDs are useless for distillation. Plenty of threads on that topic.....

Good to know. Was wondering if I was supposed to search through threads instead of asking questions?

[Expat]

PIDs are useless for distillation. Plenty of threads on that topic.....

Good to know. Was wondering if I was supposed to search through threads instead of asking questions?

Yes actually, searching with the "HD Google Search" function and then ask.

[Hoosier Shine9]

Hi Burl.

I am running the controller from StillDragon, I went to the larger size for ease of building (have fat hands).
I did not put a meter on it, went to Harbor Freight and got a clamp on multimeter, it works but I am still planning on getting a meter on the box.
I have a 15.5 keg with a 4500w 240v element. only reason I don't use the 5500w is because I thought I had a defective one and when I returned it there only had 4500w in stock.
I also am using the Element guard Kit from SD.

[fizzix]

Here's how to use the HD Google Search if you need to know, Burl:

[Burl Jerkins]

Hi Burl.
box
I am running the controller from StillDragon, I went to the larger size for ease of building (have fat hands).
I did not put a meter on it, went to Harbor Freight and got a clamp on multimeter, it works but I am still planning on getting a meter on the box.
I have a 15.5 keg with a 4500w 240v element. only reason I don't use the 5500w is because I thought I had a defective one and when I returned it there only had 4500w in stock.
I also am using the Element guard Kit from SD.

Thanks for the info.

I pieced together a set up using Auber and Amazon. Gonna be $300 deep by the time it's over, but most of that cost is in the damn cord and plugs, actual controller components were under $150.

Doing a 5500w element, ammeter/voltmeter, circuit breaker/power switch, and an indicator light. 8x8 box with external heat sink for SSR. Pretty excited to put it together when it all gets here. I'll post some pics when I get it going.

Was thinking about the element guard, but I'm using the Dernord heating element that is in a zig-zag shape, so kinda screwed there. Run clean thin wash most of the time anyway. Will just use my gas burner if I do a thicker wash. Going electric so we can run in the summer months.

[Borneogoat]

I looked at the Still Dragon controller, because I run a still that is very similar. The electrician at work looked at it and said, "Wanna save 50% and a couple hours putting it together?" I now use one of these, works great. This is on Australian Ebay, but I'm sure they can be found elsewhere...

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/122813028968" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Burl Jerkins]

Alright. All done. First run with this baby happening Saturday. Did a test with water, pretty impressive, brought 10 gal to boil in 32 min.

[acfixer69]

That looks awesome Burl. Good luck on Saturday.

AC