Deroy lens improvement

[enrysuper]

Hi,
I bought a Deroy''s lens, also called "Lentille de correction", a sort of dephlegmator, it works in order to "pre-condense" the fewest volatile components, and let goes out the most volatile, due to a "veil of water" placed on the heitght of it.
That is!

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The first run with this support disappointed me, because the "weil of water" don't cover all the surface, and ABV doesn't rise, and the feints/head concentration don't improve

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So I decide to open the object in order to discover it.
That's is!

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So I think that I can put a reverse pyramidal pattern coil in order to condense back into liquid when the vapour comes into contact with the "reflux coil".
(sorry for this picture I don't use CAD but I must learn)

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I think I can collect more foreshot/head, because when the flow rise up, the fewest volatile (ethanol-tails mixture) fall down and the most voltatile (a part of methanol, etyl-acetate..) go to the waterjacket then they will be rejected. I will do the same with tails.

Questions are, could it be a right way? Is it an improvement? Suggestions?

Thank a lot

[still_stirrin]

There’s many ways to improve reflux. And that looks like one possibility.

Another is the reflux column. And there is multiple ways to regulate the reflux ratio, which affects the separation of the fractions by volatility. Coolant managed (CM), liquid managed (LM), and vapor managed (VM) reflux stills all are effective at stacking the column with the variations of volatility. Perhaps, the easist to operate is the VM, then the LM. I don’t know how easy (or difficult) it is to operate the Deroy lens reflux chamber, but it certainly looks intriguing.

Good luck with your project.
ss

[enrysuper]

Thanks SS,
I know that, so I was wondering about build a Bokakob (LM), but i've read that it compromises flavour's feature. Does VM preserve the product better than LM?
However, I'll improve it!

[Danespirit]

All things being equal (column height etc.), the VM system won't preserve the product any better. It's simply a matter of running your still in a way you'll get a satisfying product as a result.
You can draw product with a very high ABV and still get flavors through, as some do it with plated columns.
The main difference between LM and VM is that the LM has only one condenser and so the product may come off a little hot.
To counter that some use a little condenser on the take-off, like I do : viewtopic.php?f=87&t=54834#p7298626

[enrysuper]

Yes Dane, I'm worry about the lens height instead of the product's temperature, I must punch a hole on the top if I want to make reflux system and surely the vapour flow will go out because the lens is 15cm (5,9in) tall. I'm seriously thinking about plated column, is this the best way to preserve flavour? Thank u!

[Danespirit]

If you want flavor, a plated is the preferable option.
However, if you're aiming for a high ABV a reflux column is the way to go.
Wich type it will be must be up to your personal preference.

[enrysuper]

Flavor is my interest! Build a plated is not so easy as build a Bokakob...I will follow Brendan's one, adapt to my case. Maybe I can use Deroy lens improvment for strippin run!
Another question...Does Plated Column collected foreshots/heads/tail better than the others systems? On the top it collects an high % of ethanol if I remember good!

[Danespirit]

The "collection" of the fractions, depends vastly on the distiller.
The more you get familiar with your still (and the recipes you use), the better cuts you'll make.
That being said, the more distillation one gets the better separations of the fractions. HETP (height equivalent to theoretical plates). http://homedistiller.org/calcs/hetp_calc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
If you're looking to produce a flavored product, you can do with 2 or 3 plates. A lot of people are running brandy and whiskey like that.
I'd suggest you think about what your primary product will be and then read about the different types of stills.
Also, have a look at the build threads in here to get an idea of what could suit your needs.

[still_stirrin]

enrysuper,

To add to what Dansespirit said, your Deroy lens may be very effective to produce the full(-ish) flavored spirits you’re aiming for. It does look complicated to operate (reliably and with consistency) however. The other (more traditional) reflux columns are easier to operate.

The plated column (a CM) still can be slightly more challenging throughout the run because you adjust the water (coolant) flow to the top of the column during the run to vary the reflux ratio and hence, the purity of the product.

The LM (Bokakob) is easy to manipulate because you adjust the liquid (condensate) take off rate to adjust the amount of reflux back down the column for a given heat input setting. The take off is the reflux adjuster.

The VM adjust the vapor take off and returns the rest of the produced vapors to the column in the form of condensation. Once set, typically the VM will maintain a uniform purity off still as the reflux and product balance continuously at the vapor production rate.

However, for all of the columns, you can increase the flavor throughput (at the expense of purity) by shortening the packed column. Less packing will reduce the interaction of the rising hot vapors and the falling condensed liquids, pushing more of the flavor and volatiles through to the output. In fact, all of the reflux stills take on the performance of a potstill as the packing is eliminated and the reflux disabled, sending all of the produced vapors to the output.

A potstill will give you the most flavor, yet produce the lowest proof off still. Adding a thumper adds another boiling/reflux plate and improves purity and proof while keeping as much of the flavor as possible. Whiskeys and rums are often made this way. Brandy is likewise occasionally made this way.

Depending on the product you’re trying to produce can be dramatically affected by the choice of equipment you use. Choose wisely...and with knowledge.
ss

[enrysuper]

Thanks to everyone...I produce fruit-based spirits, but I want to improve cut's collection! I'm making a plated column, not more than 3 plates! Then I'll give you the report! Thumper's option will be considered not far! I hope I chose wisely