Hi All,
I obtained a length of maybe 1.5M of 63mm copper pipe from a recycle shop and thinking I would make a pot still with a 60 degree angle I cut the pipe in half at that angle. The pipe itself was attached to some elbow pieces that I cut if away from and after spending some time on this forum and seeing others peoples Pot stills it seems I might have been better off leaving the straight section intact and using the elbow pieces to obtain the downward shape to lead into a condenser.
I was trying to replicate the Alcoengine pot stills that you can buy but now that i'm thinking about it maybe it's not the best way to go? I guess I need to think about what I want to use as a condenser before I make a final decision.
I was also thinking it would be good to have this length of copper act as a reflux column and have a pot still part I can just attach to the top. But if i'm making a Boka design (never built a still before) then the plates will cause a problem for the pot still no?
Anyway - My question from all of this is if i decide to rejoin this pipe back together is soldering the best way? Would the joint even be strong enough?
Worst case I could just cut the 2 angled ends flat costing me maybe 5" of length and then attach them with ferrule flanges. But just wanted to get some thoughts on what my options are.
Question on Strength of Soldered Cut Copper Pipe (63mm)
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- still_stirrin
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Re: Question on Strength of Soldered Cut Copper Pipe (63mm)
I suggest you read these threads: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=46216 and viewtopic.php?f=65&t=13342 and viewtopic.php?f=63&t=13261
It will give you a basic understanding of the different types of reflux columns. Modular builds are an advantage because you can vary the configurations to better meet the needs for what specific product you’re trying to produce.
Potstill operation does not need a column. But you can add a riser to help position the output at an elevation that works best physically. I suggest building a potstill first so you can develop some of the other fundamental skills for distillation before you try to push the purity up too high.
Buttom line here....you need to read a lot before committing to a build. Your line of questions says you need to get educated before proceeding.
It will give you a basic understanding of the different types of reflux columns. Modular builds are an advantage because you can vary the configurations to better meet the needs for what specific product you’re trying to produce.
Potstill operation does not need a column. But you can add a riser to help position the output at an elevation that works best physically. I suggest building a potstill first so you can develop some of the other fundamental skills for distillation before you try to push the purity up too high.
Buttom line here....you need to read a lot before committing to a build. Your line of questions says you need to get educated before proceeding.
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
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Re: Question on Strength of Soldered Cut Copper Pipe (63mm)
Not wrong hehe. I've read the boka Build Guide and been using an off the shelf reflux a few years now but building my own is a whole 'nother beast
Looking forward to it and thanks for the articles!
- Yummyrum
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Re: Question on Strength of Soldered Cut Copper Pipe (63mm)
Regarding your question on rejoining the copper with solder . If it were me , I’d cut both ends straight and either use a copper coupler or as you say make it a tri-clamped section .
Although there probably is enough strength in doing a soldered butt joint as far as a basic still is concerned , it would be fairly difficult to do as the solder would tend to run to the bottom while you soldered as there would be almost no capillary action to hold it there .
I would imagine you will have a pretty ugly looking joint .
Although there probably is enough strength in doing a soldered butt joint as far as a basic still is concerned , it would be fairly difficult to do as the solder would tend to run to the bottom while you soldered as there would be almost no capillary action to hold it there .
I would imagine you will have a pretty ugly looking joint .
My recommended goto .
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
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Re: Question on Strength of Soldered Cut Copper Pipe (63mm)
Thats my thinking too! Cut my losses so to speak and just have a 2 section still.
Cheers!
Cheers!
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Re: Question on Strength of Soldered Cut Copper Pipe (63mm)
What he saidYummyrum wrote: ↑Fri Aug 09, 2019 3:30 pm Regarding your question on rejoining the copper with solder . If it were me , I’d cut both ends straight and either use a copper coupler or as you say make it a tri-clamped section .
Although there probably is enough strength in doing a soldered butt joint as far as a basic still is concerned , it would be fairly difficult to do as the solder would tend to run to the bottom while you soldered as there would be almost no capillary action to hold it there .
I would imagine you will have a pretty ugly looking joint .
You design it, I make it. Copper and Stainless. Down under. PM me.