First Still Advice

[jfowler99]

Ok that makes sense. so If I made a thumper it would be only for running in pot mode then?

[still_stirrin]

Ok that makes sense. so If I made a thumper it would be only for running in pot mode then?

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=6084

[Tummydoc]

Thumper allows you to distill on the grain with no risk of scorching and no need to strain. I put wash in the boiler, slop in the thump. Mainly in pot mode, but I will place a bubble cap plated column on the thump with a CCVM reflux condenser and do a single run whiskey on the grain distillation. I insulate both boiler and thump. Little more efficient, but mainly prevents me from touching a 180-212 degree keg. That sumbich is hot!

[jfowler99]

So a quick drawing on my thoughts. just the basic idea. Thoughts?

[Tummydoc]

Those will work fine, and if you can tig weld they are great. But I've never found the need for a cleanout on the top of the keg. A hose rinse is all thats needed and I do that through the Sanke fitting. If you are going to add a hole beyond the heating element ferrule, I'd add a drain port and valve on the bottom because siphoning or tipping to drain gets old. Also if you have a drain in your boiler, you can then place it above your mash tank, heat the water in your boiler and drain it into the mash tank, eliminating the need for a separate mash vessel with a heating element. I use a Keggle for this purpose, and as my boil vessel if I'm making beer.

You can do two openings for your thumper, or have your thumper spear configured to all work through the sanke opening.

[Corsaire]

I'd keep the 2inch opening on top as is for now. You can find 2inch to 3inch reducers easy enough. 2" is cheaper and plenty fast for a pot and thumper, you can go bigger when you find you want more speed for refluxing.

Other thoughts: you can make a concentric thumper connection. That way you don't need to modify the second keg at all.
You don't need three ports on top of your boiler either. The standard 2 inch and a bigger fill opening is enough imo.

I don't think I'd run the reflux column off a thumper, unless both it and the boiler were filled with low wines. At least for neutral runs. You run the risk of overfilling your thumper, and depleting the boiler charge so hard that the element runs dry and burns out.

[jfowler99]

How large of a drain fitting is recommended? And with a fitting I would probably need to add legs to the pot for clearance correct.

[Tummydoc]

In the boiler, 1/2" or 1" would be fine. If you plan on grain in your thumper, 1.5-2" would be better. If you have high ceilings, a drain on the bottom of boiler would be great with a stand or guided through the keg handle. To save height I mounted on the side at the bottom of the keg. Leaves a half gallon or less, but I can lift that to dump.

I use a 10 inch brewers funnel to fill through the sanke. Works even for grain so I don't see a fill port as a high return on investment. Just my 2 cents. Might love it if I had it.

[Expat]

Having the drain on the bottom and routing it through the keg handles works great, it's basically flush. Adding come casters only costs you a couple more inches and is well worth it.

I would recommend against 1/2", it really is too slow on a gravity drain. 3/4" is better and still fits with the space of the keg handles.

[jfowler99]

For the dream if I don't have a height restriction dead center on the bottom would be best correct and then just add legs cuz I'll be doing all my Brewing outside

[Corsaire]

I use a 10 inch brewers funnel to fill through the sanke. Works even for grain so I don't see a fill port as a high return on investment. Just my 2 cents. Might love it if I had it.

I like not having to remove my column/thumper attachment to fill and drain the boiler. I swear I'm just efficient, not lazy

[zed255]

Adjustable legs for levelling and room for drain:

viewtopic.php?t=65873&p=7479729#p7479729

[Twisted Brick]

Adjustable legs for levelling and room for drain:

viewtopic.php?t=65873&p=7479729#p7479729

Top-notch solution. Wish I had learned to weld.

I heat on a NG burner, so I roll my kegs and barrels around on a barrel dolly. Here are a couple of pics I had laying around that might help in your design formulation.

[Tummydoc]

I like not having to remove my column/thumper attachment to fill and drain the boiler. I swear I'm just efficient, not lazy

Oh, yeah that makes sense now. Like I said. Might just love it!

[jfowler99]

Hey, Its been a while. Between covid, long work hours and hunting I haven't finished yet. I still need a 2 ports welded to my keg, and build my heater control. Purchase a 5500w element. All my parts are pretty much bought just need some building. Its modular so I'm posting pics of what I have so far. Would appreciate your thoughts, criticisms and advice. Thanks again!!

[Tummydoc]

You're fine in pot mode, you dont really need the riser under the site glass unless it puts the PC output at a convenient height. I'd move the site glass directly onto the keg if you're looking for a puke, otherwise can lose the site glass in pot mode.

In reflux, looks like you changed your mind. Your drawings were CCVM, but your setup is coolant management. So now you're gonna need needle valves to regulate coolant flow, probably monitor coolant temp. CCVM would have been so much simpler to build and run, and cheaper. CM can be a finicky beast. Good luck on that one.

[jfowler99]

Yea decided to go that way. Sort of fits my personalaity. I still need to install the valves. I have a 55 gallon drum and a 8x8 heat exchanger with a fan to cool water going back into the drum. Didn't picture that part yet. it has definitely been fun. so in pot mode, put the elbow straight onto the keg instead of the shorter pipe?

[Tummydoc]

The risers just help put your product at a convenient height in pot mode. I dont think your shotgun will clear the edge of the keg with just an elbow. I use a 6 inch spool to clear the keg and collection vessels go on the floor. What you have will work.

[jfowler99]

ok I see. I can raise the keg when im running or also change the angle a bit if needed. Thank you