T500 - anyone extended the column?

[Alcophile]

Hi all,
I have only recently started in this hobby/craft. I have a T500 column (as well as the alembic head). I know this is far from being the best regarded still on here, however on the very few runs I have done it seems to be working fairly well for making gin.
However I have been wondering about ways to improve it! Has anyone fashioned an additional column section which would screw into the bottom, filled with packing, to effectively lengthen the column?
Would this improve its performance as I would expect?
Incidentally does anyone know the specs for the thread at the bottom of the column?
Thanks for any insights you may be able to share!

[Saltbush Bill]

They are really not a bad little still for what they are......there are just better and easier to use.
Extra length would help I think.

[brewstillski]

You ever figure out a solution to this?

[kimbodious]

You ever figure out a solution to this?

It is worth doing say to add another 600 - 900 mm of packed column to the still.

[Chauncey]

I think the bulkhead fitting is 1.75 inch npt iirc. I built a new column on mine until the boiler lot on fire

[Alcophile]

You ever figure out a solution to this?

Still using it as sold so far. Looks like the fitting is a 1.5" BSP, still interested in making an extension, but also wondering about a complete build (could then sell on the T500).

[brewstillski]

That's where I'm at with it as well. Thanks for the update.

[Avo]

Incidentally does anyone know the specs for the thread at the bottom of the column?
Thanks for any insights you may be able to share!

Hi Alcophile,

I have posted a link. You need two bulk head adapters, one with nut for the T500 lid. One bulk head adapter without nut for the T500 column. You can decide the length of extension spool tube, minimum 300mm / 500mm. You will need two 2"tri-clamps & two gaskets. Any other info' required feel free to ask.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3284525 ... 4c4dMwek7K

AVO

[Alcophile]

Thanks for that Avo, very helpful!

[Avo]

Thanks for that Avo, very helpful!

Your welcome. You can find spool tubes on AliExpress (Distillex) You can interchange the spool tube with a sight glass if required. Extensions work well on the T500. I sold mine quite some time ago and put together a good still using seperate parts from AliExpress.

[jimnz]

good replies, but no answer as to weather the juice is worth the squeeze.

[Saltbush Bill]

A t500 column is shorter than what would be recommended by anyone here for a good reflux still build.
Lengthening the column will in theory improve the efficiency of the still and in turn improve quality of the end product.
The decision of " is it worth it" is up to you. Are you happy with your current neutral or do you want to make the best you possibly can?

[Reefer1]

Just to chuck my penethworth in,
I extended my T500 ss column by 20" packed it with copper rolls in addition to the OEM packing, no alterations to the water supply feeds, ran as reccomended, i didnt get any increase in purity, 92-93 abv as normal with 20" extention, so i built a complete new 2" column. It' s not a bad little still, unless you are making vodka, 92, 93 abv is ample.