CCVM still first time build

[MooseMan]

Another thing you could consider is a bypass switch. I noticed that the only time my controller got hot was when it was running at full power. I put in a bypass switch so that the power went straight to the element if I didn’t need to control it. The switch had 3 settings, Off, On no control, On with control. You could just put a bypass switch on one element circuit.

Noted, thanks Kim.
I may be able to get one of those FOC at work, from some decommissioned kit, so I may as well use it if there is one!

[MooseMan]

Wired the controller's up today, very basic box with removable lid in case I want to add a fan.

Armoured cable right through.

I'm really not happy with the element wiring sticking out of the keg like it does, so I'm going to try using ABS water pipe fittings as element covers to run the cable at 90°

This should hopefully minimize the risk of it getting bumped etc.

[MooseMan]

Ok, so after wiring everything up I wasn't happy with the element end of the wiring for 2 reasons.

I really don't want everything permanently wired to the elements, as it's a major pain to spin them back out of the keg if I need to, with the cables attached.

And secondly, the way the cables stick out is just asking for them to get bashed/broken/caught on something.

I tried making a 90 with pvc 40mm waste pipe, not good.

So I've had a re think and knocked up something that I think will be far better all round.

A thin steel plate cut and drilled to suit, goes over the element threads. This is bolted to a small electrical cover box, similarly drilled out.
Some PTFE sheet that I get at work for a face gasket will hopefully seal off on the fitting in the keg but PTFE tape on the threads will do that anyway.

This is as far as I've got for now, but I'm going to put an IEC socket in the side of the box wired to the element, and an IEC plug on the end of the cable.
Safe, instant, clean disconnect. Hopefully!

[NormandieStill]

Be aware that the standard IEC connectors (computer or kettle leads) are only rated to 10A. At 220V you'll be OK, but you may find the connector gets a little warm during a run. You want to try and find the ones with the little notch (read the wikipedia page on IEC connectors) as they are rated to higher temperatures.

[Yummyrum]

I was using one on 2400 W element on 230v …. It always ran hot …. Then it melted

https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 0#p7552309

[MooseMan]

I was using one on 2400 W element on 230v …. It always ran hot …. Then it melted

https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 0#p7552309

Oh, I'll have to test that a bit then.
I've got the higher temp rating connectors and will be wiring them myself to the 2.5mm cabling.

I would expect things to get a bit warm during heat up, with both elements running full whack, but once I'm up to temp I assumed as I'm dialling things right back it should be fine?
From what I've read here, I'll be way down, probably pulling under 500w constant during reflux?

I had planned to turn one element off once up to temp, but I could even run both elements at very low setting for the run if things seem too warm.

Anyhow, thanks for the heads up on this I'll watch everything carefully when I do my cleaning runs and see what happens.
I have a very accurate laser thermometer so I can pinpoint precise areas for temps in the entire setup whilst running. (I've actually got a basic, Raspberry Pi based thermal imaging camera I can use if I think it's warranted!)

[MooseMan]

Be aware that the standard IEC connectors (computer or kettle leads) are only rated to 10A. At 220V you'll be OK, but you may find the connector gets a little warm during a run. You want to try and find the ones with the little notch (read the wikipedia page on IEC connectors) as they are rated to higher temperatures.

On it, thanks for that Normandie.

[zed255]

You can switch to RV power connections, a recessed male in the element box, that allows connection using a standard (appropriately rated) extension cord. Just a thought.

[MooseMan]

You can switch to RV power connections, a recessed male in the element box, that allows connection using a standard (appropriately rated) extension cord. Just a thought.

What do they look like zed? Can I get these in the UK?

[zed255]

Sorry, I didn't realize you were in the UK, with a username like 'MooseMan' I assumed you were on my side of the pond. It looks like:

I would imagine similar exists in the pattern of your electrical connections in the UK.

[NormandieStill]

Check out CEEForm connectors (standard camping blue connectors). They have the advantage of being water-resistant as well and take you up to 16A which gives you a good amount of overhead.

[MooseMan]

Sorry, I didn't realize you were in the UK, with a username like 'MooseMan' I assumed you were on my side of the pond. It looks like:

IMG_0127.JPG

I would imagine similar exists in the pattern of your electrical connections in the UK.

Thanks zed.
Haha yes it's my nickname given to me by a group of fishing mates many years ago.
Never hunted a Moose but I'd love to one day!

[MooseMan]

Check out CEEForm connectors (standard camping blue connectors). They have the advantage of being water-resistant as well and take you up to 16A which gives you a good amount of overhead.

Once I get a bit of time to get back to it I will check these out, thanks.
I think I know what they are anyway.

[MooseMan]

Hi all.
Can't believe it's been 3 months since I was coming up to finishing my build!

Well, other things had to be prioritised, and ALL of my hobbies had to go on the shelf.

I'm through the other side of that now, and ready to run a vinegar clean today whilst I test for any vapour leaks etc, and hopefully if all is well, a sac run tomorrow.

I have a question to ask once I'm ready to run for real, but I'll ask that outside of this thread.

I really enjoyed building the still and learning more about the why and the what from all you guys who stepped in to give me advice and help, really appreciate it.
Now it's time to learn the intricacies of actual distilling!

[dragon9874]

glad you're back... you can help school us yungins! love the looks!

[MooseMan]

glad you're back... you can help school us yungins! love the looks!

Thanks man, but it's gonna be a long time before I've got the knowledge of this hobby to school anyone!

[MooseMan]

Short update, I got the elements wired to my controllers, fitted them and fired everything up, all works fine so I'm happy with my wiring etc but...

Still not happy with the element connection.
I've used little boxes with an IEC plug as per my earlier post, and it works fine but it still doesn't feel "Solid" enough.

I'm going to get a couple of the caravan (RV) connectors as suggested to me by zed and see if I can make something sturdy before I go any further I think.

[MooseMan]

I have thoroughly enjoyed following this blog of your build! I also have a CCVM. At the risk of making your column any taller may I suggest that you treat yourself to a sightglass or a sight tower for immediately under the offtake? This will give you really important visual confirmation of the conditions inside the column.

Sorry to regurgitate an older thread, but now that I've had time to run my still, I've been looking hard for a sight glass as suggested by Kim. It will make it just that bit too tall, but I really do think I need one to help me learn how to run it well.

And I've found what I think might be the perfect solution, a "Short" version that will only add 4" to the column!

[kimbodious]

Cool, looking forward to hearing how it works out for you.

[MooseMan]

Thanks Kim, now I've run her twice I really can understand how a view into the top of the column is so useful. I can't wait to be able to actually see the Reflux happening in there!

It's arriving from China end of this month, so the first dry weekend after that she'll get a run!
I'm seriously thinking about building a little shelter next to the garage, tall enough to accommodate Arian Mawr so that I can run in any weather, but my wife is not keen on that idea, at all...

[MooseMan]

So, quite hard to believe really, but the sight glass arrived today, just over a week after I ordered it from China?!!?!

It looks really well made too, and super compact so it will hardly add any height or bulk to the still column, I'm very, very pleased with it.

I'm hoping I can do my first stripping run tomorrow in pot still mode, weather permitting, so I'll add it to the setup just to see what it looks like in there!

[squigglefunk]

I'm hoping I can do my first stripping run tomorrow in pot still mode, weather permitting, so I'll add it to the setup just to see what it looks like in there!

stripping/sacrificial run eh?

[MooseMan]

[/quote]stripping/sacrificial run eh?
[/quote]

No I meant my first time running the still in pot mode, to do a stripping run.
I've now, finally, done my cleaning, sac and first Reflux runs with her column on, but I've yet to do a strip run to get a high ABV boiler charge, so I want to try that.

[tomtom]

MooseMan have you cut into your column yet for the T? Im thinking it would be easier just to use a 2.5" end feed T - no need for flanges or tri clamps. I use this on my 2" column and use a wrap of ptfe tape to seal the joints -works fine

Actually Rum, I've decided that to get the most out of my still and to make it more future proof so that I can enjoy it for longer, it's best after all to get a stainless tee and an elbow, so I've ordered them, along with the needed tri clamps.
It means I'll have to make another couple of easy flanges, but I think in the end I'll have a more versatile setup.

The decider was, that I found a place in the UK that sells a large range of sanitary stainless parts at very reasonable prices.

[tomtom]

What uk company did you get your stainless parts from
Thanks thomas

[MooseMan]

Hi Tom

I got the UK stainless parts from a company called Distilling UK. Not anywhere near as cheap as China prices but he's UK based.
I'll be honest though, if you can find low shipping, AliExpress parts are the way to go.

Let us know how you get on!

[tomtom]

Hi moose
Yeah I have bought from them before a few years back ,
Got copper mesh , and the csst for my condenser
That time they were the only place I could find it who would sell me a small amount of csst,
Others only sold it in 100 feet rolls

[MooseMan]

There's also a really good UK company called flowsource process fittings, who sell all kinds of SS parts, but you'd have to setup a business account to buy from them.

If you're not in a rush Tom, I'd look to China. That's where most of the UK suppliers get it from anyway!