Plus 1 on CM cooling water needing to be of a constant pressure and temp.bluefish_dist wrote: ↑Thu Sep 01, 2022 7:06 pm
Imho a CM requires a more stable water supply than a VM.
A VM and LM doesn't have that problem .
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Plus 1 on CM cooling water needing to be of a constant pressure and temp.bluefish_dist wrote: ↑Thu Sep 01, 2022 7:06 pm
Imho a CM requires a more stable water supply than a VM.
Shady, this has been one of my favorite builds I’ve seen. Love that condenser. So simple. Otisshadylane wrote: ↑Sun Sep 04, 2022 7:19 pm
The column height and packing makes for max purity, not the type of reflux condenser.
Here's how big the coils need on a 4" dephlegmator that can handle 6kw @ 100% reflux.
All you have to do is clamp it on the end of the column and connect the union to the reflux condenser.
Yeah that’s the longer term goal. I’m actually really looking forward to playing and experimenting with this CM. Changing things, plotting stuff on graphs, pushing it to it’s limits… All in the name of education and having fun. Oh, and having something nice to sip on toostill_stirrin wrote: ↑Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:24 pm I suggest looking at the CVVM or even a conventional valved VM design. Bothe work great and regulate the reflux well for a consistent %ABV product off still. CM’s can be tricky to manage to keep the product consistent as it produces.
ss
Ooh, I’m very interested in this. Do you have a link where you provided more details on this biild?
I totally understand your point, but there's always another way to skin that cat. For instance you could install a blank plate beneath the reflux condenser with any size hole you want. That would increase the takeoff rate and reduce the reflux ratio based on the hole size.shadylane wrote: ↑Wed Aug 31, 2022 5:40 pmA VM also has some disadvantages compared to a CM or LM.
A VM needs a large valve to control the take off and the reflux condenser is tall.
It doesn't have the ability to be run at low reflux ratios like a CM or LM can.
At best on a VM can only take off half the alcohol and the other half is condensed as reflux.
That's why a VM takeoff isn't used above plates, because the excess reflux would flood the plates.
The reflux condenser for a LM can be mounted almost horizontally is needed.
Last but not least, a LM can be run without a product condenser.
It was part of this.
It has been my impression that CMs are hard to run and finicky wrt cooling water flow and temperature. Depending on who you ask, VM and/or CCVM are the way to go…
This gives me a bit of reassurance. I bought this still because it had good bones. It would be relatively simple to modify it, simply by getting additional tri clamp Lego. However if I don’t need to, that would be awesome. I’m fully committed to have a good crack at running this beast, and if I get a good product, why fix it if it ain’t broken?
Swimming pool? Rainwater tank? I’m currently looking at 1,000L IBCs, that’s the biggest I can accommodate. They go for $120-150 in my neck of the woods, seems reasonable. If not an IBC, I’ll try to score a 200L blue plastic drum. Keeping an eye on Gumtree.howie wrote: ↑Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:43 pm when you get used to balancing your rig it will get easy.
once i have set my RC water rate i never have to change it*, i just do small alterations to the power controller if i want to change the output.
…
*disclaimer - i have a submersible pump in a 50kL water tank.
Oh shite, didn’t think if that. How do you support yours?howie wrote: ↑Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:43 pm as for for weight, the whole thing gets a bit heavy, especially when refluxing (when both condensers are full of water)
the lid is ok weight wise and will support everything you've got (downward weight)
i just support mine to prevent any sideways flexing, i didn't like the look of it when i had the 4" gin basket on as well
Yep 2” column. I saw those at Clark Rubber but wasn’t sure if they’d last? I’ve also been looking into insulating my boiler. I’ve found a purpose made neoprene jacket for the Digiboil. Seems a bit expensive though.howie wrote: ↑Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:43 pm other stuff,presuming that's a 2" column?
clark rubber sell pipe insulation, slides on great
https://www.clarkrubber.com.au/products ... 0662319158
Woah! That’s some serious copper porn/steampunk stuff happening there! Definitely one of my favourite threads on HD
+1 on that. The flex got the better of me, couldn’t help but think it was a fatigue crack just waiting to happen. Forked out for the new heavy duty lid. Bit exxy, but solid as a brick s’house.howie wrote: ↑Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:43 pm
as for for weight, the whole thing gets a bit heavy, especially when refluxing (when both condensers are full of water)
the lid is ok weight wise and will support everything you've got (downward weight)
i just support mine to prevent any sideways flexing, i didn't like the look of it when i had the 4" gin basket on as well
is the heavy duty lid just the normal 2" accessory from Kegland etc, or a lid from some other source?
Kegland does a couple of 2” lids, standard & heavy duty. I started out with the standard model & upgraded cos’ of the flex. The standard has a single 47mm hole on top, whereas the heavy duty has a welded 2” ferrule for the column, and 3” ferrule for sight glass / agitator.GrumbleStill wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:16 amis the heavy duty lid just the normal 2" accessory from Kegland etc, or a lid from some other source?
ok, you must mean this one?howie wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 6:03 amKegland does a couple of 2” lids, standard & heavy duty. I started out with the standard model & upgraded cos’ of the flex. The standard has a single 47mm hole on top, whereas the heavy duty has a welded 2” ferrule for the column, and 3” ferrule for sight glass / agitator.GrumbleStill wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:16 amis the heavy duty lid just the normal 2" accessory from Kegland etc, or a lid from some other source?
That's a nice lid & all, but check this one out for not much more that will add more copper to the vapor path: https://www.williamsbrewing.com/Home-Di ... Still-Domehowie wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 6:03 am ok, you must mean this one?
https://www.kegland.com.au/35l-pro-sigh ... r-lid.html
i saw it, but was put off by the $144 price tag (and i've just missed fathers day )
and i sent them a question about PPSU sight glass, but i didn't get a reply.
i suppose the 3" can be replaced by glass or SS
36 inches of 13 mm marbles will work in 2 , 3, o 4 inch columns.rockymars wrote: ↑Sun Aug 28, 2022 1:09 am Hey all,
A total noob question about column height to achieve azeo.
I’m planning to build a modular 2” CCVM still using tri clamp sections, Meccano style.
I’m aware that the column height is quoted in a range of 1:15-1:24 of column diameter. If I push it to the limit, let’s say I make my column height 48”/1.22m.
Now I’m just a bit confused by something. Is this the height to achieve azeo without packing? Or so I need to add packing too.
Funnily enough, I have been reading up on marbles for the last week. I’m seriously considering that option.drmiller100 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 26, 2022 4:06 pm 36 inches of 13 mm marbles will work in 2 , 3, o 4 inch columns.
I run LM with an almost horizontal condenser. Super simple. Easy to Make. As good as anything else imo.
I think I know tho pie weights You are talking about.rockymars wrote: ↑Tue Sep 27, 2022 12:22 amFunnily enough, I have been reading up on marbles for the last week. I’m seriously considering that option.drmiller100 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 26, 2022 4:06 pm 36 inches of 13 mm marbles will work in 2 , 3, o 4 inch columns.
I run LM with an almost horizontal condenser. Super simple. Easy to Make. As good as anything else imo.
The other option I am looking at is ceramic pie weights. They’re about 10mm diameter, unpolished and not too expensive (AU$35 will give me 36” worth).
Any opinion on that?
Hey Yummy,
Yep those are the ones!
At first I thought why does he care about the diameter of the bucket until I realized you are talking about the marbles. I am limiting myself to one drink.