Good day to you all.
Some info before my question to save anyone having to search for my previous posts for my setup.
I run a pot still, pony keg(7.75 gallon shorty keg) 5-6 gallon charge, with a 2 inch copper column 26 inches tall, 2 inch 90, 2 inch x 6 inch arm, 2 inch T, 2 inch x 8 inch drop reduced to 1 inch spout at a 45 angle. In the top of that T is a dimroth condenser. Dimroth is 1/4 copper coil about 6 inches long. If I recall, its 12 feet of 1/4 inch copper coiled up.
I need to build a new column/condenser as my size restrictions have changed. I'll be keeping the dimroth as it works quite well, compact, and easily removed for cleaning/storage as its not soldered in place.
Finally
My question...
If I use the condenser portion of my current set up, the T and the 8 inch down section, and cut off the reducer and the 45 degree take off, basically leaving the take off opening 2 inches, will this pose any problems?
I'd also like to do away with the 6 inch run between the 90 and the T. Soldering the T directly to the 90. I'll angle the condenser as a whole so its not just freely dripping off the dimroth so that I still get a "stream" exiting the 2 inch opening.
Lastly, ill likely need to increase the length of the condenser. Not the actual coil, but the 2 inch "jacket" so that it will reach my jar. Dimroth will still be at the top of the T directly in vapor path, but actual exit would be 12 16 maybe 18 inches away.
And sadly, ill need to shorten up the height of my column as well.
My mind says there should be no issues with this, but some clarification from the gray beards on this forum is always welcome.
No pictures, sorry.
Thanks in advance.
PC design question, verification
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Re: PC design question, verification
My beard has only a few gray stitch but I will also answer waiting for people with gray beard.
I think it could go as a solution even if I don't like that type of PC because of its spiral shape .. but your modification should be well. But it would be more appropriate that you inserted the photo, I may have misunderstood I am also sure that other forum members will also appreciate.
I think it could go as a solution even if I don't like that type of PC because of its spiral shape .. but your modification should be well. But it would be more appropriate that you inserted the photo, I may have misunderstood I am also sure that other forum members will also appreciate.
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OtisT
- Master of Distillation
- Posts: 3272
- Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
- Location: Pacific Northwest
Re: PC design question, verification
I don’t see any issues with what you plan to do. Are you starting with something that looks like the condenser in my pot-n-thumper/dimroth thread below in my signature?
I’m sure you know that the shell of that type of condenser gets really hot, and that your entire length of 2” will heat all the way to the end.
Otis
I’m sure you know that the shell of that type of condenser gets really hot, and that your entire length of 2” will heat all the way to the end.
Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
Re: PC design question, verification
Otis,
Yes, I built my dimroth a while back after seeing yours. My condenser is the same as yours with the exception of the connection point. You use a 3/4 union, mine is 2 inches soldered.
I want to remove the reducer and the angled exit from the shell and leave it a 2 inch opening.
Yes, the shell does get hot. I've been running my current setup for well over a year. I'm not overly concerned with it getting hot, as long as it knocks down the vapor. My element is 5500w, I never run there, but in testing, it will condense at that, though the temp of cooling water exit is very hot if I run it that fast. Like I said, I don't run that fast, even on stripping runs. Temp of distillate in jar hangs around 80 degrees during production.
My biggest concern was opening up my exit from 1 inch to 2 inches. I didn't think it would pose an issue, but wanted to double check.
Bunny,
My size restrictions, and design needs are outlined in the post. My column height and condenser length will be dependant on what gets me to my collection jar.
Haven't made a moch up yet, so don't know exact measurements of column and condenser jacket. But I gave rough estimates.
Yes, I built my dimroth a while back after seeing yours. My condenser is the same as yours with the exception of the connection point. You use a 3/4 union, mine is 2 inches soldered.
I want to remove the reducer and the angled exit from the shell and leave it a 2 inch opening.
Yes, the shell does get hot. I've been running my current setup for well over a year. I'm not overly concerned with it getting hot, as long as it knocks down the vapor. My element is 5500w, I never run there, but in testing, it will condense at that, though the temp of cooling water exit is very hot if I run it that fast. Like I said, I don't run that fast, even on stripping runs. Temp of distillate in jar hangs around 80 degrees during production.
My biggest concern was opening up my exit from 1 inch to 2 inches. I didn't think it would pose an issue, but wanted to double check.
Bunny,
My size restrictions, and design needs are outlined in the post. My column height and condenser length will be dependant on what gets me to my collection jar.
Haven't made a moch up yet, so don't know exact measurements of column and condenser jacket. But I gave rough estimates.