I will only be able to start building in December at the earliest, but I am working on designing now, and I hope to iterate/adjust the design following where my research leads me, and the feedback I get here. This is the CAD design I am working on in OnShape (it's a public document, free to sign up for anyone who wants to view it)https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0c77d ... 2dd7c26264
Here is what I am thinking so far: CCVM with pot still option, 3" SS tri-clamp for most parts (cheaper than 3" copper)
Boiler: 50L SS keg
Column: 3" SS tri-clamp pipe, 36" high
product condenser: 3" SS tri-clamp tube, 18" long, with eleven copper tubes inside (four of 5/8, seven of 1/2)
reflux condenser: triple-wound 1/4 inch copper tubing
heating element: 5.5 kW 240V
control/automation: (I'm still deciding how much I want to automate. Feedback is appreciated)
option a) reflux condenser position controlled by a stepper motor and Arduino program with vapor temp. as input
option b) heating element controlled by PID, with boiler or vapor temp. as input
option c) both a and b
considering adding a boiler pressure sensor and boiler temp. sensor
I'll drop more specific thoughts/questions below, and I would be happy for any negative or positive fedback. I am in no rush to finalize the design, since I can't start it for a few months, so I'm sure the design will change drastically.
PS: 2 years ago, when I made my first still I did a lot of reading on this site and ran my still for a year, mainly making vodka, UJSSM. However, I am still new to this craft