8" Copper Still and Accessories

[DeepSouth]

When the 3 way diverting valve is set for pot-still mode, what keeps vapor from condensing in the columns and RC's
I can see them slowly filling with alcohol from passive condensation.

There is no valve that can be closed to prevent vapor from flowing and condensing inside of the columns when run in pot still mode. Because the condenser is open to the atmosphere, the outlet of the still will be at an ever so slightly lower pressure than the point in the piping further upstream. Any vapor that tried to flow back through the still towards the closed port of the diverting valve would literally have to build pressure to do so. Fluids flow from high pressure to low pressure obviously. I can see how having a large mass of copper right there could cause a small amount of vapor to condense at the outlets of the dephlegmators when run in pot still mode. Any vapor that does condense here will eventually make its way down through the columns and be returned in the drains that enter the bottom of the still tank.

[DeepSouth]

Very Very nice build!

More pics!!! Haha


Is there a foot or two left of the 8" pipe? I'd be interested in a piece for my next cap build!

I actually do have a few short sections of scrap, longest one being maybe 8". I could definitely see them being used to form a cap on an old fashioned pot still.

[DeepSouth]

Progress is coming along nicely. The big job at the moment is getting the boiler put together and running the steam supply and condensate return lines to the mash cooker and still tanks. The stainless table where the columns and condenser will be mounted is being built this week as well as the copper cone to finish out that part of the still. I'll have some good additional pictures in the next few days.

[Brutal]

Lookin' good buddy!

[Copper Thumper]

Looking DAMN good...


Tried to pm you on the scraps.

Thank-ya!

[LWTCS]

Triple Divide started with a square vessel as a kettle (among a few others).
Ultimately they were not happy with the heat up times and swapped for a kettle that was built specifically for distilling.
Perhaps their initial heating design was flawed?

I hope you do better.

When you get your kettle fired will you please post some heat up data?

Best.

[HDNB]

That is some awesome equipment! I really like the use of cubes for space efficiency.

What will you use for a steam generator to heat those massive tanks?

would it not make sense to scavage the heat for the next batch or something? do you have a plumbing diagram you could share with us?

Deep south, will you insulate the tanks for efficiency? maybe something like some styro then clad in tongue and groove oak for looks?

sry for all the questions i'm trying to short cut my understanding of this system.

[robb]

Deep South very impressive. Even your Brand name. WOW.

[DeepSouth]

The tanks are both being heated with a 700,000 BTU/hr natural gas fired steam boiler. It's a closed loop system. Steam is created in the boiler and runs through supply lines into the top inlet of each steam jacket. The steam condenses inside the jacket and transfers its heat through the tank wall to the mash inside. The warm condensate leaves out of a port at the bottom of each steam jacket and is sent back to the boiler. I'm installing all of that piping this next weekend. Yes, I have thought about insulating them using pink foam board and nice stained trim carpentry. That would be the very last thing I'd add after all of the steam supply and return piping is attached.

[LWTCS]

When the 3 way diverting valve is set for pot-still mode, what keeps vapor from condensing in the columns and RC's
I can see them slowly filling with alcohol from passive condensation.

There is no valve that can be closed to prevent vapor from flowing and condensing inside of the columns when run in pot still mode. Because the condenser is open to the atmosphere, the outlet of the still will be at an ever so slightly lower pressure than the point in the piping further upstream. Any vapor that tried to flow back through the still towards the closed port of the diverting valve would literally have to build pressure to do so. Fluids flow from high pressure to low pressure obviously. I can see how having a large mass of copper right there could cause a small amount of vapor to condense at the outlets of the dephlegmators when run in pot still mode. Any vapor that does condense here will eventually make its way down through the columns and be returned in the drains that enter the bottom of the still tank.

I think Shady has a point. The system will work but I don't think your going to get optimal behavior. And that may very well amount to dozens upon dozens of late night hours spent at the still when you could have been home having a hot supper. Extra time spent also equates to a cost center as well.

Why not do something like this to insure your vapor stays on track?

[LWTCS]

Also, based on your diagram you're only getting the equivalent of a 4 plate column rather than 8 plates.

Or was that your intention?

Also, are you confident that a 1/2" diameter drain back will be enough to cope when running higher reflux ratios?

[DeepSouth]

Also, based on your diagram you're only getting the equivalent of a 4 plate column rather than 8 plates.

Or was that your intention?

Also, are you confident that a 1/2" diameter drain back will be enough to cope when running higher reflux ratios?

Exactly, the piping diagram you drew is not what I intended. This still is designed to run as a four plate column. My two columns share a common inlet and actually run in parallel instead of in series as you drew.

[DeepSouth]

Also, based on your diagram you're only getting the equivalent of a 4 plate column rather than 8 plates.

Or was that your intention?

Also, are you confident that a 1/2" diameter drain back will be enough to cope when running higher reflux ratios?

Exactly, the piping diagram you drew is not what I intended. This still is designed to run as a four plate column. My two columns share a common inlet and actually run in parallel instead of in series as you drew.

Look at this piping layout. This is almost exactly how mine is set up except I have two columns running in parallel. This still pictured has the ability to run in pot still mode or in plated column mode with only one 3 way diverting valve for the entire thing. There is no separate valve to prevent vapor from feeding back into the column when run in pot still mode.

[hellbilly007]

Awesome build DeepSouth.

Doc Collier Moonshine uses a steam powered cube boiler. They seemed to be happy with it. They don't have it on display, but I asked enough questions to get a private tour.

[HDNB]

Triple Divide started with a square vessel as a kettle (among a few others).
Ultimately they were not happy with the heat up times and swapped for a kettle that was built specifically for distilling.
Perhaps their initial heating design was flawed?

I hope you do better.

When you get your kettle fired will you please post some heat up data?

Best.

my off the cuff calcs on 700k BTU will heat the whole 350 gallon charge to 175* in about an hour assuming a 50% efficiency...assuming heat loss out from uninsulated tanks and boiler/line inefficiencies.
insulated would get the times down. But even an hour would do for me on a 350G charge

[Copper Thumper]

That's one sexy rig. Can't wait to see the final build!!!

[DeepSouth]

[DeepSouth]

Here she is, almost complete. I still have to run the plumbing to the reflux and product condensers, and run the drain lines from the bottom of the two columns into the side of the kettle. The steam supply into the top of the steam jacket and condensate return back to the boiler also still have to be installed. I need to build a parrot as well. I'm dreading the final cleaning and polishing.

[pfshine]

Just dang. That is beautiful.

[HDNB]

awesome. can we get a picture of her backside?

[sltm1]

I'm, just a simple pot/thumper man....but you give me something to think about on a considerable smaller scale of course. Something about just looking at your unit is satisfying to the soul.

[LWTCS]

Looks fantastic.
Hope you can get her to behave.

[Bushman]

I am pretty good at reading most of the threads, not sure how this one escaped me? Very nice work and enjoyed reading the entire thread. Good Luck and will be interested as well on how it performs.

[Brutal]

DeepSouth that looks completely awesome!! Thank you for posting pictures and sharing this build with us. I am super excited to see it run and watch you succeed buddy!

[bearriver]

Agreed. Thanks again for sharing this with us! She is gorgeous.

[skow69]

That is absolutely beautiful!

Thanks for the info on reversing the tube and shell assignments in the product condenser. It seems like that might have implications for making shorter liebigs on the hobby scale. Or at least for using less cooling water since part of the heat is transferred directly to the air.

[DeepSouth]

Thanks for the kind words everybody. I'll take a picture of the backside to show the piping and post it later. If anyone wants to see anything in particular just ask and I'll post it. Had a big milestone today, my Mississippi state distiller's license was officially approved. I was already federally licensed. I can officially legally run a still!

[LWTCS]

Thanks for the kind words everybody. I'll take a picture of the backside to show the piping and post it later. If anyone wants to see anything in particular just ask and I'll post it. Had a big milestone today, my Mississippi state distiller's license was officially approved. I was already federally licensed. I can officially legally run a still!

Excellent.

[googe]

Looks awesome mate!, congrats on the licensing!! It's a good feeling being legal

[bearriver]

I can officially legally run a still!

I am really excited for you! Have you given this beauty her first run yet?