Otis’ 4” VM/CM Column Build

[OtisT]

I’ve been running my 4” column as a Cooling Management (CM) system for the last year, and it was good to learn and get used to running a CM. That said, I am extremely happy to have finally completed the 4” Vapor Management (VM) head so that I can go back to running VM. I’ve been staring at those damn cut stainless parts for over a year and I’m glad that is finally done. Thanks to my good friend Larry for getting this welded up.
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I wanted a low profile VM port due to my current shed’s height limitations and here is what I came up with. This is the new head before I cleaned and passivated the stainless.

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Below is a closeup of the upper section of the column in VM configuration.
I made a short 1/2” copper extender for the thermometer port so the thermometer probe does not get liquid reflux running down on it.
The valve is a 1” stainless gate valve.
I run that PC as a Dephlegmator when in CM mode. Here is that build: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=81513
The top of the PC is open. I have a 4”x 2” reducer clamped on there now.

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The pic below is just a wider view showing the shotgun PC attached. I typically add a spool or two to lower my PC to where I want my collection jars. Next on my build list is a jar shelf that mounts to the shotgun so I can safely run with the PC at any height.

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Otis