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Condenser Controlled Columns

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 12:10 pm
by DAD300
We are having quite a bit of discussion lately about Condenser Controlled Columns and I would like to make sure everyone gets the concept.

It is possible to eliminate the costly, nasty valve from an LM or especially a VM still.

I know of more than a few builders with Condenser Controlled VM's in the U.S. and some LM's internationally. Manu de Hanoi has a site selling a very unique LM version. I hope he will chime in.

Design entails using a reflux condenser/coil to block the flow of vapor or liquid from departing the still. It is variable and quite controllable.

If sized properly, the tails of the reflux coil will remain between 110-120 degrees F. This means it is easily movable with the bare hand.
Movable Reflux Condenser II.png
Liquid Management r.gif
3 positions.jpg
The 3" VM version is very linear in control, the 2" was less linear. I improved the 2" by making the bottom tail of the reflux coil longer, more pointed.