been using the chem resistant hosing,

[Stevewhiskey]

Ive been running my UJSM through a Brewhaus pot still, and have been using the chem resistant hosing, what advantages does using copper have? and how would i go about attaching copper pipe to the the stainless steel column, would I have to weld it on, or is there some detachable method I can use, perhaps some sort of clamp or something

[blind drunk]

How about a friction fit with a hose clamp? Cheers, bd.

[Husker]

If you get thin walled copper that is just a bit too small, you can flare it just a touch, and then simply 'shove' it on the end.

I did this on the 'air-still' I had. It was just a stainless tube (the condenser itself). I flared a copper tube, and it fit just fine. Remember, it is condensed liquid, and if you have that stainless tube shoved 'deep enough' into that copper tube, it will not leak. If you need it a little tighter, or need it to support it's own weight, then a few wraps of PFTE tape should keep it in place. For mine, I simply cut a big notch in the bottom of the tube, so that I could slide it into a gallon jug (the bottom end), and then slide the jug on the floor, towards the still, until the hose was lifted up 'tight'.

Initially, the still I had (that air still), had a chem resistant plastic nose on the housing. However, when I switched over to using a copper tube like this, and not allow the ethanol to contact this 'chem resistant' material, I immediately noticed better flavored hooch.

H.

[Usge]

You can also buy next size over copper tube that will fit over the end of your output and slides up a few inches. To seal it...cut a 1 to 1-1/2 inch piece of that alc resistant hose you have, and work it up onto the top of your stills output. Slide it up as far as needed (a few inches) and roll back/up the bottom edge on itself. Slide the copper tube over the output for a good couple of inches if possible..all the way up to the plastic hose piece that's rolled back. Then snap the edge of that rolled back hose down over the top. This effectively seals the thing against any leaks or drips without putting the hose into vapor/distillate path. You can also use stainless compression fittings (although I find them to leak more), OR a copper union..which is basically a screw together union where the nut solders onto one side and the screw on the other end. This seals better than a compression union, but it may be an issue if your output is stainless.

Advantages of copper over alc resistant hose:
First and foremost, you are negating any possible contaminant caused by being in direct contact with high abv distillate or vapor. You also have something that is more "rigid" where it can be more stable and doesnt' have the possibility of "closing" on itself, or kinking during a run. This last point should not be overlooked. It can really make life easier to have a consistent placement, operation, rather than just sticking the end of the hose in a bottle and hoping something doesn't pull it loose, or cause it to fold, or etc. The copper is also easy to clean up. I find the plastic tends to retain a hint of tails, etc., no matter how much hot water you try and run through it— although I never really noticed any off-flavors using one.

Disadvantages
Its definitely not as easy as just sticking a hose on the end and requires a little more thought and effort and time. Also, copper is quick to heatup or cool. If your running hot, the entire length of copper is going to get hot and this will keep your distillate warm all the way out. Conversely, if it's very cool, it will cool the entire length and keep your distillate nice and cool. Not really a "disadvantage" but more of a difference between copper and other materials.

[Dnderhead]

they do make a pair of "pliers"" that swags/expand copper tubing. so you don't have to use couplings, there used in refrigeration.
mite be good if you do enough.

[Stevewhiskey]

alright thanks guys this info has been most helpful, I was intending on switching to copper simply for aesthetic reasons, i never thought the hosing would effect the taste, Im gonna try the method you described Usge, it seems that would be the easiest way to make the copper pipe removable for cleaining