I have done alot of reading, and have concluded that the vapor management still is the better choice of the bunch for my needs. I have one issue though: I really do not want to solder. I realize some people as well as myself have this same opinion and have come up with a possible solution to this: Using the chrome plated brass tubing used for p-traps, and drains in home plumbing (if you go to lowes home improvement they have it in 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 sizes) By doing this, I can make the basic shape of the still head (and even the column) somewhat easily and without soldering (since the threaded fittings are sealed). With this design it can also be broken down for easy travel since the column can be broken into 12" segments. Here is a crude example of my idea, (forgive me for my bad drafting skills, as I am low on time and patience)
What I meant to say about the double boiler part is this: Heat the bottom half of the boiler to the correct temperature (the part containing water) and when it reaches the desired temp, insert the second part (smaller pot that fits inside of the larger one) containing the mash/wash. It will cool the water down, but it will heat back up to the desired temperature soon. This way, you can remove the methanol first, then turn the temp. up slowly to distill the ethanol once the methanol stops coming out. Perhaps you could even put a bypass valve at the very bottom of the column to bypass the column entirely and route the methanol into a separate coil, then switch it over to the column for the ethanol.
Just wondering what you guys thought about the Idea, and I have no clue on the dimensions to use with the 1-1/2 sized pipe when it comes to lengths or valve placement.
Any suggestions much appreciated
- Jt