Is this ok?

Vapor, Liquid or Cooling Management. Flutes, plates, etc.

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The Pope
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Is this ok?

Post by The Pope »

Just wondering if this still would be any good? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... K:MEWAX:IT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I am looking at doing neutral spirits for the moment but may want to try my hand at flavoured later on.
I already have a 30L boiler with dual elements (1800w & 1200w) and heat control (30 - 110 degrees celcius), just need to find a decent still now...
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olddog
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by olddog »

That looks like a Bokabob to me, why not build one yourself, there is plenty of info on the forum.


OD
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rednose
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by rednose »

I believe that the debil part of the still is the wide wounded coil.

I think that it'll have problems to knock down all vapor.

Add image:
debil coil
debil coil
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kiwistiller
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by kiwistiller »

evil_spirits wrote:I already have a 30L boiler with dual elements (1800w & 1200w) and heat control (30 - 110 degrees celcius), just need to find a decent still now...
I hate to be the one to have to break it to you, but controlling heat input based on temperature in the boiler doesn't actually work very well. the wash will boil at a temperature set by the mixtures of liquids in the boiler, not at what you set it to :( would make our lives a lot easier if it did work, but that's physics for you I guess :roll:

I'd agree with the others in that you'd be better off making a still if you can.
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Samohon
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by Samohon »

olddog wrote:That looks like a Bokabob to me, why not build one yourself, there is plenty of info on the forum.
OD
+1 OD, looks like a Bokakob Cup or slant plate. Not sure about that coil though, joes right, could have a problem knocking down the vapour.
I'd rather build my own, theres nothing better than drinking your own hooch from your own still. Now where's that bottle... :esurprised: :esurprised:
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The Baker
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by The Baker »

kiwistiller wrote:
evil_spirits wrote:I already have a 30L boiler with dual elements (1800w & 1200w) and heat control (30 - 110 degrees celcius), just need to find a decent still now...
I hate to be the one to have to break it to you, but controlling heat input based on temperature in the boiler doesn't actually work very well. the wash will boil at a temperature set by the mixtures of liquids in the boiler, not at what you set it to :( would make our lives a lot easier if it did work, but that's physics for you I guess :roll:

I'd agree with the others in that you'd be better off making a still if you can.

And if the temperature is controlled by a thermostat, which it almost certainly will be, that is bad too. You need a steady application of power/ heat, not the on-and-then-off operation of a thermostat. Especially with a reflux still; the reflux action stops when the power stops and has to take time to start again. Time that the thermostat does not give it because it cuts off the power again......
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Kentucky shinner
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by Kentucky shinner »

Samohon wrote:
olddog wrote:That looks like a Bokabob to me, why not build one yourself, there is plenty of info on the forum.
OD
+1 OD, looks like a Bokakob Cup or slant plate. Not sure about that coil though, joes right, could have a problem knocking down the vapour.
I'd rather build my own, theres nothing better than drinking your own hooch from your own still. Now where's that bottle... :esurprised: :esurprised:
+2 CONDENSER WILL NOT WORK i FEEL SURE OF IT. you can build you own much cheaper.
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ScottishBoy
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by ScottishBoy »

That coil is weak. I think half the fun of learning to still is making the still itself and makin it to your liking.
That said...I think you could do better.
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The Pope
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by The Pope »

Thanks guys, after reading the forum all night I see what you are saying.
I have decided to build the "Bokabob cup" still as it looks like a simple design that I can throw together myself.
And I will be using a keg boiler for this too as I have a 60L fermenter so this way I could do a 40L wash & spirit runs...
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MuleKicker
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by MuleKicker »

When looking at temperature controls, you should think of it this way, its like driving a car. you get up to speed (temp) then you partially apply the throttle, to maintain the speed (temp) you like. you dont floor it/let off/floor it/let off. It wouldnt be too smooth if you drove like that now would it? Your still dont like it either.
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nm999
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by nm999 »

That's how my wife drives.
Titus-a-fishus
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by Titus-a-fishus »

My wife's motto is

"If you don't like the way I drive
Stay off the footpath"

:shock: :shock: :shock:
We haven't got the money so now we have to think
Build it, don't buy it
rad14701
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by rad14701 »

I don't think that column has slant plates like the Bokakob... I think it has a tube with the top half removed inserted into the column so it catches the reflux until it overflows, like the one below... It's called The Ultra Pure Still... There are more detailed pictures somewhere here in the forums...

Image
The Pope
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by The Pope »

I went and got the materials to build my own today and it is coming along nicely.
Thanks again guys, it was a way better option for me as it has cost me ALOT less then if I was to purchase one retail and it looks to be a pretty easy project so far...
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HookLine
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by HookLine »

Hmm. Not too happy with that condenser either. Could be improved, IMHO.
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The Pope
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by The Pope »

Ruined the coil & wasted $30 odd dollars.
Anyone want to make me a double coil to suit a 2" condensor pipe?
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mozzie26
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by mozzie26 »

evil_spirits wrote:Ruined the coil & wasted $30 odd dollars.
Anyone want to make me a double coil to suit a 2" condensor pipe?
Where do you live? I just made this one the other day.

Image
mozzie26
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by mozzie26 »

evil_spirits wrote:
I already have a 30L boiler with dual elements (1800w & 1200w) and heat control (30 - 110 degrees celcius), just need to find a decent still now...

I hate to be the one to have to break it to you, but controlling heat input based on temperature in the boiler doesn't actually work very well. the wash will boil at a temperature set by the mixtures of liquids in the boiler, not at what you set it to would make our lives a lot easier if it did work, but that's physics for you I guess
I bought one of these, was hoping to run it with the thermostat set hotter, if it started cycling I could bypass the thermostat and set the two elements up with two switches. Both elements for a quick heat up then just run with one of the elements for the run.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... K:MEWNX:IT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
The Pope
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by The Pope »

mozzie26 wrote: Where do you live? I just made this one the other day.
I am in St Marys NSW. Australia.
If intereste in selling one please let me know ASAP...
mozzie26 wrote: I bought one of these, was hoping to run it with the thermostat set hotter, if it started cycling I could bypass the thermostat and set the two elements up with two switches. Both elements for a quick heat up then just run with one of the elements for the run.
Yep that is the one. Same boiler as what I have been using for brewing beer.
I was going to try & use it as a still boiler but decided to go with a keg & propane now for better heat control...
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mozzie26
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by mozzie26 »

I'm in the Sunshine Coast. Qld , I could make you one for the cost of the copper plus postage, if your happy with the look of my work ;-). The 1/4" copper tubing cost's $9.20/m here. I have made mine to have the tails come out the side of the 2" tube but have been thinking of changing them to come out the top cap.
The Pope
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Re: Is this ok?

Post by The Pope »

That would be great mate if you wouldn't mind.
I would need the tails out the top cap though as i have already drilled the holes for them.
I will shoot you a PM anyway and we can work out the details...Cheers...
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