How often to clean copper condenser coil?

[Manback]

This may (probably will) seem like a stupid question, but if it's here I can't find it.. the search function on phpBB forums is a little average I guess.. how often would I need to clean the oxidization from the coil? Every run?

This is something that to be honest I hadn't thought about til now, just realised I'll have to make the top removable.. or could I just run the vinegar solution or whatever it is down the column and kinda.. shake it around? No big deal if the head needs to be removable, just means another $30.00 on those damn RJT fittings

[olddog]

If you run your still on a weekly basis just hose the column out, if you are going to leave your still unused for a while, just run a vinegar / water mix through as per a cleaning run.


OD

[kiwistiller]

the HD google search link at the top of the page is very useful
A lot of columns aren't even capped - the condenser just sits in the top.

[Manback]

Thanks olddog

kiwistiller I really want a cap.. dunno why but I do

If I can just clean with a vinegar run then I guess the top can be all tigged up (bar the vent of course).. schweet.

Just tried the Google Search.. can't believe I didn't see it.. what a fool.

[rad14701]

My entire rig never gets anything other than a quick rinse after each run and that has been enough regardless of still size being used... The reflux condenser stays squeaky clean due to all of the high temperature high proof ethanol vapor it gets exposed to...

[ScottishBoy]

When you say "squeaky clean" do you mean that it continues to look like shiny brand new copper or that it has the basic light brown patina, maybe with some streaks?

[MuleKicker]

If you run your still on a weekly basis just hose the column out, if you are going to leave your still unused for a while, just run a vinegar / water mix through as per a cleaning run.


OD

If yer not runnin yer still on a weekly basis, your not a diehard. Tell your old lady you HAVE to run yer still at least once a week to keep her from rustin up.

[rad14701]

Patina is a must...

[Samohon]

If you run your still on a weekly basis just hose the column out, if you are going to leave your still unused for a while, just run a vinegar / water mix through as per a cleaning run.


OD

If yer not runnin yer still on a weekly basis, your not a diehard. Tell your old lady you HAVE to run yer still at least once a week to keep her from rustin up.

Thats what I told her MK, now SHE runs it if I have the hacksaw in my hand....lol...

[MuleKicker]

you got a good one, keep her

[Alchemist75]

Now, the question I'd add here is:
Can you over clean the copper? What happens if you do?