Valved Reflux column size

[ws7293]

Building a Valved Reflux Still with an off set condenser like the one on moonshine-sill.com on top of a 15 1/2 gal keg and have been researching for hours on here looking for info on if a 1 1/2"dia column 36" long would be as good as the 2" in the plans. Will only have 1 valve instead of the 2 shown. I have noticed a few other sugested mods but have not thought them thru yet.

Any help and/or sugestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Prairiepiss]

That is a small diameter column. It will be pretty slow.
And o would suggest looking at a slant plate boka instead if the offset. Nice thread in the new distillers reading lounge called what still to build or buy. Will go over why I suggested that.

[ws7293]

I do see a post on the Slant Plate Boka in that section but no post with the name "what still to build or buy". Maybe I missed it or it is in another section.

[Coaster]

@ ws7293,

If you have a 15.5-gallon stainless beer keg the smallest diameter column you would want to have is a 2”. Distilling a boiler charge of 12 gallons with a column less than 2” will take will take more than 12 hours. If you can afford it consider a 3” column which is some where around twice as fast as a 2” column.

Regards,
Coaster

[Prairiepiss]

Sory novice section. http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=14972

[ws7293]

Ok have spent a few days reading (Eyes can't take much more). Here is what I am looking for and what I think I have determined. I want a column design still that will run like a pot & also as a reflux. I also want something that will look nice in the corner when not using. I like the looks of the design I have mentioned above and based on hours of research I believe it works well just seems to cost more then others in the same class. Is this info correct or am I missing something simple. I am a wine make at heart but have always wanted to dabble in this realm.

I have decided on going with a 3" design over the 2" suggested to maybe speed up the process some, is that going to make much differnece. Have read so much I am a little over whelmed.

[ws7293]

Any advice????

[rad14701]

Any advice????

Bokakob...

[emptyglass]

Ok have spent a few days reading (Eyes can't take much more).

Just keep reading.

If you want to get going, make a simple pot still. 2" works well, and you can recover the material later. It will also get your fermenting happening.
In the meantime, you can go through the process of deciding what column you want. As you know, there are so many options. We were all stuck there once.

If you rush in armed with a few days knowledge, you are bound to make something you won't be happy with.

That said, hard to go past a Boka for ease of making, price and product quality.

[Grumpy]

looks like another one in a big rush to jump right in to still'n ..

Best advice for you is to slow down , pour yourself one of them wines you make and absorb what you have read

a few days reading is nothing so here is some more for ya - http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=19630
pay particular attention to #1 - first paragraph