Flex Copper Pipe

[instableoxymoron]

In my search to find parts for my first build I came across a Craigslist ad today for a 2' Flex Copper Pipe for a Water Tank for $3. I searched homedistiller but I only see two builds that use this pipe. Are there any concerns with this type of pipe? Is it possible that it is only partial copper? I checked my local lowes and 10' of 2" copper pipe is on sale (50% off) for $100.

Also, so far have a 13.2 gallon keg I am working with and will be using a propane burner. I want to make Rum but will start off with a simple sugar wash and a simple pot still design. Any suggestion on materials and design on simple setup for someone who is not handy at all? I eventually would like to add a thumper or two but want to get the hang of it first before expanding and upgrading. I do have a friend who has a lot of tools and will assist if I can provide a design.

Thanks!

Ox

[jake_leg]

You mean like this sort of thing? This could be of use in plumbing the coolant supply. Is there another possible use?

[Prairiepiss]

As long as its 100% copper if it will be in the vapor path. Bad thing would be if you use it for the vapor path. The ridges could promote pooling. And would be hard to drain if positioned horizontal.

[instableoxymoron]

Recently searching trying to understand Liebig Condenser and came across this post.

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =2&t=12059

I'm still really confused on Liebig Condensers but it seems this wuold work if it is long enough. I've also found others looking for copper piping and have emailed a few to see if I can buy the 10' portion and resell them the portion they need.

Would a Liebig Condenser be a good substitute for a worm? Can anyone point me to a Liebig Condenser for dummies link? I'm trying to find one as we speak but I get lost in the general design. My understanding is that water flows through the outside of the vapor tube but what temp is the water? Am I constantly running new water or can I recycle the water somehow?

[Prairiepiss]

It'd just a water jacket around the outside of the vapor path. The water can be out of the tap or circulated from a bucket with a pump. There is a calculatoron the parent site to help figure out how long you need it. 1/2" inside of 3/4" is the most recommended size of pipes to use. Some use 1" on the outside. There are ways to improve it efficientcy posted all over. Puffing condenser is a good thread.

[heartcut]

That type of flex copper could be an easy way to make a Graham condensor and the ridges would promote turbulence. Hmmm. Thanks.

[Prairiepiss]

That type of flex copper could be an easy way to make a Graham condensor and the ridges would promote turbulence. Hmmm. Thanks.

Not really. As I said the condensed liquids would pool in the ridges. Smooth pipe would be more suitable for a graham condenser.

Using this accordion pipe in a condenser could only be vertical. That way the condensed liquid would flow through it and not get stuck in the ridges.

[instableoxymoron]

Thanks Piss. I'm starting to get an idea of how I want to do my build but I have a lot of reading to do still.

[heynonny]

liquid would only pool on the lower part of the tube, and then only when the condenser is at an angle of approx 45 deg or more. I just happen to keep mine vertical. Once below + - 100 proof, I turn up the heat to the "max", the top 6" or so is untouchable, but the bottom is 'cold'. Short of puking, I think it'll take whatever you can throw at it.

This was my original post

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =2&t=12059

-hey-

[jake_leg]

Do you see what I see

[NcHooch]

Do you see what I see

Oh man, that sure is purdy!

[heartcut]

D**n, that's nice.

[wpkluck]

Do you see what I see

Oh man, that sure is purdy!

Ok, I know this is an old thread. But I was doing some research on flexible copper pipe and tubing. I ran across this picture, and it seems to me problematic.

Is the thumper welded to the condenser? How would you possibly clean your thumper? Maybe I’m seeing it wrong…

[SmokyMtn]

You can find 3/4" copper flex with threaded ends. Lowes, home depot etc. Trouble will be sealing it up

[wpkluck]

You can find 3/4" copper flex with threaded ends. Lowes, home depot etc. Trouble will be sealing it up

I suspected as much. Thanks!

[SmokyMtn]

Yep look around water heater connections

[Saltbush Bill]

Whats on the inside of that flex copper pipe that seals it ? Ever pulled one apart to see ?

[acfixer69]

It's solid copper but calling it flexable can be misleading. It's purpose is to make simple adjustments to water heater connections on installations. The wall thickness is less then DWV and is not intended to be used over and over. It will suffer metal fatigue at some point.

[wpkluck]

It's solid copper but calling it flexable can be misleading. It's purpose is to make simple adjustments to water heater connections on installations. The wall thickness is less then DWV and is not intended to be used over and over. It will suffer metal fatigue at some point.

Makes sense. Thanks!

[Saltbush Bill]

Thanks AC never seen the stuff here in AU.

[SmokyMtn]

Ya as acfixer69 said, it is slightly misleading. It will kink quicker than it will bend/ flex. If it were me I would try a conduit bender (rent?) on some soft copper. Then sweat some unions on the ends. Or even easier is hard copper and fittings of your choice with unions.

[Demy]

I have seen it sporadically here in Italy, it is basically like CSST tubes but in copper version

[Durhommer]

I have seen it sporadically here in Italy, it is basically like CSST tubes but in copper version

How you guys doing with the covid

[Demy]

I have seen it sporadically here in Italy, it is basically like CSST tubes but in copper version

How you guys doing with the covid

It depends on the regions but in general there are contagions and healed in a linear trend. I was not hit but you have to protect yourself. I've seen prices soar in local stores though.