Modular Still system

[Doogie]

So, over the last month or so I have tinkered with this design. Base is a 52Qt stainless pot

System was designed to:
1 - Be compact on storage. Except for the liebigs it will connect to, max component length is 16"
2 - Be adaptable - in length, and in condenser type if needed
3 - Single diameter tube all the way up

So, I started with 2" diameter pipe. I adapted an idea I seen for a mount to the pot lid by using a 2" end cap to use a discounted (~$5) threaded connector, laying on 5 pieces of salvage copper 4"x4". First sheet was soldered to the mount, and then the hole edge was curled into the mount for added strength.

Then, I soldered the other 4 pieces of sheet together, and then soldered the cap+sheet to the whole mess, and pressed down while it was still hot with a short 4" section I had. Then, drilled holes for stainless screws, wrapped the screws with tape, and made a Samohan Everlasting Gasket for the main whole. Bolted the whole unit together, leveled the pot, then by adjusting the mount screw torque, I could level the column vertically.

[Doogie]

Top view

[Doogie]

The main condensor is a 2" Shotgun with 3/8 tubes (7 in total) over 15.5" (condensor = about 13")
Note the intake on the left side, which will use my standard garden hose connecter and ball valve. On the right is the output connection which leads to the secondary liebig

{EDIT & ADDITION) - the output of the connecting liebig will now have a ball valve to control output as I should have reversed the input/output on the shotgun. The secondary valve will compensate for this build flaw

[Doogie]

Here is the Boka unit (top) and riser unit, pictured with the shotgun

[Doogie]

Here is the secondary liebig - with connector that attaches the output of the shotty with the input of the liebig (on the right). Slip fit to the boka output, about 20" long, 1/2" over 3/8"

[Addition] - if I go to a taller (extra riser) setup, a new connector arm from the shotty to the liebig, that is straight, will be made, allowing the liebig to go vertical

[Doogie]

Mounted

[bellybuster]

shotgun on top of a Boka!! Nice!! I always thought that is the way it should be done.

[Doogie]

Pot Still attachment - mounts to first riser, and connects to my old dual liebig (3/4" over 1/2" x 18" length x 2 sections) for fast stripping runs

[Doogie]

@Belly - while I have yet to test it ... it seems interesting ... was even going to connect it with a 45' connector to offset the weight of the liebig ... lol

[Edited] - lol - the only reason I went with a shotty was I wasted about 100' of scrap 3/8 trying to make a friggin coil ... lol ...

[Doogie]

Expansion is easy. Want a different condenser? Build it, slap it on. Want something other than a boka? No problem. If it is all 2", it is modular. Next chunk of 2" I find in the yard will become a secondary riser. Seal the joints with a bit of flour paste. Upgrading your pot? Unbolt and transfer

Note the connectors are all slip fit (except the unions) and the male end of the joint is always the highest (so the fluid does not leak out)

[bellybuster]

sweet job Doogie

[Doogie]

Oh, and the old Dual Liebig that will be going into refurbishment and sacrificial runs again ... vertical mount, output to a parrot (that is the hole in the wood at the bottom. Water fills the bottom first then out the top (to allow me to run a slower stream when using the tap instead of the pond)

[Hyko]

very nice work! what type of solder and torch do you use? I like your specification on male/female connector placement to eliminate the possibility of leaks. never thought of that before.

[Doogie]

@Hyko - I seen the orientation of the male-female here somewhere in my travels - can't take full credit for it. Basic tools - lead free solder and simple blow torch.

[humbledore]

I built something similar, but not quite as well thought out. I have two columns, not as modular (one short, one tall) but I can swap out heads. I like that shotgun...boy that looks like a fun project. Let us know how it runs.

[Doogie]

Not so funny thing ... that is the second shotgun ... I built one, and of course, was having a few during the build ...

Finally assembled and soldered ... then realized I forgot to drill the input/output holes for the water in the shotgun. First hole I was able to do fine - thought that's fine - lets do the second ... and promptly nicked one of the shotgun tubes and turned the entire work to scrap metal .. D'OH!

[googe]

Nice work mate , that shotty will knock down everything you would think!. I don't know if I'm understanding your coolent issues though, you say your feeding from the top of the shotgun, and the shotgun is connected to the liebig top and exits out the bottom?. Can't you just have the coolent input into the bottom of the liebig and run it through till it comes out the top of the shotgun?.

[Doogie]

@Googe - yes, they share the same fittings, and would probably be best - thanks for the focus on the obvious

[humbledore]

Finally assembled and soldered ... then realized I forgot to drill the input/output holes for the water in the shotgun. First hole I was able to do fine - thought that's fine - lets do the second ... and promptly nicked one of the shotgun tubes and turned the entire work to scrap metal .. D'OH!

Ouch! I too was not successful with making a coil out of 3/8, I ended up with 1/4. It works but I like this approach.