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I am planning on building an electric boiler with PID control. I have a converted keg that has a very convenient port in the top of the keg (tri-clamp - I also have a tri clamp thermowell that would fit perfectly.)

Is there any problem with putting the probe/thermometer in the boiler itself? Or should I be taking these reading from the column.

Are you planning on running that PID in manual mode...??? You do know that a still needs regulated power input, not cycling in an effort to maintain temperature, right...???

Ya you definitely do not want anything automated running a still. Cycling the heat on and off will cause smearing and ruin your spirits. Even worse an automated still is dangerous.

I guess I thought I could maintain my temperature with a PID and a low density element. But, I'm assuming I'm wrong about that.

So, say I went propane burner instead. What about thermometer placement. Can I go in the boiler itself? Or does it have to be in the column?

You can put the thermometer anywhere you want, you just shouldn't use it to control your still with it. Some like to place their thermometer in the column, some prefer the boiler and some think that a pot still should not have a thermometer. I always place mine in the vapor path.

I'm of the no thermometer camp simply due to the hundreds of post about folks trying to run their still by temp and thats only the last couple months.

Good to know.