Build Started, 15.5 gallons - Let me know what you think.

[CanadianBacon]

Got a 15.5 g ss keg,
Got 2 inch tri clamps,
3 feet of copper 2 inch tube with flange for column
2 inch 90 degree elbow...


Now i'm my next steps im looking at

2"-1/2 " OR 2" to 3/4" reducer
going into a 1/2" elbow or 3/4" elbow 45 degree angle
going to my 1/2 inch condenser liebig or 3/4 condenser liebig, planning on 2 -3 feet liebig.


I plan to make whisky and rum, but I do got copper mesh to increase reflux. I'm unsure if i want to reduce it to 1/2 " or 3/4" inch for my liebig. Also debating on the length still. if i want 2-3 feet. Any opinions appreciated. I plan to use propane heat right now but I have looked into and considered electric too.

[culvercreek]

I actually used a 2x 1/2" reducer on the top. Place a 1/2" tee on that and out of one side I placed a 1/2" union. The Leibig has a 90 and a union up stream to attaché to the column. This give me a wide rage to adjust height and angle of the leibig. the Leibig may be a bit over kill but I had the 2" pipe laying around. It is 2" over 1/2" and it knocks down everything that I throw at it for the stripping run.

[CanadianBacon]

Very nice build, I had the same idea you had at first but I had the chance to get the 90 degree 2" elbow at the time and save on shipping so I did. I really like the look with the 90 inch elbow and thought it would be great for a thermo port.

Dose the weight of your 2 inch pipe on effect the arm at all? And what length is your liebig?

[thatguy1313]

Sounds like you're building a pot still. No need for a thermo and packing won't do a thing. Otherwise, sounds good. I wouldn't cut into that 2" just in case you ever want to make it into a reflux still.

[CanadianBacon]

Parent site says 2 feet is good for the liebig length so dose that mean the jacket must be 2 feet and the inside 3 feet? Also read people complaining about going to 3/4 inch inside so im thinking 1/2 inch unless someone has some input

[thatguy1313]

1/2" inside would be cheaper. Length of condenser is the length of the jacket. I'd say 24" would be the minimum length and you'd need really good water flow. If it were me I'd go 30" of 3/4" over 1/2". You shouldn't need a whole foot more of 1/2" than the 3/4". Your part list should look something like:
36" of 1/2" pipe
30" of 3/4" pipe
2 1/2" x1/2" x3/4" tee's

[CanadianBacon]

1/2" inside would be cheaper. Length of condenser is the length of the jacket. I'd say 24" would be the minimum length and you'd need really good water flow. If it were me I'd go 30" of 3/4" over 1/2". You shouldn't need a whole foot more of 1/2" than the 3/4". Your part list should look something like:
36" of 1/2" pipe
30" of 3/4" pipe
2 1/2" x1/2" x3/4" tee's

That sounds like an ok length, I was aiming for something very close to whats in the pic, I seen thos twisty connectors at home depo but they had lead warning on them. Anyone know the proper names?

[thatguy1313]

Talking about couplings? They make some that are brass and copper. If it comes in contact with the vapor the brass must be "pickled". There's instructions somewhere on here. Stay far away from anything with lead.

[thatguy1313]

Or if you still have the keg spear DAD300 made a pretty cool condenser with the spear and some corrugated ss gas line.

[oilguy]

"I seen thos twisty connectors at home depo but they had lead warning on them. Anyone know the proper names"
those are called unions

[rad14701]

"I seen thos twisty connectors at home depo but they had lead warning on them. Anyone know the proper names"
those are called unions

Get copper unions, which have copper on copper surfaces, and the brass nut never touches your alcohol... Many here have gone that route...

[Truckinbutch]

My liebig is 1" over 1/2" with turbulators in the water jacket and the vapor path . It's 51" overall and I wouldn't be afraid to put it on a boiler 3 times the size of the 15.5 gal boiler I used to run . I consider all copper unions essential for versatility in a build .