1 1/2 reflux coil and a single
Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:44 am
There are some very good coilwinding tutorials on the site from members with handy skills like here http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 9#p6827432
and here http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 4#p6800773 . I won't forget to mention DAD300 who has a unconventional refluxcoil in his VM, so you won't have to wrestle the copper. http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... controlled .
For those who will take the little challenge to wind some copper,this post is to show you that it is possible to wind a decent coil entirely with a piece of pipe a vice and the most important tool you will ever get...your hands.
Both coils are made from only one roll plain normal copper brakingline widely aviable, and won't cost you half an arm.
All material is used, no "left overs".
Now brakingline already comes in a coil from the factory. As part of the work is already done for you, don't ruin it by straightening the line out before making your coil. Copper "work hardens" and it will be a pain in the ass if you ruin the preshaped coil.
Work with the material, not against it..a pair of rubbercoated gloves will help you to get a grip.
Coil one is the simplest to make and will fit any 2" column. You can throw roughly 2kw at this short coil, which is far more than you need to run a 2". Remember..you only have to knock the vapour down below 78,3C for the ethanol to turn into liquid again and reflux in your column.
Coil two is double wound and in this case the second coil only goes half way up. It's enough for my purpose..you may want to let it go all the way.
Coil one : lenght of the coil+ the end exiting the column is measured. Make a nice round bend over the pipe to create a slope.
Stick a small pipe or round wood into the slope you just made to hold it while you wind. I just let it rest against my leg..if you have a buddy to hold it..fine.
Start working with the coil, slowly so you can feel the copper giving in and shaping around your 1/2". Take your time, as the first two windings are very important. Don't use brute force and keep the brakingline perpendicular to the 1/2", pressing it firmly to the part already wound. If you want some space between the windings, use some wire to create it. Use both hands to drag and wind the copper around the pipe. Wind to the desired lenght and cut off.
Using the "drag and wind" method described for coil one you can make the doublewound coil showed below.
The difference is..you start at the top of the coil and wind downwards the bottom, using some cablestrips to lock your copper down to the 1/2".
Some paper or cardboard roll will create the space between the two coils. You can use about anything from a appropriate piece of pipe to PVC or what ever you like.A piece of plastic sheet would be perfect. Remember..it has to have a smooth surface or it will give you a hard time removing it afterwards. As you reach the end of the first coil you have to be carefull, when making the overlap to coil two..again time is your friend..don't rush it and don't maltreat the copper!
I cleaned my coils by putting them in a bucket with a good squeeze of acetic acid and some water..let it be in there the night over. BTW..this gives the copper a nice reddish tan..
My buddy lives near a old fellow who is a blacksmith, he lets us use his workshop..he's 87 years old and like when the "young" ones uses the workshop. Now and then he would drop in and we have a beer.
I made all kinds of stuff using this old furnace and a anvil. Flames and metal..i like it!
and here http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 4#p6800773 . I won't forget to mention DAD300 who has a unconventional refluxcoil in his VM, so you won't have to wrestle the copper. http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... controlled .
For those who will take the little challenge to wind some copper,this post is to show you that it is possible to wind a decent coil entirely with a piece of pipe a vice and the most important tool you will ever get...your hands.
Both coils are made from only one roll plain normal copper brakingline widely aviable, and won't cost you half an arm.
All material is used, no "left overs".
Now brakingline already comes in a coil from the factory. As part of the work is already done for you, don't ruin it by straightening the line out before making your coil. Copper "work hardens" and it will be a pain in the ass if you ruin the preshaped coil.
Work with the material, not against it..a pair of rubbercoated gloves will help you to get a grip.
Coil one is the simplest to make and will fit any 2" column. You can throw roughly 2kw at this short coil, which is far more than you need to run a 2". Remember..you only have to knock the vapour down below 78,3C for the ethanol to turn into liquid again and reflux in your column.
Coil two is double wound and in this case the second coil only goes half way up. It's enough for my purpose..you may want to let it go all the way.
Coil one : lenght of the coil+ the end exiting the column is measured. Make a nice round bend over the pipe to create a slope.
Stick a small pipe or round wood into the slope you just made to hold it while you wind. I just let it rest against my leg..if you have a buddy to hold it..fine.
Start working with the coil, slowly so you can feel the copper giving in and shaping around your 1/2". Take your time, as the first two windings are very important. Don't use brute force and keep the brakingline perpendicular to the 1/2", pressing it firmly to the part already wound. If you want some space between the windings, use some wire to create it. Use both hands to drag and wind the copper around the pipe. Wind to the desired lenght and cut off.
Using the "drag and wind" method described for coil one you can make the doublewound coil showed below.
The difference is..you start at the top of the coil and wind downwards the bottom, using some cablestrips to lock your copper down to the 1/2".
Some paper or cardboard roll will create the space between the two coils. You can use about anything from a appropriate piece of pipe to PVC or what ever you like.A piece of plastic sheet would be perfect. Remember..it has to have a smooth surface or it will give you a hard time removing it afterwards. As you reach the end of the first coil you have to be carefull, when making the overlap to coil two..again time is your friend..don't rush it and don't maltreat the copper!
I cleaned my coils by putting them in a bucket with a good squeeze of acetic acid and some water..let it be in there the night over. BTW..this gives the copper a nice reddish tan..
My buddy lives near a old fellow who is a blacksmith, he lets us use his workshop..he's 87 years old and like when the "young" ones uses the workshop. Now and then he would drop in and we have a beer.
I made all kinds of stuff using this old furnace and a anvil. Flames and metal..i like it!
