Home Distiller

So on another thread the subject of how much power my condenser could knock down
came up but I didn't know how to answer. Of course, if your running electric heat
you could simply measure the power input, then at least you would know how much
power was going into the boiler. If you use gas and know the BTU rating of your
burner then again you would know how much power is going in. But even if you know
your INPUT power, I'm guessing that some of that power is used up in simply maintaining
the temperature of the boiler and wash and some of it is wasted as heat radiated into
the room. So you don't really know how much power is going into making the vapor that
your condenser is knocking down without measuring it directly.

I had no idea how to do that but another member here suggested this method
(assuming you are running water though the still):

Edwin Croissant wrote:
To measure that is quite simple, just measure how much condensate comes out of
the condenser per minute. The evaporation heat of one kilogram of water is about
2260 kJ so 1 kW of heat produces 26.6 grams of steam per minute. If you measure
106 grams in one minute, your condenser is knocking down 4 kW.

Has anyone measured what their condenser can knock down like this?

If not this method, then have you used another method? Which one?

If anyone has tried this, I would be interested in hearing a description of your
condenser and the results of your measurements.

In a reflux column you also have to figure what percentage is being handled by each, reflux and product condenser.

Or at 100% reflux you can rate your Reflux Condenser. 5/8" x 36" CSST reflux coil can handle 5,000watts at 1 liter of water flow per minute. So, can 1/2" x 60" on the same flow...but neither are to failure.

It's easier in a pot still, but you have to run it until failure to actually rate the condenser.

My 2" x 20" seven tube SS Shotgun striping can handle more than 5,000watts at 1 liter per minute water flow. Couldn't make it fail with my burner.

Like the idea of everyone sharing data here. I've got a (kinda) new condenser build going together soon. Can't wait to see how it measures up!

Also I think it's important to note that these numbers will only be useful for comparison if the still is run on just water. Ethanol is easier to knock down and will skew the number. Altitude would have some effect too.

Hi mason jar,

That's a mighty fine condenser you've built. Is it fair to assume that you are not a KISSer? There's a whole world of development possibilities out there for those who are brave enough to give up this false philosophy. (And for those who are willing so spend a little money, too.)

I've done a lot of exploring, condenser-wise. Here is the one that most pertains to product rate: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... s#p7093665 .

The math is here: I'll be happy to discuss this, if you have questions.

M

Maritimer wrote: Hi mason jar, That's a mighty fine condenser you've built.

Thanks!

Maritimer wrote: Is it fair to assume that you are not a KISSer?

Well, maybe not. I do like trying new ideas though.

Maritimer wrote: There's a whole world of development possibilities out there for those who are brave enough to give
up this false philosophy. (And for those who are willing so spend a little money, too.)
I've done a lot of exploring, condenser-wise. Here is the one that most pertains to product rate: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... s#p7093665 .
The math is here: <attachment> I'll be happy to discuss this, if you have questions.
M

Awesome! I will read through all of this tonight after I get home from work.