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I’m thinking of combining the T500 condenser with a 2.5kw water urn that I have. The T500 boiler is only 2.0kw so would the 0.5kw difference be dangerous? Or will it be safe to do?

Maybe a little more information about the setup would be helpful. What exactly are you planning to do?

Heat input affects the “rate of vapor production”, so obviously knockdown power of the product condenser and/or reflux condenser, if using a reflux column may become critical. Also, how the boiler heat input is controlled could be a factor as well.

Whatcha’ thinking here?
ss

The urn is run on a thermostat so will give 2.5kw energy until it reaches the temp set in the thermostat. And I’ll just be using the urn rather than the T500 boiler which gives 2kw setup exactly the sane

It’s a 30 litre boiler and I will fill 25 litres

Newcastle1996 wrote:The urn is run on a thermostat so will give 2.5kw energy until it reaches the temp set in the thermostat. And I’ll just be using the urn rather than the T500 boiler which gives 2kw setup exactly the sane

Don't use a thermostat. Others will advise on the best method of controlling power but be aware that if the power is suited to the still you don't need to control it at all.

Geoff

The T500 is 2kw Constantly which I assume is suited to the still would using 2.5kw throughout with same boiler soze be fine.

Do you already own these items or are you buying specially?

Lee

I own the condenser and the urn already!so was just thinking of saving money and combining them.

Newcastle1996 wrote:The urn is run on a thermostat so will give 2.5kw energy until it reaches the temp set in the thermostat. And I’ll just be using the urn rather than the T500 boiler which gives 2kw setup exactly the sane

I run a 25 litre tea urn boiler and it has all sorts of features to stop it boiling, Keep it hot and that infamous thermostat (Bimetallic strip)

You need to take the botom off, and Bypass all these, then plug it straight in. I use a dimroth condenser which will knock down a couple of Kw with ease. So will a decent Liebig.

Personally I wouldn't bother with the T500 top, Just make a modular column with a "pot top" which you can interchange for a "boka". You can't run a T500 in "pot mode" satisfactorily anyhow without buying the "other top" !

It is better if you can turn the power down when it comes up to the boil and one of the Chinese "Power controllers" will do the job with ease - but get one rated at 10,000 watts, the 5,000 burned out on me with continuous usage.

That’s great thanks! Until I figure that out do you think it would be fine to run 2.5kw?

Newcastle1996 wrote:That’s great thanks! Until I figure that out do you think it would be fine to run 2.5kw?

Yes, as long as your Liebig can do the job.

But until you figure it out - You may have trouble getting all the ethanol out of it !

Hi Newcastle

Pikey has give you some great advice there and I'd also use a different condenser as soon as you can.

The answer to your question is yes the t500 condenser will knock down the 2.5kw as far as I'm concerned. What are you using the condenser to make if it's a neutral the 2.5kw will smear all your cuts so it will need the power regulator Pikey mentioned to make decent cuts.

Lee

Newcastle1996 wrote:I own the condenser and the urn already!so was just thinking of saving money and combining them.

What Urn do you have mate - Mine's a swan and I'm in uk. [Are you in uk ? ]

I'm about to "CHOP" another and Have already said I'll do a "piccy" thread on it (although I'm procrastinating) - so If yours is the same, I'll get a wriggle on !

Igenix ig4030! What kw is yours??

And I am from uk!

Newcastle1996 wrote:Igenix ig4030! What kw is yours??

Large 30L Capacity
2500W
Keep Warm Function
Adjustable Thermostat 30 - 100°C
Boil Dry Cut Off
Overheat Protection
On/Off Power Indicator
Clear Water Gauge
Automatically Turns Off When Water Boils
Locking Lid and Cool Touch Handles
Non-Drip Tap
Concealed Heating Element
Stainless Steel Single Wall Construction

I quite like that ! particularly the 100 C option on the thermostat. - You may just get away without any bypasses !

The only thing I would expect is a vapour leak at the lid joint and if there are any "steam vents" on the lid. I use "pastry" to seal both of those.
the visible "water level" could be great if you ever get to a "Fill port" situation.

This is the new version of mine

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swan-26Ltr-1 ... 1587964657

It says 2500 W - so I suppose mine is probably the same, but the lid arrangement and the tap is completely different.

Anyhow - if you're in uk and you get any issues - at least we're on teh same electrical system !

Newcastle1996 wrote:Igenix ig4030!

Newcastle,

Looking at the owners manual for that urn, I see a lot of plastic/bakelite parts in contact with the liquid and vapor stream. As such, I am compelled to tell you that it is not suitable for use as a boiler (see our rule #8). I would also warn the the upper seal is also not appropriate for our service.

Add to that, the thermostat control is wrong for distillation (as Pikey told you already), and you’ll soon see that there are better options, even though you already have the urn. I would suppose it would make a great pot of coffee though.

Be safe, responsible, and discrete. And don’t blow yourself up or poison yourself or others.
ss

Many old style urns had two elements, a bigger one and a smaller one.
And a three position switch;
LOW engaged the smaller element.
MEDIUM engaged the larger element.
HIGH engaged both.
So you could heat up on HIGH, then run on probably MEDIUM but whichever....
Geoff

This is one user's comments about the IGENIX IG4030 tea urn: Igenix IG4030 Catering Urn 2,500 W – 30 L, Stainless Steel

Bought for care home but once boiled it then goes off the boil and once it drops sufficiently it boils up again. However, you cannot bring it back to the boil on command and we found if we needed to use it to make a pot of tea the temperatures was such that the residents complained about the tea and that it wasn’t hot enough. Admittedly, I should have been more aware of the description and picked up on this, but have had to buy another model that you can bring back to the boil whenever needed.

So, as you see...the thermostat will upset the process for distillation. It is NOT the right tool for the job.
ss

Agree Still_stirrin . It would need so many modifications to make it safe , it would be easier to start with something more suitable