Home Distiller

Going to try the electric route. Maybe compare propane(currently using) vs electric. But mainly just to build something new, and avoid the back and forth I have to deal with currently stilling in the garage.

So here goes....
Staying small, pony keg, 4500 element as I will drive a thumper at times, and have a bit of umph should I need it. Be using 220v. Controller, GFCI, I've got a grasp on all that, not an electrician, but know enough to accomplish what I need safely, and up to code.
I know the effects/benefits to insulating. Made big difference on propane, curious of its effects on the electric side actually. I have the idea to use an old vanity from a bathroom to house the still. I plan on setting up a CIP type of system so that the keg can just stay in the vanity, but easily removable should I need to.

My question(s)....

Any issue with the external part of the heating element and heat since it would be enclosed in the vanity?? Melting wires? Premature wear? Ill have one of those fancy "caps" on the end of the element I would imagine all that will get hot regardless, just not sure if having the still further enclosed would impart any extra heat stress on that element, connections, or wires.

Insulating the keg would reduce any effect, though I'm sure there would be some exposure to heat as the end of the element wouldn't be "out in the breeze".

Anyone done/doing this? enclosing the still, for concealment purposes, and running while its in its enclosure? Do you insulate the enclosure, still, or both?
Slowly compiling parts, so not building this tomorrow, just getting all the ducks lined up before hand.
Thanks for any help.

My wires might get slightly warm but if you’re using the right gauge wire you shouldn’t have issues with heat even in an enclosed area. Heat from the boiler will warm up the metal housing though.

I don’t enclose or insulate so I can’t speak much from experience similar to your goals but I would think you will be okay. If you’re worried about wire heat you can always increase the thickness of your wire between the socket and element beyond standard gauge and the hottest point should then be the breaker which would trip if it warms too much anyway.

Good to hear pope, and thanks for the input.

You say you don't insulate at all. I plan to try both ways just for the fun of it. Did you decide to forgo the insulating for any particular reason? Any regrets?

I suppose I should of mentioned that the vanity is almost three times the size of the keg. Not like its going to be stuffed in a small space.

Runamuckr wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 7:20 pm I suppose I should of mentioned that the vanity is almost three times the size of the keg. Not like its going to be stuffed in a small space.

More heat from the keg than possible from the wiring. But why a vanity?

Runamuckr wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 6:56 pm Anyone done/doing this? enclosing the still, for concealment purposes, and running while its in its enclosure?

IMHO, I don’t think running the still while concealed is a good idea. It’s like leaving the still unattended. Or do you plan to have the doors open when you are actively distilling?

Otis

Expat

Its just currently sitting there collecting dust. Wanting a place to store everything when not in use with minimal unpack, set up, tear down etc.

Otis

The intent is to have the top of the keg level or perhaps an inch or two above the top. Through the sink hole already in the top. Every once in a while, I'll need to give the tri-clamp a twist or two to tighten it up, most times Its tight enough from the start but can't say I never had a drip find its way out at the connection. Doors open or closed wouldn't really matter. Guess that was ultimately the question. However, my concern was heat. I suppose I'd notice a leak quicker if the still was in plain view rather then behind closed doors.

My column, and my unions and piping would all be above/outside the vanity.
Unless in storage mode.

Runamuckr wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:04 pm twist or two to tighten it up, most times Its tight enough from the start but can't say I never had a drip find its way out at the connection.

Not sure what’s going on but you really don’t want leaks of flammable liquid and vapor. As for insulation I just don’t think it’s a big deal, on a smaller lower powered still I have I will wrap it loosely to keep some heat in and it does make a little bit of difference. For the column I just figure any small reflux I get not insulating is desirable but I think it’s pretty negligible.

Pope

To be clear, my still doesn't leak. If I don't get the triclamp tight enough, especial at the keg connection as the keg is a bit thick, I'll know long before the column is full of steam, and I can tighten it up. Same for the unions on the run to the thumper. Thats why all connections would be above the enclosure. My set up is modular and is tore down when not in use.
I too don't insulate my column for that same purpose, but after jacketing my pot, I cut my propane usage just about in half. I imagine once up to temp, insulating an electric set up would consume a lot less power to run. But I'll play with that as I go.