I'm building a 3" VM Column to continue experimenting with producing Amaro & Vermouth using my own neutral spirits. I have a background in commercial winemaking and brewing, but this will be the first time I dive in to the great world of distillation! I would love the forum's assistance in reviewing my design for any obvious flaws or improvements, and I have a few questions that I will list at the bottom. I have been reading here extensively over the past few months and have covered all the beginner materials as required. Thanks in advance for the patience!
The goals for this still are:
- Find a healthy balance between production rate, quality & proof.
- Max height: 80" (I have a spot for this still in an R&D space with appropriate ventilation, but unfortunately it's a bit short.)
- Allow for conversion to a pot still for gin production (an aspect of producing some styles of Amari)
- Allow for conversion to a 1:25 VM/LM hybrid by adding additional spools, slant plates & a needle valve above the current butterfly valve.
- In the diagram, lengths (in inches) run the left side of the still, with descriptions and triclamp sizes on the right.
- The only interruptions in the vapor stream are the following:
- 4" Screen Gasket, situated directly above the 4" ferrule that attaches to the keg boiler (component pictured below).
- 100% Copper Scrubbing, which will begin at the screen gasket and extends all the way up to the bottom of the T for 32" of packing.
- The still will use high pressure triclamps for anything in the vapor path, and PTFE gaskets throughout.
- The column ratio is 1:18.3, while I wish I could get closer to 1:25 I'm unfortunately blocked by ceiling height.
- The column begins with 4 inches (in height) of 4" column (in diameter). It then reduces to 3" for the rest of the design.
- This to allow for the use of the above screen gasket in it's 4" version instead of 3" version, reducing any restriction of vapor flow.
- The still will be heated by a 4500w / 240v ripple heating element.
- I have placed two thermo wells in the column, one at the top of the reflux condenser and one in the horizontal portion of the T right before the valve that will control my reflux ratio. Do these placements seem valid? (yes, I know you can't run a still based on thermometer readings).
- I would prefer to use a butterfly valve over a gate valve for the reflux control valve on the T. Any major downsides here?
- When converting to a pot still for the production of gin, I assume I should have another 12" spool handy to bring the height of the lynne arm to max height?
- I have attached links to the two condensers that I found that seemed best suited for this still. I would prefer not to DIY. Do these seem like valid selections?
- What's your favorite vermouth / amaro?!
- Anything else?
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