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Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2020 3:26 pm
by Brock O
G Day Gents,
First build progress...hopefully strip some wire this week to finish the copper to copper welds. Was going to use gas but am now considering the outlay for a heating element. Unsure on temp gauge type or were to locate...being a novice i'd like to include one.
Not sure what the thoughts are on the lengths which are just mok up atm...300mm H with 1m of 1/2" with 500mm of 1" as condenser. Any advice appreciated. Cheers.
.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:14 pm
by HomerD
I would put ferrules at the marked Location so you can change the angle of the condenser. It’s also handy if you change to a shotgun condenser later.
Homer
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:23 pm
by OtisT
For a pot still I would recommend the thermometer be in the boiler. You can do more with it in the boiler vs in the vapor path.
+1 to using a ferrule for changing the angle of your PC.
Otis
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:54 pm
by Brock O
Cheers Gents....will add Ferrules as mentioned along with Thermometer
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:04 am
by Brock O
Well its been a slow process...copper welding being the hard part for me, but have got there in the end. Still some cleaning of the welds etc before I start with a good internal scrub...then citric wash and vinegar run. Been reading from the start which is interesting but slow going at the same time. Still a lot to read before attempting my first run.
Have decided on 2 x heating elements instead of a burner, one will need a controller I believe which I haven't purchased yet.
I did weld in a nipple to allow a temp gauge...reading more this really could be a hole I didn't need..
, might get a plug yet and save on the $30 purchase. 1-1/2 valve to bottom plus 4" port added for easier filling and draining.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:52 am
by Saltbush Bill
Looks like your having a win there.....you will need some sort of "prop" under the end of that liebig before use.
The wieght of hoses and water will more than likely bend it otherwise.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:57 pm
by Brock O
Cheers Bill,
Haven't decided on exact location yet but most likely back shed...Plenty of bits in there to sort it, not sure on angle yet.
Going to use a 30l fermentation tub with a small fish pump...plenty of block ice in the front fishing freezer so should be all good there.
I've done some partial grain brews with my beer over the last 6 months but haven't figured out which mash or the exact process to follow yet, completely new at the all grain idea.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 2:27 pm
by Durhommer
Brock O wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:04 am
Well its been a slow process...copper welding being the hard part for me, but have got there in the end. Still some cleaning of the welds etc before I start with a good internal scrub...then citric wash and vinegar run. Been reading from the start which is interesting but slow going at the same time. Still a lot to read before attempting my first run.
Have decided on 2 x heating elements instead of a burner, one will need a controller I believe which I haven't purchased yet.
I did weld in a nipple to allow a temp gauge...reading more this really could be a hole I didn't need..
, might get a plug yet and save on the $30 purchase. 1-1/2 valve to bottom plus 4" port added for easier filling and draining.
20200823_141809.jpg20200823_141821.jpg20200823_141834.jpg20200928_153625.jpg20200928_153644.jpg20200928_155626.jpg
Great work there you just might get copied
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:16 pm
by tombombadil
Man. It must be cool to be good at welding. I'm having a 240v/60a circuit put in soon so I can get a welding machine and start learning.
Good job!
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:12 am
by Corsaire
Looking good! I'd rethink your cooling setup though. I use 2-3× the amount of cooling water compared to boiler charge, so if you fill her up to 40l I'd use 80 to 120l of water in my recirc setup.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:27 am
by Saltbush Bill
Agree with the above post......cool water is probably cheaper than home made ice. A bigger water reservoir would be better long term.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:37 pm
by Brock O
Cheers Gents, yes the welding has helped as I have the gear... although the eyes and patience isn't what it use to be. Its like stilling..a slow process that takes learning and preparation.
Will see how I go with the first stripping run regarding the water as I don't have a bigger tub as this stage...can add water / replace water easy enough with plenty of block ice as mentioned.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2020 11:21 pm
by Alkyholik
Can I ask where you got these parts from
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2020 1:18 pm
by zapata
Brock O wrote: ↑Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:37 pm
Will see how I go with the first stripping run regarding the water as I don't have a bigger tub as this stage...can add water / replace water easy enough with plenty of block ice as mentioned.
If you can replace water to a tub, you can just run tapwater to waste with at least equal efficiency and skip the tub altogether. Or just have the tub collect the hot "waste" water for whatever you might want hotwater for. Save yourself the pump too if you don't already have it, save you the heartache if it fails even if you do have it. All you need is a valve on a hose to throttle to the flow to the point that everything is condensed and as cool as you want it, and the exit temp is as hot as possible. There's no free lunch with a tub and a pump, you just waste water by the tub full rather than a trickle from a hose.
But of course it'll work the way you're planning, and using ice isn't technically efficient but is unlikely to hurt any feelings.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2020 2:12 pm
by tiramisu
Alkyholik wrote: ↑Sat Oct 31, 2020 11:21 pm
20201101_071923.jpgCan I ask where you got these parts from
Not sure where he got them from but best prices for these I have seen this week are aliexpress.
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2020 2:19 pm
by tiramisu
Your boiler is looking very practical. Having the ability to weld stainless would be very nice.
Using the 2" sanke as a drain on the bottom is another very nice to have as a cleanout ( I am torn on this for my own - The 2" sanke port is already
nice and level so I can't screw it up and I can use a 2-3" adapter but... sigh ).
The legs seem a little tall if you are thinking of modifying for a reflux column in the basement but for the outdoors
or the barn that is kick ass ( I wish I had a barn ).
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2020 2:36 pm
by The Baker
If you leave the legs that tall, I would brace them by joining them together near the bottom.
The last thing you want is for your still to do the splits.
Geoff
Re: Pot Still Progress
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 11:14 pm
by Brock O
Hi Gents,
Cheers for the reply's.....I'm away with work atm so am still to run this up...
Good call with the legs...can trim these if required, and yes a brace between each is easy enough...Safety First!
I'm out of Perth Australia...SS parts are from a company here called Stirling's
https://www.stirlingsps.com/application/products-2.html
The top fitting is a tri-clover welded to a 3" to 2" reducer.
There Hygienic catalogue isn't the best...5min from my house so lucky I can walk into there trade shop.