How to assemble a simple ccvm head for newbs +using hard ptfe gaskets + ccvm flute

[Chauncey]

So this what you need to assemble a ccvm is pretty simple. This one is in 2 inch but is the reflux head for a 3 inch column so instead of the bell reducer I use under the tee

Here is what you need to do it. Remember this list is just the head but the same process connects the pc and packed or plated section. The material list will only include what's needed to make these connections

I'm doing this just to get more knowledge out here for visual learners and people who have difficulty with the rigid ptfe gaskets sealing up. Its my personal method and not the be all end all of gasket use.

Anyway the list

*3 triclamps in 2 inch
*3 ptfe gaskets
*an equal 2 inch triclamp tee
*a 90 degree triclamp elbow
*a 2 inch by 10 inch length triclamp spool. Or whatever size you want above your takeoff tee.

the following are optional
*a short spool 2" triclover to move the elbow that goes down to the pc a few inches from the column.
* a 2" triclover tee with the branch that connects to whatever size your thermo is. Mine is 1/2" npt with a 3 inch probe so I made mine from a copper spool I soldered a 1/2" fnpt into the side of. You could use a premade stainless tee with a 2" to themometer connection adapter. In my case it would be a 2inch tc cap to half inch fnpt and I'd have a longer probe.
*the thermometer. Its going to tell you the vapor temp headed for your PC

I use a thermo after the RC and a phase change diagram to monitor my abv. You can go directly to the elbow if you want.

Also

You're gonna need ptfe thread tape. A half inch width roll and a 1 inch width roll. Even though you can do it with all half inch. Get the white stuff. Not the blue monster or yellow.

Ok so I start with the take off tee to the thermo tee. You'll see why later.

I begin by wrapping the 1/2" tape around each ferrule I'm joining. once evenly around with a little overlap. I delicately keep the tape flat and with the ridge of the flange in the center so some goes around the angled part and the rest can be folded down into the groove in the ferrule face. I'll use a gasket to push fit it and fold it. Be careful to cut your tape and not pull it because that will stretch it diagnolly blocking some vapor path. If it does stretch over just gently roll it back in the groove

Not covering the vapor path but rough

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Rolled back and push fit with gasket

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Covering the other side to be joined

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Pushed it into groove in ferrule and gasket set on top

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This is one of the reasons I did this in this order. Balance the tee on top and use a single wrap of the one inch tape to go all the way around the outside of the ferrule gasket sandwich. The pic I'm wrapping the 1 inch around is blurry, only one hand lol. But the single wraps with a lol overlap are important on all the taped connections. Too much tape your clampmwont fit.

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Now clamp it up. Tight. But hand tight. I mean really hand tight.

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