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I am in the process of fabricating a pot still from a 20 liter stock pot with a SS mixing bowl. I am using a 1 in column that reduces to 1/2 in copper tube thru the condenser. Can someone advise me on the length to make the column. At this point the column is 2 ft. Is Taller better? Athe condenser apperatice is about 3 ft long. Not sure if it ok to have the angle of the condenser to the column at 45 deg. Seems the cut will run out very quick than a more shallower condenser angle. Please advise.

Legalost

nothing really gained by making the column taller on a pot still some even make it only a couple of inches tall . now a reflux thats a different story ..

This has all been covered before, but...

For a pot still you really don't need a column at all... True, some folks use them to give a small amount of reflux but it isn't required... A couple inches of rise is more than enough... The condenser just needs to be large enough to knock down the vapors and is dependent on the heat input... Between 24 and 36 inches is common, but some go bigger...

Do some reading about what others have done rather than asking and then you can decide for yourself based on more information than you'll get via replies...

I was using the design of gingerbreadmans that is posted in Tony's pot still pics. I also tried to attach it below. I am using 1 in tubing instead of 3/4. I also had concern about the condenser angle and the Temp placement. Seems the concenser should be more shallower and the temp gauge should be in the middle of the column.

The only reason for hieght on a potstill is to keep from having to collect on the floor.
GB's is set up that way to fit his situation.

legalost wrote: I also had concern about the condenser angle and the Temp placement. Seems the concenser should be more shallower and the temp gauge should be in the middle of the column.

A thermometer in a pot still is virtually useless. It provides no information required for the task you're undertaking. If you leave it out entirely it won't make one bit of difference to your learning curve. Just another potential leak.

Welcome aboard.

Ummm... Just noticed that we're discussing a pot still design in the column distillation and design section... Might be worth having a moderator move this topic to the appropriate section to eliminate possible confusion...

As already said, the upright length on a potstill is in your design for convenience, make it so it fits where it has to go. I don't believe the length will affect your output in any noticeable way. As said, design it so it can be braced easily and you are not balancing collecting jugs on bits of crap and old books. Make it so you're not squatting down on the floor, and it's away from sources of heat, draughts, kids, dogs etc.

The angle of the liebig will be fine at 45d.