Pending the build of my CCVM - when i can finally get the parts i need - i am currently using the following 2 bits of kit combined to make a RC (don't laugh - it works)
Installed they look like below
The whole setup (The middle thermo has been removed since this photo)
(Small aside - the copper one, stuffed with copper mesh is able to knock down almost 2KW with the occasional drip getting through - but it needs a lot more water. Added the 200mm x 2" Dephlegmater - now knocks down 100% of 3KW and uses much less water. Was not sure the depleg on its own would knock it all down)
The pot is a 30L - with 1.8 meter of column (mix of 3" and 2"), 1.2m packed tightly with copper mesh - 3 KW 240V element with power controller
I'm at 1500m altitude
What i do (please critique)
- Start the boiler - 100% power
- when boiler head temp reaches 80°C - turn on water to PC --> RC Copper --> RC SS
- shortly thereafter (10 - 15 minutes), thermo below the RCs will jump to 77°C
- the head temp stays firmly at 22°C
- hold it there for about 10 - 15 minutes (not a single whiff of a drop to the output tube as the head temp does not climb)
- cut power to 60% (1800W)
- slow down water to a trickle (slowly) while watching thermo after RCs
- slowly the head temp climbs to 73.5°C and fores start coming out - one drop every 2 seconds
- adjust water down a bit more until drips are running in a fast drip but not a stream.
Observations ( i measure each jar for temp and ABV)
- head thermo stays constant a 73.5°C
- product output stays around the 20°C mark
- Water AFTER the RC's is almost too hot to hold your hand under
- product stays at 93/94 for entire run
- when top thermo climbs to 74 i stop - that's tails iirc
- takes a whole day to run this
Questions for my next reflux run
1. Should i leave the power at max and only adjust the water flow?
2. or should i set the water flow and only adjust the power?
3. Should i have 2 x water sources? one for RCs and one for PC? (inclined to do so)
4. Water source currently adjusted with a 1/2" ball valve - but touchy
5. would running higher power enable me to increase the output rate whilst maintaining ABV?
I ask about the higher rate being possible as i run completely on solar power - so have a finite timeframe in which i can run the still.
Any pointers, suggestions, critique welcome
(and before anyone asks, yes i used the search button - a lot)
Running a CM - need some pointers
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- EricTheRed
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Running a CM - need some pointers
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My fekking eyes are bleeding! Installed BS Filters - better! :D
Life has gotten interesting!
Life has gotten interesting!