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Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:50 am
by tag1260
Is there any practical difference between a 2 inch column that has a 2 inch 90 on top vs one that doesn't and goes straight into 1/2 inch? Thanks

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:19 pm
by Salt Must Flow
What type of still are you asking about?

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:30 pm
by tag1260
Pot still from a keg.

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:45 pm
by kimbodious
No problems at all for a pot still. I used to have a pot still just like that and was getting 3-4 lph running a 2200W element 240VAC on stripping runs.

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:18 pm
by Salt Must Flow
kimbodious is right, it's not an issue with a basic pot still. If you look at a lot of pics of well built pot stills, you'll see that they often have two elbows and a connection between them. That allows the product condenser to be set at any angle. Often people use copper Unions or Tri-Clamp connections.

Often people use a 2" elbow and a reducer to the connection because it looks cool though it isn't required in order to function just the same.

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:28 pm
by tag1260
Ok. My question is answered but what I'm asking is the difference between using a 2 inch vs 1/2 inch 90 at the top of the column.

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 2:01 pm
by Sporacle
Basically dollars, you will have to make a reduction to 1/2 at some stage and because you are reducing to half inch I'm assuming you are going to run a liebig or worm.
So the economics of it are basically do I pay for a 2 inch 90 or a 1/2 inch 90.
Have a look at the potstill thread for different heads
Or this has a heap
viewtopic.php?t=5908&start=25

Re: Keg still column build

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:35 pm
by bcook608
tag1260 wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:28 pm Ok. My question is answered but what I'm asking is the difference between using a 2 inch vs 1/2 inch 90 at the top of the column.
You'll get more use out of your parts if you build your still with 2" tri-clamp connections and 2" components, then reduce to 1/2" after your elbows. That way if you want to change things up down the line or decide to switch to a shotgun, all you have to do is take off the liebig and it's plug and play from there.

The extra expense (in my opinion) is worth it when it comes to versatility. You won't have to rebuild your riser when/if you want to reconfigure.