Higgins steam stripper / corn cooker

[higgins]

I've just finished building my steam stripping rig that can double as my corn cooker.

I'm using a pony keg for the steam generator, and built this gadget to attach to the top with a tri clamp.

Steamer.jpg

The bottom end of this gadget is a 2" TC to 1" male SS adapter, tri-clamped to the keg with a one-sided PTFE gasket.
The 3/4" valve is the main output to the keggle. It will be connected with a yellow CSST gas connector.
The 1/2" valve on the left is to divert steam away from my body. (still need to solder tubing to the output to divert it away)
The pressure gauge is from a pressure cooker, and next to it is an adjustable relief valve.

The Injector assembly at the kettle is made from these parts:

Steam2Kettle_1.jpg

The injector (the copper thingy) uses a 2" TC to 1" male SS adapter to clamp it to the tee, and a 1" FPT to 3/4" copper adapter (file off the stops) to allow a 3/4" pipe to pass thru it and remained sealed. Two 45s were used because a 90 would not allow it to fit thru the tee. Each end has a 3/4 FPT adapter.

The assembly is inserted into the tee (slide on a TC gasket first) and clamped to it.

Steam2Kettle_2.jpg

Steam2Kettle_3.jpg

Steam2Kettle_Complete.jpg

The steam wand must be separable from the injector assembly so that it can be disassembled into 3 pieces. It is a 3/4" copper tube with 36 9/64" holes drilled in it, then inserted into an SS braid sleeve. The braid is trimmed and the ends are stuffed into the tube. I force fit the cap on the bottom, and the coupler on the top to keep the SS braid in place. I should have annealed them first. It is topped with a 3/4" male adapter.


Just add the pot still head and shotgun condenser and its ready to go.

SteamStrip.jpg

I tested it, fixed the leaks, and allowed it to build up about 5 psi. I adjusted the relief valve so that it was just open @ 5 psi. I turned the power off and the pressure stayed steady. I opened the 3/4" supply to the keggle gradually to relieve the pressure. I then closed it up and turned the power on and when the pressure got to about 4 psi the relief valve opened. I've still got to add a drain to my keggle before its maiden voyage, and I've got a 15 gallon pot (my current still) to cook the corn in.

Now to get busy mashing some bourbon.