Adding a 4” section to a 3” bubble plate column

[Tweedtelecaster]

After a brief search and I couldn’t really find any results. I thought I would post a question here. I’m currently running a 3 inch column with four bubble cap plates. It’s a modular system with TC fittings. I also have a single 4 inch section that I use under a whiskey helmet(pot still) to run my whiskey . I was curious if it would be feasible to add the 4” section on the base of my 3 inch column adding a couple more 4 inch plates? This is on a 26g boiler with 2X 5500W elements.
I suppose my concern would be if it would interfere with the proper rate of the flow of the vapor. I certainly appreciate any insight that could be provided. Thank you.

[Ben]

Nope, it will be just fine. The vapor will slow slightly, that's it, it speeds up going through the plates then slows into the column sections anyway. Grab a reducer and go.

[Tweedtelecaster]

Thanks Ben! I actually already have the reducer, I just need a couple 4” bubble cap plates. I’m going to order them up!

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[bluefish_dist]

Works fine. My vodka still was setup to run 6” plates under a 4” column.

[shadylane]

It depends on the plate design of the 4" section.
Because the 4" is going to have to run at 3" speed.

[Yummyrum]

A valid point Shady .
The 3” section will dictate the maximum power that the combination can handle .This power will be way less than what a 4” plated column would be able to handle and run comfortably at .
Bubble caps in the 4” section will cope with the turndown in power whereas, if Perf plates were used , they likely won’t stay loaded .

[Saltbush Bill]

100% correct Yummy and Shady, it will very much depend on plate type.and design.