condenser help

[kentuc]

Building a new reflux condenser for the top of 2" vm column what size tubing do I want (o.d or i.d)? and what size tubing do I need to wrap it around? just looking for the basics

[Hawke]

You want 1/4" O.D. soft drawn tubing. May be cheaper for you to buy an icemaker hook-up kit, then to buy just tubing. Has been for me anyway.

If you are just doing a single coil, you can wrap it around something with an O.D. of 1" or 1 1/4". I used 1" pvc pipe for one of mine. It's best to fill your tubing with either salt or sand, I prefer salt because it is easier to get back out.Takes a little time to get it filled, but well worth it.

[kentuc]

Thanks Hawk! What if its a double coil? use 3/4" od?

[Hawke]

Yes, start with 3/4 for a double. I like to use a 'coldfinger' return as it adds some extra cooling and takes up more space. There is a stickie post here somewhere on winding coils. It would be well worth the time to read it.

[HookLine]

Building a new reflux condenser for the top of 2" vm column what size tubing do I want (o.d or i.d)? and what size tubing do I need to wrap it around? just looking for the basics

For 1/4" tube I use 3/4" and 1 & 1/4" to wind it on. Overall coil length about 6-7" is enough.

[Tatt2d]

Yes, start with 3/4 for a double. I like to use a 'coldfinger' return as it adds some extra cooling and takes up more space. There is a stickie post here somewhere on winding coils. It would be well worth the time to read it.

I always thought the cold finger was the supply side of the coil...???

[Hawke]

I always thought the cold finger was the supply side of the coil...???

Not so, you want the cold water working from top to bottom, through the coil(s). (counter flow)