StillSmart

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-18T18:33:20+00:00

Thats right and the controller also eliminates the on/off cycle that has been mentioned previously.

You will see one example where there appears to be a thermometer on the boiler - but it is measuring a bath or jacket temperature. In reality this is still controlling an energy input and it isn't measuring the temperature of the boiler contents.

Statistics: Posted by Myles — Mon Jan 18, 2016 6:33 pm

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-18T10:34:07+00:00

So the people who are driving their still with an energy meter and power controller on the element, are these setting an energy level and not a temp. GOT IT.

So I need to bypass the BM controller, and use a power controller.

thanks

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Mon Jan 18, 2016 10:34 am

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-18T09:53:56+00:00

Mash wrote:
Setting temp as against setting power was causing me some concern too. Mine concern was "if it is that easy why has no one else done it"

There is one very easy reason why no-one does it. As the run progresses the boiling point of the liquid in the boiler changes.

10% ABV wash boils at 93 degrees C and as you drive of the alcohol the boiling point rises towards 100 degrees C

You can NOT drive any still by the temperature of the wash in the boiler.

Statistics: Posted by Myles — Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:53 am

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-15T18:21:54+00:00

What are people's thoughts of temp control for a braumeister (as a boiler). By that I mean.. what would be a good temp to set on the front panel. I can do 0 - 102°C ?

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Fri Jan 15, 2016 6:21 pm

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-02T15:10:32+00:00

Setting temp as against setting power was causing me some concern too. Mine concern was "if it is that easy why has no one else done it"

Yes please.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:10 pm

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-02T14:25:28+00:00

I don't think you will get away with simply setting the temp on the BM as you need continuous power to run the column and the BM will switch the element off once the set temp is reached, you'd be better connecting a power controller directly to the element if you can.

I've also got a 2" copper column about 900mm long with tri-clamp ferrule's on each end, also seperate liebig and boka a section with consensing coil, all with tri-clamp ferrule's for connection, I don't think I'm going to us them any more, could save you a lot of time and effort, I'll get some photos taken if your interested.

Statistics: Posted by Anavrin — Sat Jan 02, 2016 2:25 pm

Re: Head for BM

2016-01-02T10:26:38+00:00

I think a complex Air cooled reflux on top of the BM, might be a bit much to start with. Probably better to make a simple column for starters.

In my head it probably ought to look something like this.

2 inch diameter tri-clamp,
16 inches tall.
18 inch leibig condenser (1/2 inch diameter with a 3/4 inch water jacket) Planning to fill it with scrubbers.

I think this is probably enough for the top of the BM. It is a 3 kW heater which I am not planning to turn down. Instead, I can set a temperature on the BM controller. (temperature to be decided)

Calling all builders! will this work - or rather some obvious mistakes?

Alternatively, if somebody has something similar gathering dust in the shed please PM me

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sat Jan 02, 2016 10:26 am

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-20T17:25:20+00:00

A mate of mine is trying to get me some water jacketed 22mm SS pipe. Lots like things are coming together.

Just need an old lid to cannibalize.

Thanks for the silicone idea Robert - just the ticket

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Fri Nov 20, 2015 5:25 pm

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-15T01:34:42+00:00

Wishing you joy.
Well that appears to be the first xmas message sent.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sun Nov 15, 2015 1:34 am

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-14T20:27:53+00:00

Have Google will silicone.
Thanks

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sat Nov 14, 2015 8:27 pm

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-14T02:32:07+00:00

HA6 is a type of silicone completely harmless to fish,and reading its spec. sheet a far better choice than any other silicone that I could find.
Catering quality silicones all seem to contain fungicide.
To extrude a gasket, simply take the dished part of your two items,(in my case the boiler lid), and with your steadiest hands squeeze a nice even layer all around the inner mating surface.
The next part is not too technical, spit on your finger and smooth out the imperfections.
Leave to skin over and start hardening.Maybe an hour or so, depends upon thickness.
Apply a smear of cooking oil to the other surface,(the top of my boiler) and gently mate the two.
Leave for 24 hours or more,before seriously tightening down.

My first gasket lasted for maybe 100 hundred uses,and then, maybe because I had not cleaned the surface that it stuck to,(the lid) properly, half of it came loose.
I simply cut that away, cleaned everything up, and made a repair.
Still going strong.
Sorry for the pun.
After the first use the gasket should stay stuck to it's parent,in my case the lid.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:32 am

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-13T23:37:45+00:00

Interesting stuff, this HA6....I think ED has solved a few problems there! Robert, is your gasket a 'one use' or does the lid still come off without damaging the seal?

Benoit

Statistics: Posted by Benoit — Fri Nov 13, 2015 11:37 pm

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-13T18:38:56+00:00

For me too, so I Goog'd HA6 silicone and learned

Statistics: Posted by packapoo — Fri Nov 13, 2015 6:38 pm

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-13T10:31:41+00:00

Robert.

Excellent - that makes sense to me. However I have to confess "extruded a silicone gasket of HA6" seems to be in another language

Can you elaborate please?

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:31 am

Re: Head for BM

2015-11-13T01:14:53+00:00

That's a decent looking way to achieve what's needed, Robert.

Statistics: Posted by packapoo — Fri Nov 13, 2015 1:14 am