StillSmart

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-23T22:36:00+00:00

Here's a graph showing the vapour temp and alcohol % for any given boiler temp

Statistics: Posted by Anavrin — Wed Nov 23, 2016 10:36 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-23T19:23:27+00:00

They come in all different sizes. Mine is, I think, about 230mm long, 5mm dia, and has an 8mm thread. You can get one to suit your needs. All 'K' type, so will work the same.

Statistics: Posted by Dave — Wed Nov 23, 2016 7:23 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-23T07:35:04+00:00

I'm at the very confused stage. I'm reading pid controllers as coming wih K type thermocouples (thermometer probes I think?) and most are 4mm. My still spirits alembic pot head thingie comes with a 3mm probe thermometer, which makes me think I need one of these? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Liquid-Measuri ... couple+3mm

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Wed Nov 23, 2016 7:35 am

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-21T23:01:15+00:00

There is a song in there somewhere!

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Mon Nov 21, 2016 11:01 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-21T22:43:33+00:00

Yes, and the more you learn, the more you're moved to experiment a little, try a little more of this, a little bit of that!.....

Statistics: Posted by Dave — Mon Nov 21, 2016 10:43 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-21T22:31:38+00:00

It is a little like moving in with a new partner, very exciting at first, as you learn just what tickles their fancy.
After a while you know the routine, and it becomes more formulaic, but still enjoyable!

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Mon Nov 21, 2016 10:31 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-21T11:11:59+00:00

I guess you wont get one without the other, tho. My thermocouple measures the wash temp, but you can put it anywhere you like. I think it's a matter of getting to know your still too. I'm learning something new about mine everytime, how it heats up, how it behaves at certain temps. It's almost like a living thing!

Statistics: Posted by Dave — Mon Nov 21, 2016 11:11 am

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-20T23:52:33+00:00

Interesting indeed. It is vapour temperature and not liquid temperature I was hoping to go by.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:52 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-20T22:58:37+00:00

That's just what I thought I'd do, until I started to learn about azeotropes and came across this.....very interesting.

http://learntomoonshine.com/still-tempe ... -moonshine

Statistics: Posted by Dave — Sun Nov 20, 2016 10:58 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-20T19:10:20+00:00

Dave wrote:
Why don't you go for a PID controller like this? I have one and it's great! You can set your temp to exactly what you want and it 's rock steady.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REX-C100-Digi ... 1351946036

I looked at those, but got confused by all the comments on home distiller saying it's wrong to think in terms of controlling temperature instead of power.

My presumably wonky logic was to set temperature just below where hearts start and collect foreshots and heads (discovered through experience with my still) and when output stops or slows adjust temperature to just above where hearts start and collect some small jars to make cuts. Then adjust temp to just below end of hearts and collect them until output slows/stops again etc.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Sun Nov 20, 2016 7:10 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-20T15:11:07+00:00

Why don't you go for a PID controller like this? I have one and it's great! You can set your temp to exactly what you want and it 's rock steady.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REX-C100-Digi ... 1351946036

Statistics: Posted by Dave — Sun Nov 20, 2016 3:11 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-11-20T00:29:17+00:00

Is http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-220V-4000W-SCR-Variable-Voltage-Regulator-Motor-Speed-Control-Controller-Fan-/192027019684 OK for our needs? I was attracted by the fan and the scale round the knob compared to similar and only fractionally cheaper.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Sun Nov 20, 2016 12:29 am

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-08-20T03:50:43+00:00

My own homebuilt controller is installed into a metal box,with holes,no fan.
In fact just as YHB did viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1001&p=7821&hilit=power+controller#p7791 minus the fans,but with heat transfer paste.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sat Aug 20, 2016 3:50 am

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-08-19T14:10:31+00:00

Interesting vid....building a controller can be a hit & miss affair at times. It's good to know we have a expert on board when we have any questions...

Statistics: Posted by Icefever — Fri Aug 19, 2016 2:10 pm

Re: Controller / Energy meter idea

2016-08-19T11:40:51+00:00

Passing that amount of current they run warm to hot and DO need airflow
whether convection or fan assisted. They should NEVER be fitted in a sealed
plastic container.
They are mounted in a housing full of holes for a reason.

I run my 2kW straight from the mains to reach temp and then connect the controller.
Saves it getting too hot passing max current.

Good 'breakdown' video here for anyone interested in them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4PwYm_7HKg&index=11&list=WL

Hope that helps a little.
H..

Statistics: Posted by jet2ride — Fri Aug 19, 2016 11:40 am