StillSmart

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-29T12:34:11+00:00

It's a shame that we all have to live like we are criminals when all we are wanting to do is make a bottle of liquor to enjoy at home. I guess they would prefer we go to a pub or bar and drink and pay the taxes then get into a car and drive and possibly kill or injure an innocent person.

Statistics: Posted by edwatters — Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:34 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-29T10:16:48+00:00

Personally I wouldn't have any identifiable distilling equipment shipped to me from overseas no matter how it's packaged. Components or consumables that could be for any number of purposes/uses are fine.

I think it would be a mistake to underestimate the skills and knowledge of Customs officials. I used to work with them from time to time and I know they're easonable people unless they get the idea you're thumbing your nose at them.

I know a few people who have imported stilling gear from the US etc., labelled as Air Conditioning equipment and got away with it but if Customs do spot it they could wait 6 months before knocking on your door to sample your product - and remember, in the UK & Ireland, at least, Customs Officers don't need a warrant to enter your home and seize goods if they have reason to believe you have brought contraband goods into the country

If I can't build it, buy it locally or collect it myself in Ireland or the UK, I'll do without it.

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:16 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-28T21:12:28+00:00

edwatters wrote:
Magnum, I not only found a guy in Nevada that makes killer kegs for a very reasonable price( I got it today) he also makes controllers that are affordable. He is starting up a new venture and could use a helping hand promoting his product, if you would like his number let me know. I will get the controller tomorrow via fed ex.

thanks ed,but im in UK would it be worth the hassle to post to UK

Statistics: Posted by Magnu420 — Thu Mar 28, 2013 9:12 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-28T00:56:36+00:00

Please post a picture and some details. I will be interested later this year.

Statistics: Posted by chill — Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:56 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-28T00:40:56+00:00

Magnum, I not only found a guy in Nevada that makes killer kegs for a very reasonable price( I got it today) he also makes controllers that are affordable. He is starting up a new venture and could use a helping hand promoting his product, if you would like his number let me know. I will get the controller tomorrow via fed ex.

Statistics: Posted by edwatters — Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:40 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-27T23:23:14+00:00

YHB wrote:
Two things to remember.

1) If you can paint by numbers you can build a controller.

2) They are not expensive.

Have a look at this link -Especially the pictures and the one at the right,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-KYOTTO-AC-S ... 0617185%26

That's all there is too it, add a heat sink and maybe a fan ( both scrap from the local PC repair shop ) every thing else is just window dressing. (I must confess to being guilty of going a bit OTT with that)

Or here is one with the heat sink built-in, and it's less than a tenner.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4000W-AC-220v ... 2ec6ef3940

at yhb wont you need a solid state relay for these ??

Statistics: Posted by Magnu420 — Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:23 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T14:48:30+00:00

A 13amp plug goes to the mains, I use a quick connector on the end that goes to the boiler. Both my boilers have the matching male plug, as I use the same controller with both boilers.

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Fri Mar 22, 2013 2:48 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T14:11:20+00:00

Capt-Cudellez wrote:
What ever you go with you'll need one with a cool blue light

Wont be as good other wise

Is this connected straight to the element or is it plugged
In at the back also wouldlook better if it had a bigger dial indictator

Statistics: Posted by Magnu420 — Fri Mar 22, 2013 2:11 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T13:44:44+00:00

I still think we should have a like button lol. Nice pic Capt.

Statistics: Posted by edwatters — Fri Mar 22, 2013 1:44 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T12:34:05+00:00

What ever you go with you'll need one with a cool blue light

Wont be as good other wise

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Fri Mar 22, 2013 12:34 pm

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T10:46:01+00:00

after studying the pix on john power controller i must
admit its summat along the lines that i like

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1367&hilit=power+controller

i go for a root and see what i can find

Statistics: Posted by Magnu420 — Fri Mar 22, 2013 10:46 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T08:12:25+00:00

Power controller is a must, as explained. Even with the Airstill it can help by slowing down the boil and making the distillate a little cleaner.

As for building one, I am a complete clutz when it comes to all things electrical but, with the help of YHB, I managed to order the parts from China and assemble my own controller for a final total cost of approx 30 Euro.

I loved the sense of achievement in building something like this but the links YHB has posted for off-the-shelf options are brilliant options if you really don't fancy making one...really was easy-peasy!!!!

BTW Ed; there's no such thing as a "stupid question" just stupid people who consider themselves better than others with little or no justification and none of those people reside here so you ask a thing you want and you'll always get an answer

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:12 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T07:19:16+00:00

edwatters wrote:
as I asked this question on another board and was chastised. Why exactly do you need a controller on the heating element on a keg boiler pot still?

-------------------

As Chill says to controll the rate at which steam is produced.

For a Pot still that you ask about, no controller will result in the elememt allways being on full power and resulting in a violent boil which will produce vapours and distillate that are a mix of heads hearts and tails. Using a controller to produce a calmer, simmering, rolling boil you stand a better chance of being able to take off the various fractions individually and result in a more easily identifiable cut.

Statistics: Posted by YHB — Fri Mar 22, 2013 7:19 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T06:57:57+00:00

Two things to remember.

1) If you can paint by numbers you can build a controller.

2) They are not expensive.

Have a look at this link -Especially the pictures and the one at the right,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-KYOTTO-AC-S ... 0617185%26

That's all there is too it, add a heat sink and maybe a fan ( both scrap from the local PC repair shop ) every thing else is just window dressing. (I must confess to being guilty of going a bit OTT with that)

Or here is one with the heat sink built-in, and it's less than a tenner.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4000W-AC-220v ... 2ec6ef3940

Statistics: Posted by YHB — Fri Mar 22, 2013 6:57 am

Re: controller on a keg pot still

2013-03-22T03:05:33+00:00

Its a shame the controller costs almost as much as the keg and pot

Statistics: Posted by edwatters — Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:05 am