StillSmart

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-18T16:37:48+00:00

Thanks A_T, i made the assumption you got the weldless bulkhead flange to fit under the torpedo and the flange from china for the top.
Glad its working for you, i'll have another think what im going to do.

Cheers B_D

Statistics: Posted by Blue_Duck — Thu Dec 18, 2014 4:37 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-18T06:21:56+00:00

Hi mate
Not quite sure what you mean by SD bulkhead ?

What I got from China was two 2" flange fittings and some nuts

The flanges only have an inch or so of thread so tightened one as far as it would go then sandwiched the thin T500 lid between that and another nut. I used some good ptfe tape on threads etc to ensure a good seal.

Not brilliant a bit more thread would be ideal or a flange like the SD part

On the T 500 column I wound the flange in as far as it would go again with tape

Like I say not perfect but functions well and it's £15 as opposed to £30 odd.The same mob sell triclamps, seals, tube bends etc and quality seems good.i guess it's down to personal choice how much or how little you want to mix and match.

Does that help ?

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Thu Dec 18, 2014 6:21 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-17T23:04:31+00:00

@ A_T a couple of questions bud, were you happy with your china flange for the T500 column? just an observation, in your pic it doesn't look like it threaded all the way down to the lip.

Did the T500 column thread onto the s/d bulkhead? (did you try?)

Reason i ask is im compiling my list for S/D to order after the jolly season settles down, 2"-4"-2" sgk torpedo a 2"copper easyflange for my 54mm column what iv'e read it is compatable,and the 2" bulkhead fittings plus clamps and gaskets.

Cheers B_D

Statistics: Posted by Blue_Duck — Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:04 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-14T09:26:51+00:00

Hi Myles that's what I was hoping with my copper pothead
Planning to do normal low wines runs with latest grain washes and then the final spirit run with the torpedo fitted
Might even run a bit of flexible cooling water hose around column before it goes into product condensor to help it along

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Sun Dec 14, 2014 9:26 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-13T12:41:23+00:00

Natural reflux is easier to manage with copper columns. I think it is perfectly reasonable to expect that you might need to give a bit of help with a stainless column.

Statistics: Posted by Myles — Sat Dec 13, 2014 12:41 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-12T09:32:36+00:00

No problems with flavour at all. Everything was nominal in that department.

I think 'natural reflux' needs a hand to make any difference. I'd suggest a few scrubbers in the bottom of the pipe immediately above the Torpedo and either a cooling fan or changing cold wet towels around that connection when the vapour starts to show in the sight glass.

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Fri Dec 12, 2014 9:32 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-12T09:13:51+00:00

Interesting AM

I might try it on the pothead when I do a whisky run should be enough natural reflux condensing for one bubble plate
How did you find the carry through of the flavour ??

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Fri Dec 12, 2014 9:13 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-12T08:39:01+00:00

Admiral Toad wrote:
Hey Aidan are you planning to give that new kit of yours a go this weekend ??

Itching to hear how it goes

I did run it on Wednesday but was interrupted several times so it took a long time to complete.

The run was relatively unremarkable other that the fact that,by the end of the run, the tails were almost non-existent and the flow reduced to drip by drip so I powered down shortly after the Tails appeared.

My normal setup involved a thumper and I always knew the quality of the product I could expect from that setup. With the Torpedo and 2 Bubble Tees what I got was approximately the same but with a neater and simpler configuration.

It quickly became evident that this type of equipment must have a Dephlegmator to achieve it's potential. Without reflux the plates don't get charged and at lower power input levels the activity at the plates is minimal.

On two occasions, after having had to power down for short periods (15-30minutes), I manually charged the plates by opening the tri clamps on the Lyne arm and pouring some neutral onto the top plate and watching the liquid overflow each plate until the bottom plate was flooded. With this done I increased the power and got some good activity going once the temp got back up.

All in all the setup of a Torpedo and 2, 4" Bubble Tees worked and made my stilling much much simpler but I was only getting about 60% of the potential of this equipment.

For a pot still setup like mine, a Big Baby Dephlegmator is a mandatory piece of kit. I'm currently making a twin coiled condenser and VM head to do the job for me but, when the new year budget kicks in, I'll be getting a Big Baby and new coolant setup as the old garden hose setup looks out of place with all this shiny, professional looking, stainless steel.

Did I mention the build quality is exceptional. My hybrid column is a thing of beauty and awe. I love it already. That baby doesn't get left in the workshop it's brought into the house when not in use.

@Michael
Fair point, it seems someone in the logistics chain got their festive finger out and did their job properly. Many thanks for your generosity and my appreciation to you and Sunshine for the inclusion and good wishes in the package.

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:39 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-12T07:00:16+00:00

Dear Aidan, I can see that your delivery with the free replacement glass lenses already arrived two days ago, that's pickup date + 4 working days from Austria to Ireland, I'd say not bad at all, especially despite the fact that shipping times can double during Christmas time. Clearly not a general issue with the hand-off partner for Ireland then. Greetings, Michael

Statistics: Posted by SDeurope — Fri Dec 12, 2014 7:00 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-12T06:28:44+00:00

Hey Aidan are you planning to give that new kit of yours a go this weekend ??

Itching to hear how it goes

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Fri Dec 12, 2014 6:28 am

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-11T21:45:07+00:00

Damn you lot! i can see where my crimbo money is going to be spent.Might go the same route as capt. with option to add bubble tees at a later date.

Cheers B_D

Statistics: Posted by Blue_Duck — Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:45 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-09T22:13:44+00:00

Well that's the cleaning run done and all seems pretty good

Couple of slight weeps but easily sorted

Could see some good bubbles through the mist so reflex and plate looks good

Will check everything over tomorrow but all looks well for the forthcoming run

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Tue Dec 09, 2014 10:13 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-09T21:19:04+00:00

Great for degassing and whipping (lots) of cream etc lol

Was your good ladies maiden name 'tolerant ' as well

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Tue Dec 09, 2014 9:19 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-09T20:37:18+00:00

Power tools in the kitchen AT? I think your missus and my misses would get on well complaining about us two.

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Tue Dec 09, 2014 8:37 pm

Re: SD Bubble Tees

2014-12-09T08:59:29+00:00

HI Guys

Think I've managed to spin the photos

Anyway this is the pothead on the Alembic top

And this is the converted T500 with SG torpedo Bubble plate

Anyway planning to do a cleaning run tonight then looking forward to giving it a go for a run soon after

I'll let you know how it goes

Dead excited and its not even Xmas

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Tue Dec 09, 2014 8:59 am