StillSmart

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-09T01:21:01+00:00

This is just my personal view on this issue. I think it is ALWAYS worth insulating the boiler. As far as energy and cost is concerned it is a good idea.

On a reflux column, insulation on the column itself depends on the situation. Yes I admit insulation does make it more stable, however in some situations you do not need it.

Statistics: Posted by Myles — Mon Dec 09, 2013 1:21 am

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-05T16:49:35+00:00

It certainly does. Lucky you - two stills!

Statistics: Posted by Voddy — Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:49 pm

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T19:39:08+00:00

Voddy wrote:
With a view to saving energy and hopefully a bit of time, has anybody insulated their T500, boiler body and column?

I'm thinking of using the immersion heater cylinder jackets for this. Would anything else be suitable/easier/cheaper?

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Its not going to save you that much time unless you as distilling somewhere cold and drafty. But it will wave a little time on warm up. I did both the boiler and column (only insulate up to where the bottom of the coil is, the top of the column should remain uninsulated.)

I still use my T500 boiler, since upgrading to a larger still its primarily used as a gin still. I think it looks quite smart in its little black dress

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Wed Dec 04, 2013 7:39 pm

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T19:18:20+00:00

That's food for thought - I'll sleep on that one.

Statistics: Posted by Voddy — Wed Dec 04, 2013 7:18 pm

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T17:00:09+00:00

Some use a sleeping bag cut in half to insulate the boiler.

Statistics: Posted by John51 — Wed Dec 04, 2013 5:00 pm

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T16:08:10+00:00

Thank you, both.

Statistics: Posted by Voddy — Wed Dec 04, 2013 4:08 pm

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T09:15:24+00:00

I insulated the boiler and lid some time ago definitely better

I wouldn't do the column though it might upset the reflux

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Wed Dec 04, 2013 9:15 am

Re: DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T08:57:21+00:00

I do not have a T500 but I do have an insulated boiler. However I also have a power controller.

The insulation speeds up the time it takes my still to boil, but then I turn the heat input down with the power controller. I turn it down further than I would do if I had an uninsulated boiler to get the slow simmer that I am looking for, therefore I use less electricity.

Yes I save money because it boils quicker and simmers at a lower wattage. So in my case insulating the boiler is worth doing. I used old floorboards for mine.

If you insulated the boiler on a t500 it would also heat up quicker and therefore save money, but after that I am in unfamiliar territory. The insulation and lack of a method of reducing the power would cause the T500 to produce more vapour. What I do not know is if the T500 reflux and product condensers can handle this extra vapour.

Hopefully someone who has tried insulating a t500 boiler will be along shortly and educate us both.

Toodlepip

Statistics: Posted by YHB — Wed Dec 04, 2013 8:57 am

DO you insulate your T500?

2013-12-04T06:59:20+00:00

With a view to saving energy and hopefully a bit of time, has anybody insulated their T500, boiler body and column?

I'm thinking of using the immersion heater cylinder jackets for this. Would anything else be suitable/easier/cheaper?

Statistics: Posted by Voddy — Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:59 am