Cleaning old central heating pipes for still build.

[Dave]

Hi guys, came across your site yesterday, and have just joined!
I've been toying with the idea of making a still for a long time now, and am still toying! I've done so much reading and research about it, but havn't as yet made a move to actually build one. I brew my own beer and a bit of wine, but I really prefer drinking whisky, which as you know is not a cheap commodity! Anyway, the day is getting closer when I'm going to get my hands dirty and start putting theory into practice, so.... I think I'm going to opt for a pot still with a liebig condenser. I have some 15mm copper central heating pipe left over from a refit and was going to use that, but my question is, after years of heating service, with all the associated inhibitors etc, is it feasible to clean them and use them in my still? My initial thought is that as long as I give them a good flushing with something like, say, white vinegar, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. What does anyone think, good idea, possibly a good idea, or only ok if I want to kill myself?
Dave

[Mash]

hi and welcome to the forum.

You have to clean it up before you start. For all of the following reasons - hygenie, off tastes, easier soldering and finally, to allow the still to become correctly seasoned.

And that is quite easy. Cut it up into the longest length you can soak - this is probably one meter. You need to clean the outside and the inside. You can soak it horizontally or vertically!

Verticality .. Make a tall thin bucket out of a piece of drainpipe (bung one end)

Horizontally.. Make a pond or trough shape with some plastic builders sheet and some Bits of wood or Bricks - fence posts are ideal. You could also use a length of gutter ring with to end stops on the thin trough.

Make up a 5% solution of citric acid / or use neat vinegar. soak overnight.
Although you are using neat vinegar, it is quite cheap from a cash-and-carry and you will want to buy it by the gallon. Citric acid is surprisingly expensive IMO.

The act of cleaning is a reaction, so be acid will be reduced, so you will need to keep adding more as you clean more and more pipe.

Good question.

[Dave]

Thanks, Mash, for the welcome and the reply!
I chose the liebig simply 'cos I won't have to buy any copper tubing! And, 'cos I like this idea.....http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q174 ... densor.jpg
Trouble is,I can't seem to find those fittings anywhere....

[Benoit]

Those fittings are just reducing tees, you have to file the stop out of them so the smaller tube can slide right through but they're very readily available. The spiral up the middle isn't essential, it generates more turbulence as the water passes through & improves its cooling capacity but it's not a requirement. Some have soldered a coil of copper cable or speaker wire to the inner pipe, I've also seen it done with washers soldered to the pipe & cut to make a 'C' so the water is forced to change direction....but as I say, not essential.



http://www.jtmplumbing.co.uk/pipe-fitti ... -tee-pp351

[Mash]

Before you start read up on the length the liebig needs to be to work properly with the boiler it is sitting on.

It must be capable of getting "out" and the energy that the boiler element put "in" with a given ambient water temp.

So... What boiler do you have in mind ??

[Icefever]

First of all welcome to the forum..

Take a read of this post about building a liebig.

What's your thoughts on a boiler??? buy or build?? and what drink are you after??

[Mash]

Blimey you are up early Iceman

[Dave]

The boiler I initially was going for was a pressure cooker, but I have been warned off that idea due to possible deterioration and contamination of the seal material (shame, cos I'd already procured a nice stainless one in preparation!
My next,and atm present choice is a stainless stock pot, of about 11 litres/2 gallons. Cost is a very important factor here, as I'm retired and funds are tight!
Dave

[Dave]

First of all welcome to the forum..

Take a read of this post about building a liebig.

What's your thoughts on a boiler??? buy or build?? and what drink are you after??

As for what drink I'm after?....Well, I'm a whisky man really, although I do occasionally buy a bottle of vodka, but mainly whisky, so I guess I'm going after making standard 'shine, and see how that turns out. As I'm a newbies newbie at this, I shall be over the moon to A)Build my own still, and B) Actually produce something drinkable!
I spent most of my working life in engineering, machining, welding, fabrication, although not in the food industry, but I can generally put my hand to making most things I fancy!

Edit...Just read that link on Liebig design...very interesting! I like the idea of crimping the tubing to create a swirl effect! Thanks.

[Icefever]

First an apology...you did say in your first post that you were into whiskey...

If you already have the pressure cooker you can still use it...ok the rubber seal would have to go.

You can make a new seal from a food grade silicone baking sheet....also I've read of guys wrapping a non food seal in PTFE tape??...worth a thought.

Your working life in engineering will suit your new hobby..stick with it, we're all here to give you help when needed.

[Mash]

The boiler I initially was going for was a pressure cooker, but I have been warned off that idea due to possible deterioration and contamination of the seal material (shame, cos I'd already procured a nice stainless one in preparation!
My next,and atm present choice is a stainless stock pot, of about 11 litres/2 gallons. Cost is a very important factor here, as I'm retired and funds are tight!
Dave

Pressure cookers are fine. Stainless steel ones better. Stainless steel on an induction hob brilliant - The control from an induction hob is fantastic and would be ideal for a still.

Replacement seals are £10 and readily available so don't understand the issue.
The trick to keeping a good seal is not to close them up when they are not in use. But let the seal relax (give it whiskey )

DO NOT CONSIDER GAS as a heating source - we don't like 'boom' here.

[Mash]

You can make a new seal from a food grade silicone baking sheet....also I've read of guys wrapping a non food seal in PTFE tape??...worth a thought.

Depending on the model they're not rubber now - I have just upgraded my old aluminium prestige high tower that has seen many years of service. Replaced with a stainless steel induction job and the seal IS silicone.

And I have to say the new pressure cooker is amazing.... OFF TOPIC ALERT!

[Dave]

Well that's reassuring to hear! Silicone baking sheet it is then!! The only problemette I have with my particular pressure cooker is that the safety valve needs a head of steam to close it! Not an insurmountable problem, I know, but just something I'd rather not have to deal with. Never mind, beggars cant be choosers, as they say.... And....It's saved me the cost of buying a stock pot.....yayyy!

[Icefever]

Take the valve out and fit a small stainless steel bolt with a copper washer on both sides.

A still has hardly any pressure, as the vapour wants to exit the pot via the column.

[Easydrinker]

Take the valve out and fit a small stainless steel bolt with a copper washer on both sides.

A still has hardly any pressure, as the vapour wants to exit the pot via the column.

In the normal course of events,I may simply have done a +1 here.

But having just spent the weekend in the company of the Ice man, I will add that that response was measured and considered, do not throw it away lightly

Robert.