Leak on column ?
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Leak on column ?
I have been cleaning the still after use usually putting some cleaner/ steriliser into the boiler and inverting the column pouring some into that then letting it drain
Before use I would usually pour this out ,rinse then boil wIth clean water ( without running cooling water) so steaming it until it smells clean
Just inverted the column to rinse with cleaner and it's dribbling out around the cap at the top of the reflex column
Have I damaged it with boiling ? Should I try to seal it with silcon or something similar
Have not noticed any significant leakage or fumes on last run and alcohol coming out about 91 to 93%
Any advice or am I worrying too much ?
Before use I would usually pour this out ,rinse then boil wIth clean water ( without running cooling water) so steaming it until it smells clean
Just inverted the column to rinse with cleaner and it's dribbling out around the cap at the top of the reflex column
Have I damaged it with boiling ? Should I try to seal it with silcon or something similar
Have not noticed any significant leakage or fumes on last run and alcohol coming out about 91 to 93%
Any advice or am I worrying too much ?
AT
-

Admiral Toad - Donated to StillSmart

- Posts: 883
- Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2011 2:27 pm
- Location: The far North
- Stills: pothead, BP column
Re: Leak on column ?
Don't sweat it.
My T500 column did that from day dot, the pressure of a few litres of water pushing down is much more than the very low pressure vapour in the column during a run.
Check next run with a mirror that there is no vapour leak - but I'll bet there isn't mate.
If you do have a leak, It's easily fixed. But i wouldn't go to the bother unless you do actually have an issue.
to seal the cap.
1. Take out the packing
2. Uncrew the cooling outlet\thermometer housing anti-clockwise.
3. Unscrew the 2 condenser retainers (4 Philips screws)
4. Pull the cap off.
A few wraps of PTFE tape, and rebuild.
My T500 column did that from day dot, the pressure of a few litres of water pushing down is much more than the very low pressure vapour in the column during a run.
Check next run with a mirror that there is no vapour leak - but I'll bet there isn't mate.
If you do have a leak, It's easily fixed. But i wouldn't go to the bother unless you do actually have an issue.
to seal the cap.
1. Take out the packing
2. Uncrew the cooling outlet\thermometer housing anti-clockwise.
3. Unscrew the 2 condenser retainers (4 Philips screws)
4. Pull the cap off.
A few wraps of PTFE tape, and rebuild.
-

Capt-Cudellez - Donated to StillSmart

- Posts: 1139
- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 12:22 am
- Location: Scotland
- Stills: SS VM, Stripper, Pot
-

Admiral Toad - Donated to StillSmart

- Posts: 883
- Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2011 2:27 pm
- Location: The far North
- Stills: pothead, BP column
-

Admiral Toad - Donated to StillSmart

- Posts: 883
- Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2011 2:27 pm
- Location: The far North
- Stills: pothead, BP column
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