controller on a keg pot still

[edwatters]

I am the type of person that likes to be knowledgeable about a project before I jump into to so I must ask what some might think is a stupid question, 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? I looked all over this board for the answer but I'm not finding the answer. So, yes I did look before I asked.:-) any help would be greatly appreciated I just want to understand before I attempt to build or buy one.

[Magnu420]

ive been reading for hours on this cos il be lookin into it in the future

you can check this out viewtopic.php?f=15&t=735

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

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1313&hilit=power+controller

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1001&hilit=power+controller

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1157&hilit=power+controller

i hope this helps

[edwatters]

Thanks magnum for the response, however I am a complete water head when it comes to electrical anything. I suppose I will just buy one because of my lack of knowledge I am scared to death to attempt to build one. Thanks again for your effort to educate me.:-)

[Magnu420]

lol its Magnu not magnum

yeah as i said im in the same boat i do have a mate whos clued up
on electronics and that, who will do the job but im looking for summat
that i can attach it to the boiler rather in a box on its own (if thats is possible),maybe some of the guys has done this can enlighten

[edwatters]

Sorry magnu , auto correct victim on my typing. Lol I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you come up with something that a water head like myself can understand and do.

[chill]

The purpose of the controller is to limit the rate at which steam is produced so that it does not overload the capacity of your column.

Chuck

[edwatters]

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

[YHB]

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

[YHB]

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.

[Almanac]

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

[Magnu420]

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

[Capt-Cudellez]

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



Wont be as good other wise

[edwatters]

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

[Magnu420]

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

[Capt-Cudellez]

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.