From pot to reflux

[Leatherman]

Hi everyone,

Long story short. Got my hands on this beauty. Must say that didn't build it my self, but it is very well hand made and looking forward to try as soon as wash will be ready.



I would like to make it as a reflux still also. My idea was to buy 4" to 2" reducer and use it with t500 column. Any comments on that?
That probably would be quick solution. But looking forward I would love to stick to 4" size. What could be affordable solutions for that? I guess torpedo would be good start? 4x6x4 StillDragon costs around 470 euros, so a bit to expensive for me.

Another option packed column? What height it should be and what would be best packing for it? Could it go straight from keg?
Or dephlegmator would be another option? I know I might sound a bit rocky, but I am only scratching the surface here.

Also, can someone explain me difference between dephlegmator and shotgun condenser?

Appreciate all answers a lot!

[H12rpo]

As I understand it a defleg is basically the same design as a shotgun condenser but is positioned so that the ‘knocked down’ vapour falls back onto the column. .......refluxing basically.

[Mash]

Two thoughts ....

1. Can't you just pack what you have.

2. 4 inch will probably be too big to get a good balance. Biggest is not necessarily the best

[Icefever]

Get some 2" copper tube and make your own...if needs be just make a copy of a T500 column.
Search for Vino's column build that's an easy way to do a connection to the lid.

[Leatherman]

I actualy have t500 column. So I guess I will try with that first. Just was thinking how to make it a bit more faster.

[Mash]

Reducer works then. What is on the keg at the moment when you remove it ?

[Mash]

Faster and better are no good friends. Really is balance between power and column you are looking for at a faster rate.

Faster how - for stripping?

[Leatherman]

Reducer works then. What is on the keg at the moment when you remove it ?

Not sure if I understood question. Its 4" wide. Has two 2.5kw separated heating elements. Second is just to bring up to operating temperature. And for first use I will try sugar wash. I will try it in pot mode to do stripping. On the tee there is temp probe which connects to power controler which controls one heating element.

By the way. Are there any risks to put on both elements on same time to bring it to operating temperature, because all together it will use 5kw of power? If there are, what could be the best way to prevent those risks?

[Mash]

5kw is IMO too much for one ring main (or put another way RIGHT on the limit depending on your individual setup.)

A good quality short as possible 16amp extension lead (UNCOILED) is the simplest answer and plug it into a different ring main.

Some peeps tap into the cooker supply.
Some have been known to tap in the electric shower supply which suits better than you think - you also have water and somewhere to stand the still?

[Mash]

Not sure if I understood question. Its 4" wide.

Sorry not a good question really. When you take it apart. What is left on top of the Keg?
Is it welded up solid or is there a tri-clamp or coupling or something ....like this

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Z4EAAOSw ... s-l300.jpg

[Leatherman]

It has welded in 4" ferrule for a tri clamp fitting. Just ordered 4" to 2" reducer. Will be long experimenting weekend. Cant wait for it. Will try original set up for stripping and also will try t500 column for spirit run.

[Mash]

That is a nice bit of kit. Have fun.
If you get bored with it, let me know

[Myles]

You are going to be disappointed if you try to run that rig on 5 kW.

I would be surprised if that product liebig can cope with just a single element. It is too small and to short. On a pot still like that the product condenser is always the limiting factor.

Just for arguments sake lets imagine that you have it running at full power and spewing out vapour. You then reduce that down to what looks like about 1/2" tube.
What do you think will happen to the vapour speed going into the condenser? How quickly do you think it will shoot through that liebig - and probably emerge - still as vapour.

You have a nice bit of kit but not thought through logically. It just needs a bit of thought to turn it into something useful.

If you are going to use it as a 4" 5 kW pot still you need to upgrade the condenser. Or use the 4" tube for something else and fit a 2" pot still riser. You have lots of options to think about.

[Leatherman]

It has two 2.5kw elements. But second element is just to rise temperature in boiler in start. Just to make warming up time shorter. And distilling will be done with just one 2.5kw element and controler.Very good point about vapor speed and condenser. Would never thought about it my self. Might be very usefull advice for future.

[Anavrin]

If it’s got a 4” ferrule on the keg you can add 4” bubble plate sections at about £150 each, the reason that torpedo you mentioned was so expensive is because it went to 6” in the middle.

Only problem if you go down this route is you’ll need an expensive deflag for a plated or packed 4” column.