Column leak

[Screwdriver]

Hi,
New T500 user here. I have previously run a homemade reflux still, but decided I would give the t500 a go! (plus I wanted to be able to run it inside - which I couldn't with my homemade).

My problem - I have made 2 runs with the t500 and each time it has leaked from the base of the column where it joins the lid (please see pic).

On the second run I made sure that the gasket was straight and that the column nut was tight - still leaking >:(

Anybody else experience this or have a fix?

Many thanks.

[Admiral Toad]

Hi mate
Never had a leak there before are you sure it's coming from that join it's pretty well engineered with the o ring etc and hardly any pressure ?
It's not water leaking out the coolant outlet (which is just a push fit as is the temp probe) and sneaking down the back of the insulation you have added is it ?
The lid is that hot that I would be supprised if any ethanol could condense to liquid on there when it's running

[Screwdriver]

Thanks for the reply Admiral.

I will double check the tubes etc next time.

On the first run I had no insulation and did not notice any leaks or anything running down the column. I also used some ptfe tape around the outlet probe as I had noticed that did leak a little under high pressure / flow rate and that did stop that.

[Capt-Cudellez]

If it is alcohol and not the cooling water, next time your running if you get pooling liquid like that again check if its bubbling at the column base, if its not then its from somewhere else. Its very easy to miss alcohol running down the column, the strong smell is normally the give away before you see it.

If I was a betting man, I'd say the column was most likely leaking from where the thermo housing meets the column. Give the housing a clockwise turn to check its tightened and the o-ring is doing its job.

[Jimmy]

Also, make sure you leave enough space at the bottom to fully tighten the nut - i.e. don't put too many saddles in and prevent it screwing in properly. You can push a few more through the holes once it's tight. Probably not that but worth checking!

[Screwdriver]

Thanks Capt and Jimmy,

I didnt notice it bubbling at the column base - so you may be right about it pooling there.

I will remove a few saddles and re-tighten the column also. Next run in about a week, so I will check it all again then.