StillSmart

Hey all, have been working on a new still for a while. Almost complete, just need to do the final clean runs and then if screenings good I'll put unions on all joins for easy disassemble. First column is a 3 plate single bubble cap, second column is packed, third column is the shot gun condenser and parrot. The idea is I can run each column independently by using valves and a small.dephelgmator. The boiler is separate, this will be a permanently fixed still. Will do the clean runs this week and a proper run on the weekend.

That - I like.

Good luck with the maiden run.

Three plates but only one sight glass? What is the logic there? I have just started an 8 plate build but cannot decide - sight glasses or not?

The only reason that I can see for having one is some people state that the bottom one fogs up when the tails arrive, is that the reason for your single sight glass at the bottom or am I missing something?

I'm having some thoughts that every section doesn't need a sight glass so long as there's one in the bottom section, my theory is this is the only section you need to control!

I'm not using a CM style dephlegmator, but a double wound coil condensing everything back down the column with a VM take off, so long as you can see reflux returning to the bottom plate you know you have enough power for the vapour to reach the cooling coil, this is the minimum power needed, also if the bottom section is driven too hard, I suspect I would spot this also.

I want to add additional 4inch plates in the middle of my torpedo, if I can use solid sections without sight glasses for the most part, it'll dramaitcally reduce the cost.

Hi googe

Can I ask what the diameter of your main columns are in mm?

SD have brass 4 inch easy flange's, they state there for 105mm copper but The closest I can find is 108mm which is too big

My first bubbler had no sightglasses, and i found it a bit hard to run, as i was new to the design, seeing what the plates are doing does help.alot when starting out, but once you know how it runs you can do it with your eyes closed. I use one glass as it's a lot less work. I've tried glass on the bottom and top, and bottom and middle, all sections run much the same so didn't see the need for one on each. I run caps, so it's easier to keep a bath compared to sieve plates, some.people using sieves say some plates act different than others, and when I sieve plate hits tails it unloads, a glass in the bottom would help you see this happen. It's just good to see what power your putting in, seeing if a plate is acting funny, you can adjust settings. Plus it's mesmerizing, I've had plated stills for over a year and half and still sit there watching the bubbles lol.
my columns are 102mm od and 98mm id. Type m I think.

I seem to recall in the last couple of days that someone,possibly Capt.C., posted that while the 2" SD flanges were good for 54mm UK copper pipe,the 3" flanges were'nt a good fit.
Maybe the 4" are also not compatible.
Maybe not good news,but I HTH.

As an aside,If you buy a length of 4" Copper and need to recoup some cost,post on here to sell some excess.I am sure many here would welcome the chance of a shorter length of larger bore pipe.Just a thought.
Robert.

googe wrote:My first bubbler had no sightglasses........ Plus it's mesmerizing, I've had plated stills for over a year and half and still sit there watching the bubbles lol.....

I missed this bit last night.

I remember an aunty that found watching the tropical fish in her tank more fun than TV,over 40 years ago,and all they did was swim,eat and poop.
Didn't produce any alcohol.
I can understand the mesmerisation caused by the bubbles.
Even after all this time.
Robert.

Nice one!
I can totally see how the sight glass is addictive.
Robert.

Told ya lol.

Did a run with both rc's going, running through plated column into packed column using a birdwatchers wash. I loaded the plated section, then backed the coolant off and loaded the packed section, ran full reflux on the packed section for 15 mins or so. Take off was a touch under 95%. Bit of fiddling with valves to get it running good but ran great once I sorted it. Have just measured it again and it's 94% after sitting an hour or so. Last run using one rc was 92~93 off the still.and 91 after letting sit. So I've gained a few ABV, taste is better and takeoff is faster with both rc's going. Needed a bit more heat with both, not much, just a touch!.

Just for your info the 2" brass ferrules are a good fit on our 54mm copper tube.

3" ferrules are too big for 76mm tube but they are a good fit on a 76mm female reducer, so will probably be ok on a 76mm straight connector.

Have not tried the 4" ferrules yet.

All done. http://youtu.be/195gW2logvw

Hi googe

Quick question, When your using your plates and packed column, do you constantly have liquid draining back to the boiler from both columns, I assume so, as I can imagine how it could flood during a run, just wanted to ask to be sure in my own mind.

Hi anavrin, yes they both drain. I'm not sure how much the packed section drains when running through the plates first, I need to put a small sight glass in the base of each column to monitor flow. On the to do list!.