StillSmart

Hi Guys

Thought I'd share a few pics of my latest mods to my setup, mainly to add 2" copper tri-clamp ferrels from StillDragon to each connecting part so I can make it more flexible by interchanging bits around for different setups.

Here's one soldered to the top of my column


Here's the full setup without the packed column, showing both VM and LM takeoffs




The bits layed out


Stainless blanking plate fitted on top of the VM takeoff for pot stilling


Here's the LM Boka section fitted directly over the torpedo


I've got some options to play with, I think I'll try using both Boka and VM takeoff for a stripping run, will get double distilled strip.

I'm also thinking of replacing the Boka with a simpler method for stripping by fitting a small cooling coil into the stainless blanking cap, it only needs to be big enough to create enough liquid to keep the torpedo plate flooded, so I'm thinking maybe just 2-3 6mm coils.

It's also ready to accept a shiney 2" Dephlegmator in the future

Thanks for the writeup...and all the photos...brilliant setup. I'm tempted myself to be honest.

Looking good there Can I make just one observation where I think you should make a small change.

In the 5th pic you show your VM Pot setup with a stainless blank in top of the column and the take-off has a closed Ball Valve on it at the same time.

For safety we should never have a valve on the take-off where the column is otherwise sealed. It creates the possibility of pressure buildup in the boiler which could have disterous consequences.

Of course, you would always intend to have the valve open but Murphy's Law says "Anything that can go wrong probably will at some point" Best not to create even the remotest possibility of an accident and, with the Stainless blank in place, connect your Liebig directly to the take-off without the valve.

Nice modularity

AM

I hear you aidanmac, I think Brian mentioned the ball valve last time I posted some pics but it is always open when stripping, the reason I picked a ball valve over a gate valve was precisely so I could see if it's open or closed by the position of the handle.

That said, I am considering getting a short stainless coupling that's threaded on the inside to replace the valve.