VM Still Build

[Almanac]

I've all but finished my new still and have put together a few photos and details into a pdf file which I have attached here. This may be helpful to anyone considering a self-build. Image

I started this project several months ago and had absolutely no experience at soldering, welding or engineering type work of any kind. Everything I've done to finish this project was through trial, error and practice. This is not to pat myself on the back , it's to let you know that even if you haven't a clue about such things it is perfectly possible for you to do this too.

As far as the soldering and welding end is concerned there are many great videos on You Tube covering the subject.

Bought stills are all very well but as one poster said here they are, for the most part, a one trick pony and on a self-build you can make exactly what you want or need.

I'm already considering a Stainless Steel build because I know now that even I can do it and so can you.

I you have any questions post them and I'll get back to you as soon as...

AM

VM Book2 .pdf

[mozr]

That's fantastic Aidan.

Well done. I hope you get the results desired.

I am going to wait till I have finished reading (and fully understood) the compleat distiller, and gotten my head around column theory and cooling management before I give it ago.

I bet you are well chuffed.

[YHB]

"This is not to pat myself on the back" well it should have been, you deserve it. It's Bloody Brilliant, well done - everything looks right and if it looks right it probably is.

The documentation is a good read as well .

I am sure it will produce the good stuff, and looking forward to reading about it in the near future.

[billmcc]

Nice work mate Bravo keep us posted

[Capt-Cudellez]

Really pretty build mate - can't wait to see how she runs.

One little tip, that may or may not make a difference on your rig. I suggest moving the scrubby from the top of the reflux condenser to the bottom - directly above the equal T. I think this will help act as a bit of a choke to force the vapor into the take off......or not

Do you have some sacrificial spirit saved up for the cleaning run? Or just going to use a wash? I keep my cleaning spirit watered down in plastic Jerry cans for cleaning the next "thing".

Again, well done mate.

[Capt-Cudellez]

I keep it at 30% - not concerned about the plastic as its not for consumption, and its marked up as poison.

Unless you have a load of feints saved up, might be worth doing a large low ABV wash (so its cheap) and running that through - after doing a leak test of course. Will be a lot more helpful in learning to run it than just boiling water that doesn't change as the run progresses.
You can chuck the same spirit through time and time again watering it down at the end of the run.

Where your element is placed will dictate how little liquid you can run it with - its good to know the exact amount and run the volume and abv through a calculator to ensure you wont expose it.

Also do you have a spirit level for the still - the column need to be plumb to work efficiently - Its such a good design though, you can run it like a mad man and still get a good result.

[Capt-Cudellez]

I have a needle valve to control the cooling - you do want fine control.

If using a pump submersibles like the maxi-jet MJ series are good, reliable and fit the 13mm hose you have.
You could possibly run it off a dimmer to adjust the flow.

[Capt-Cudellez]

Sorry if I missed it in the post - but can you share the details of your power controller - I have just fried mine (operator error) and looking for a replacement.
I bought a commercial built one that was going for less than cost on ebay - no such luck at the mo. I recon I can build 2 for half the price of paying for a new one direct - but considering all options.

CC

[Capt-Cudellez]

What are you going to attach it to for heat dispensation - that's only rated at 5amps (1200w @ 240v) unless fitted to a heat sink of some sort.

[Capt-Cudellez]

Spec sheet says the unit has an Integral Potentiometer and Heat Sink! Am I missing something?

AM

Yes! Spec sheet says....
--------------------------------------------
BF300 Current Rating & Panel Size
5A none
12A 120 x 120 mm x 2mm
17A 170 x 170 mm x 2mm
Note: heatsink compound must be applied between the metal
fascia and the panel in order to meet the specified current
ratings.
----------------------------------------------

Without a being mounted to a panel that helps dissipate the heat its only rated at 5a - this is probably for continuous use, but a long spirit run can be 12-14 hours when you factor everything in, heat up, equalization etc.

That said you'll probably find yourself running between 1200-1500w for the most part of a spirit run, so may be okay - might not have any issues.

What I would do is either salvage a heat sink from an old scrap PC and attach it to the case - or have it wired so for heat up or when running as a stripper, you are bypassing the controller completely.

CC

[Still Not There Yet]

Looking very good there! Hope it runs as well as it looks.

[stillton]

Hi


I have read your VMBOOK2.PDF very nice build and pic there :-)

I got som q for your vmhead.

1. why are you use 1" t-tube in head. all head I have seen use 2" around
any advantage for 1" ? does it add reflux or?

2.Do you got pure 95.6% etanol out of the still?

3. How fast runs it L/H with pure etanol

Thanks Nice forum

[Almanac]

Sorry Stillton I missed this Q and wouldn't like you to think you were being ignored. Probably just me in a hurry and forgot to post reply

Anyway, that T design was a disaster. I simply didn't work If you go to viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2587 ...you'll see what I did with the VM head to solve the problem.

AM

[stillton]

OK