Shotgun Condenser plans

[ant]

You might find this link worth reading as well.


http://www.stillsmart.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1021

[Myles]

I have built a few 54 mm shotguns with 7 x 12 mm tubes. I typically go for a length of 500 mm.

I just do a simple comparison using the basic liebig calculator on the HD homesite with everything set to default.

For example 4 kW with 12 mm tube equates to a length of 2.6 m. You could probably get away with 2.5 by increasing the coolant flow rate, so this means a 500 mm long shotgun with 5 x 12 mm cores.

not too difficult to do. My 6 kW 100 litre keg boiler uses full power on warm up and about 1/2 power on a spirit run. Remember to factor in strip runs though. Your condenser needs to be able to cope with your FULL boiler power for this use.

[Benoit]

Is there any benefit from having any kind of angle on them when theyr set up? Every one Iv ever seen has been mounted vertically, but in essence this is a multiple leibig which are usually at 45°ish angles?

Benoit

[Myles]

Is there any benefit from having any kind of angle on them when theyr set up? Every one Iv ever seen has been mounted vertically, but in essence this is a multiple leibig which are usually at 45°ish angles?

Benoit

Just from a practicality point of view. Shotgun usually has a reducer on the product end, at some angles you could get pooling in the reducer. Also there is often an air vent - surge preventer built into the product end.

Condensers on an angle are usually to lift the product end to a convenient height.

[Benoit]

It all seems so obvious when someone explains it! Thank you!

Benoit

[Benoit]

It's taken a fair old while to get this far but after some toil & some swearing it's nearly done!
Just the collection cup to go on the end then some 15mm to go into the sides for water attachments & we are away!

Benoit

[Benoit]

After losing patience with wet dry paper & a polishing wheel I resorted to a little light cheating, dried off in clean cotton & then rubbed down with some IPA....she sure is shiney

Benoit

[Mash]

Yee Gads that looks to be 3 foot long. 9 Elements. I make that 27 foot of condensing.

Whatever size is the boiler? Have you considered if the neighbourhood will go dark when you switch it on?

[Benoit]

its massive overkill I know, I just couldn't help myself I had to build one! I made a much more reasonable Liebig a while ago because this took way too long & had a few hiccups.
Total length is just a shade over 2 foot but because of the collar, reducer, ferrule the length of condensing tubes is about 1'9" so closer to 16 feet of cool copper goodness.
Currently on a 2.5kw boiler but when my big fusti gets here I'll upgrade everything to maybe 4-5kw? Open to suggestions on that I'll be doing the electrics for that from scratch so any links to elements / controller combos greatly appreciated, hate electricity!

Benoit

[Mash]

I agree it is oozing copper goodness. And a fine job too.
I considered making a four core [9mm] at 12 inches long for my BM. But they do look a lot of work, I admire your tenacity.


Have you thought of using a mini-skip as a boiler.

[Benoit]

Might need one of these mash?!


And a new house to go with it!

On a serious note, as long as the water goes in at the right end & doesn't get too cold the only difference I should get is a ready chilled final product rather than slightly warm?

Benoit

[Mash]

On a serious note, as long as the water goes in at the right end & doesn't get too cold the only difference I should get is a ready chilled final product rather than slightly warm?

Benoit

joking aside, that would be my guess

[Easydrinker]

After losing patience with wet dry paper & a polishing wheel I resorted to a little light cheating, dried off in clean cotton & then rubbed down with some IPA....she sure is shiney

Benoit

The pic seems to show you cleaned it up with Cillit Bang!

Seriously, well done on getting to the end of it.

Robert.

[Benoit]

Yes I did! God knows what's in that stuff but copper returns to its beautiful rosy hue right before your eyes, I thought the advert with the penny was all hogwash! There's still a few spots to clean up but I'll dig the dremel out of the loft to make life easier.
Really enjoyed making it, very challenging but fun all the same

Benoit