Head for BM

[Mash]

I think a complex Air cooled reflux on top of the BM, might be a bit much to start with. Probably better to make a simple column for starters.

In my head it probably ought to look something like this.

2 inch diameter tri-clamp,
16 inches tall.
18 inch leibig condenser (1/2 inch diameter with a 3/4 inch water jacket) Planning to fill it with scrubbers.

I think this is probably enough for the top of the BM. It is a 3 kW heater which I am not planning to turn down. Instead, I can set a temperature on the BM controller. (temperature to be decided)

Calling all builders! will this work - or rather some obvious mistakes?

Alternatively, if somebody has something similar gathering dust in the shed please PM me

[Anavrin]

I don't think you will get away with simply setting the temp on the BM as you need continuous power to run the column and the BM will switch the element off once the set temp is reached, you'd be better connecting a power controller directly to the element if you can.

I've also got a 2" copper column about 900mm long with tri-clamp ferrule's on each end, also seperate liebig and boka a section with consensing coil, all with tri-clamp ferrule's for connection, I don't think I'm going to us them any more, could save you a lot of time and effort, I'll get some photos taken if your interested.

[Mash]

Setting temp as against setting power was causing me some concern too. Mine concern was "if it is that easy why has no one else done it"



Yes please.

[Mash]

What are people's thoughts of temp control for a braumeister (as a boiler). By that I mean.. what would be a good temp to set on the front panel. I can do 0 - 102°C ?

[Myles]

Setting temp as against setting power was causing me some concern too. Mine concern was "if it is that easy why has no one else done it"

There is one very easy reason why no-one does it. As the run progresses the boiling point of the liquid in the boiler changes.

10% ABV wash boils at 93 degrees C and as you drive of the alcohol the boiling point rises towards 100 degrees C

You can NOT drive any still by the temperature of the wash in the boiler.

[Mash]

So the people who are driving their still with an energy meter and power controller on the element, are these setting an energy level and not a temp. GOT IT.

So I need to bypass the BM controller, and use a power controller.

thanks

[Myles]

Thats right and the controller also eliminates the on/off cycle that has been mentioned previously.

You will see one example where there appears to be a thermometer on the boiler - but it is measuring a bath or jacket temperature. In reality this is still controlling an energy input and it isn't measuring the temperature of the boiler contents.