High volume cooling options

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High volume cooling options

Postby Rolls912 » Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:37 pm

Sorry for all the posts. Feel like I’m hogging the forum.

Important matters to discuss here though.... like how to cool my shiny new pot still & MC from 5SD.

Sooo, this puppy looks thirsty. I need to work out a cooling soloution with limited space for tanks etc.

I have a workshop that’s used for other things and there isn’t much room for the Still let alone cooling tanks (I’m sure this will change with time - especially if that bloody tin man has his way) :laughing-rolling:

My setup is as follows:
[*]70 litre sink.
[*]Two taps with ok pressure but not strong (pressure had to be reduced because we have stupid fancy Italian taps in the house - I fucking hate them - the taps, not Italians)
[*]Theres a salt water pool that’s about 25m from the workshop
[*]I reckon at a pinch I could find a space under some shelving at about 2.5×.5×1.2 = 1.5 meters3

So, what’s my best option? I’m guessing you are all going to tell me to use the pool right? Hope you wouldn’t say that :roll:

Would a tank of 1.5m3 be even close to enough for cooling?

Would the salt pool muck up the components?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Cheers
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby bluc » Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:46 pm

not sure stainless would like a salt pool. An ibc is what most use. with my 2inch pot 200l drum would do two strips 25l a day and if really pushed then a spirit run. there is optio for limited space. a car radiator on the cooling loop is one option. an evap cooling tower is another. someone that uses these may shed more light.

another option is the outside unit of a split system aircon. i believe with a 7kw one you only need about a 30l reservoir..
Last edited by bluc on Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby Rolls912 » Wed Jan 02, 2019 10:55 pm

Thanks.
And another question :techie-ebay:
Why do people mention the maximum temp that the pump can handle? Pumping cool water from the holding tank runs up to the RC and then returns to the tank via the return hose... Is it because the tank heats up or am I missing something here?
Cheers
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby RC Al » Thu Jan 03, 2019 12:19 am

Yes, tanks heat up

You can run a cooling coil in the pool, some thing removable and easy to clean won't get eaten by the salt quickly
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby woodduck » Thu Jan 03, 2019 8:08 am

I think you'll find the stainless used by 5 star is top quality and should handle the salt water ok. I would be more worried about salt build on the internal tubes up causing poor cooling.

Only other option is to water your lawn or garden while you run the still. I used to do that when I started, put the sprinkler on the lawn and let her rip :handgestures-thumbupleft:
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby ed9362 » Thu Jan 03, 2019 9:37 am

assuming the pool is salt chlorinated, the sodium hypochloride that your chlorinator produces will attack stainless, i would stay away from pool water

you could put a cooling coil (something like a wort chiller) in the pool, fill your sink with water and throw a submersible pump in the sink and pump from the sink through the still then the coil and back to the sink.
Last edited by ed9362 on Thu Jan 03, 2019 9:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby wynnum1 » Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:56 pm

If you have mains pressure water that gives enough flow would just use that and try and recycle the water water is cheap.
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby Rolls912 » Thu Jan 03, 2019 11:10 pm

Decided to go with the pool option. So easy - wish I converted earlier. Used the 750W yum-cha pump from Bunnings.
Using the pool for the cooling and the solar for the heat (ok maybe not all of it). I now distill guilt free!
0837C902-88EE-400C-B85A-D64772F34ABF.jpeg
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby hillzabilly » Thu Jan 03, 2019 11:25 pm

Nice one ! But I would rinse with tap water at the end just to be sure.cheers hillzabilly :handgestures-thumbupleft:
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Re: High volume cooling options

Postby The Stig » Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:40 am

Try putting the return line at the other end of the pool so your not sucking up hot water :handgestures-thumbupleft:
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