vapour transer- reduction point for best condensation

[CJCM45]

Hi All,
Been out of the game for a while but back into the fray, for another build (#3)
Going full copper setup this time, to try and make a genuine single malt whiskey.
I have a couple of Q's regarding vapor transfer & cooling recommendations for liebig style condenser.
Q1 - What is the best position to reduce pipe diameter ?( 2' - 3/4").....
- at top of column in vertical plane?
- after 2" 90degree bend in horizontal plane?
Q2 - What is the effect of angle changes to vapor exchange through condenser section?
Most pics of stills I've seen have condenser in vertical orientation.
I will try to put some pics up to explain.
Cheers
CJ

[CJCM45]

reduction at top of 2" column, with vertical condenser

[CJCM45]

Reduction after 90 in horizontal, with angled condenser tube

[RuddyCrazy]

Mate using those modern copper clamp fittings is an easy way to join copper and just leave out the temp gauge as it's not needed at all :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Now going 2" does mean a long slow run and lets say your using a 50 litre keg as the boiler, going for a 45 litre spirit run I'd say plan a early start in the day and be prepared for a night running.

Now by going 4" before the bend will increase the flow speed and cut the run down by hours so either learn to soft solder or if you just like using fittings the 5 Star store does have the Triclamp fittings to do this task.

So just go 4" for the column mate and for a 2" to 1/2" liebig make it over half a meter long atleast but a shotgun condensor is simply the best for knocking down vapours by a country mile.

Now mate make new post in the build section and provide plenty of pic's and all of your questions will be answered in different ways by different members :laughing-rolling:

So just do it mate :handgestures-thumbupleft: and don't forget the pic's :teasing-neener:

Cheers Bryan

[CJCM45]

thanks Ruddy,
Appreciate the advice.
No probs on the welding vs fitting (30 years a fitter & turner)
Interesting on time factor....read similar story in another post and I was really surprised!!
My old unit smashed out approx 36L run in 3-4hours with a single 2400W element, thru 2" x 1400mm column....maybe i should have kept it!!
Looking forward to the build , will post pics of progress.
Cheers
CJ

[RC Al]

I do have to disagree here...

There is sfa difference between a 1,2,3,4 etc inch column on a pot still, a bigger one may get some more passive reflux, but that's about it.

The size of the boiler and amount of power applied are the main concerns.

The only place the vapour speed matters is in the condenser and provided you can flow enough water, its -almost- a moot point there too.

Go the reduction vertically as in the first one, no pooling of product in the horizontal that way.

A shotgun condenser will care a bit more about being vertical than a liebig.

If you want stripping speed, throw more power at it, if you want spirit run speed, get a -much- bigger boiler (and appropriate power)

Reflex still - whole different kettle of fish

[CJCM45]

Thanks RC Al,
Lots of my column parts will be interchangeable, but i prefer the vertical condenser section idea.
Going to have a removable reflux section in the middle of column too.
"Still" :)) contemplating boiler design....prefer copper pot(2 x old wash tubs) & gas fired but concerned about control & safety.
Cheers
CJ