Hilly's Bubbler

[Hill]

Hey guys, I have posted a few times on here and thought it was time to start a thred on my build, mainly to post progress and get some comments on the build. First a huge thanks to every one on the forum for all the great advice, we all know how daunting the hobby looks at the start and I know after reading through here everything has become alot clearer. So I have currently got my 50L keg all marked out for welding fittings, i've got 2 element fitting, a 4" ferrule on the top a temp gauge fitting next to that and a drain fitting on the bottom, I was tossing up the idea of a fill port but i've decided to look at it later once i get things going. All of that should be back from the welder in a few weeks. I originally was going to settle on 1 x 2400w element but after reading a few things on here i am allmost certain 2 x 2400w elements will just make it soo much easier, I also have purchased a power controller ( Unfortunately I purchased this before i started reading on here and over paid like crazy). So I've decided I'm going to run a 4" bubbler with 2 or 3 modules, I'm thinking 2 x 2 plate, 1 x 4 plate to start. Im still tossing up on whether to go with bubble caps or perforated plates from what i can tell both give similar results. So thats where i am with my build, I've also got the stilling bug so I am pulling out my super reflux conterting to a pot still and putting on Macstill's rum recipe this weekend, I also have 4.5 L of spirit that I have done nothing with so ill be running that through again this weekend and getting used to cuts.
I will post some photos once i get my boilier back.

[mullamulla]

Very cool, always good to see build threads.

Just make sure you put plenty of ̶d̶r̶u̶n̶k̶a̶r̶d̶ ̶p̶o̶r̶n̶ build piccy's up :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[MacStill]

Sounds great Hill, you'll be happy you went with 2 elements :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[caveman]

Hey hill,
good to see ya building a great still its all exciting times doing a new build :handgestures-thumbupleft:
good luck with the build and look forward to the pics :dance:

[emptyglass]

Looking forward to seeing what you do.
I like perf plates myself, caps seem to be a lot of extra work, for not much gain, but thats just me.
I've made some pretty good gear with perf plates...

[Hill]

What are you making empty? Everyone seams to have different ideas on bubble vs perf plates, I'm going to want to make everything from bourbon, scotch, flavored vodkas and whiskey. From what iv seen I'm thinking perf plates but still reading.

[emptyglass]

Bourbon (mostly), Rum (once), Vodkas (occasionaly).
The perf plates have served me well.

And they are easy to make. I can't see the sense in elaborate caps, when there is not much (if any) difference in the end product. But thats just me.

[MacStill]

I do UJ & rum as a staple, some citrus vodka & a few different things now n then.... I still cant see any benefit for the extra expense of bubble caps.

[emptyglass]

There you go Hilly, thats coming from one of the few blokes on the planet that have tried it both ways.

[MacStill]

I also like the auto shut down of the perforated plate stills nearing the the tails, the lower plates dry up and give a good indication of when to make adjustments.

Bubble cap columns always hold a liquid bath.

[Modernity]

Do you think there is a benefit to have slots as opposed to round holes in the plates? I was thinking that water cutting the plates would make ether option easy.

[Hill]

Cost is no issue for me, I'm got access to unlimited copper :teasing-neener:
I'm thinking that has just solved it, perf plates it will be

[emptyglass]

Be warned, theres a pommy boffin site that will be pulling their guns from their holsters as you speak those "perforated plate" words.

[Hill]

After a bit of a pep talk from empty I have ordered all the stuff for my temp controller.

[Aussiedownunder01]

Be warned, theres a pommy boffin site that will be pulling their guns from their holsters as you speak those "perforated plate" words.

Do you have a link to the pommy site just for a read

[Hill]

Ok I have my boiler finished and i'm picking up next week controller parts are on the way, second element ordered and meeting with a mate tonight to work out what pipe is needed, Everything is coming together :D
What i am thinking of running with:
Plated Columns
100mm spacing's, 1 x 2 plates, 2 x 3 plates, 3 x 1 plates i figure this will let me play around with different amount of plates.
3/4" downcomers 1" end caps
1 x J tube on the bottom plate
3" for ferrules

Reflux Condersor
4" x 100mm
1 x 1" tubes 100mm long

4" to 2" reducer
2" 180deg bend

Shotgun Condensor
2" x 500mm long
3 x 3/4" x 500mm long
2" to 3/4" reducer for spirit outlet
3/4" for outlet to parrot

cooling lines
2m x 6mm

That should get me started :D , if i'm off on any of my sizes can someone let me know.

[olddog]

Reflux Condersor 4" x 100mm 1 x 1" tubes 100mm long

For your dephlegmater you could be better using a 2"vapor tube, as you may find 1"a bit restrictive and result in a decreased output, otherwise everything else looks good.


OD

[Hill]

it was actually ment to be 4 x 1" tubes but i can look at a few 2" tubes

[djmurphy87]

Hey hilly if u don't mind me asking with the thermometer fitting on Ur boiler. What sort of thermometer is it and where did u get it and how will u mount it. I have been thinking about putting one on also but haven't looked into it much yet but it sounds like Ur idea is much similar would be interesting to no how I goes

Cheers Murph

[Hill]

I am using a thermometer I got from the brew store, I got a 1" s/s fitting welded in the top of the keg and it will just screw in there. I'll take a photo when I get the keg back from my mate.