fitting plate tree inside column

[CH3CH2OH]

To decrease the gaps between the edges of the plates and the column wall and avoid soldering the plates into place I am thinking of doing the following but would like some advice before I venture into it

My ID of the 4" column is 3.90"

I plan on making the plates 3.91 or 3.92" in diameter

I am going to heat up the column in boiling water to increase the diameter slightly and freeze the plate tree in dry ice to shrink the plate tree and slide the two together to create a tight fit at the column walls.

Do you think this will work with the above tolerances?

Should I just make the plates 3.90?

Thanks for the advice

[newbiboozer]

Only way to know for sure is try it and measure it. I'd say it woud work theoretically but if you didn't get it in place before the pipe shrunk it woud be stuck where it was.

[bluess57]

If going for close tolerances, check the roundness of the pipe for consistency.
I know the piece I've used varies over its length.

[bt1]

Howdy,

use the same concept but plates are not over sized.

Ice up the plates, heat column but make sure you got plenty veg oil inside as you start to feed plates in. Feed more oil in at the sight glass openings as plates pass by. Needs a screw motion to avoid edge of plates burring up also helps.

PS as you approach run 10 - 12 you'll notice the patena (not corrosion) will heal the gaps in any case.
bt1

[Bushy]

Thing is, you don't need to make the plates that tight. Just a slip fit is all you need. Once they load up under reflux the slight gaps we are talkin about don't matter. IMHO

[Kimbo]

Thing is, you don't need to make the plates that tight. Just a slip fit is all you need. Once they load up under reflux the slight gaps we are talkin about don't matter. IMHO

:text-+1: If ever you want to get the plate tree out, this will make it easier

[CH3CH2OH]

Thanks for the advice. I'll have the plates water jet cut to 3.90 and sand it slightly if needed to make it a snug fit.

Ch3ch2oh

[Sam.]

Thanks for the advice. I'll have the plates water jet cut to 3.90 and sand it slightly if needed to make it a snug fit.

Ch3ch2oh

Some photos would be nice :whistle:

[CH3CH2OH]

So far all I have is the 2" sight glass ferrules cut formed and the 4" cut into 3 modular sections with ferrules soldered onto one end. One section for a 4 plate, another for a 3 plate and about an 18" piece for a packed section.

That way I can run a few different configurations for different products. A 7 plater with a packed section above should make a really good neutral and still have the options for a whisky or a rum.

I'll post a few pics as things progress

[TassieStiller]

My plate tree is a very good snug fit. Difficult to start with to get out, but that is due tot he small deposits left from previous runs I guess. Easier to place back in after a good clean out. If you are looking at freezing the plate and heating the column, remember that it may get near to impossible to remove it if you ever want to.