Port or bare probe??

[CH3CH2OH]

I am looking at putting a thermometer above the rc. I was planning on just drilling a 3/8 hole in my 4" to 2" reducer or the ascending section of my 180' bend, put the bare probe through a cork and into the vapour path above the rc.

With the probe being above the reflux condenser and falling condensate do you think I can get away with no thermo port and get accurate readings with the bare probe? It worked well in the bok under the top plate.

[Sam.]

As long as its sealed it should no be a problem. Is your still copper or stainless? If copper having a port will be a very accurate reading seeming it has such good heat transfer. Having the bare probe will obviously give the most accurate reading.

Any reason for wanting a thermo on a bubbler? I have never used one and from my understanding about all they are useful for is another guide for the onset of tails. :think:

[CH3CH2OH]

The reducer and 180 are stainless and I'm without a TIG

The reason for the thermometer is more just for keeping records of runs

[crow]

Yeah I use it for the same reason as on all stills, to tell me when the still is about to start. Yeah my thermometer is just a probe type in a cork atm. I have a rye nut soldered into the reducer but just have the cork screwed into that (think horse drawn 911 Porsche ) :laughing-rolling: The thing is the threaded fitting works well for screwing in a hose connection as a flush port as well :handgestures-thumbupleft: