Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

G'day all.
So I scored this 106L stainless tank from a mate. I'm thinking of cleaning it up and using it for a boiler. It's had that foam fire suppression stuff in it in a previous life. Has anyone tried one of these before? Just a shame it's a tall skinny one and not a short fat one.
I'm thinking 4inch still connection, 3 inch fill port, 2 x 2 inch ferrules for elements, a drain valve at good height for backset drum, and another one right at bottom for draining the rest off. Obviously height is a big player in that decision.
Thanks in advance for any pointers, hints, ideas

Also forgot to ask what sort of power do you suggest I throw at this thing? Once boiler built (and I get my hands on some 4 inch copper) I'm gunna be running a 4 inch "glasser" bubbler. I'm thinking one 3600 and one 2200.

looks great.

What about laying it flat.

Howdy,

Not sure on steel grading of the unit pictured but I think std. beer kegs are 304/304L or better. may be an issue for pitting/cleaning etc long term..

I guess if it holds the right sort of volume your happy with give it a try. How well will the element fit?

bt1

So I've cleaned up the info plate on it. It's says its 102 grade. Any stainless gurus know much about this grade? I've never heard of it but I not that familiar with stainless anyway.
If I can I will probably lay it over, but I'm concerned with how far apart elements would be, and getting them to sit level and low enough in the beer. So I've measured it up now. 106L. 360w x 1200h.
All input is greatly appreciated. Cheers

Ok. So after so furious googling I only found one thing that mentioned AS3509 (which is stamped on the plate on it) and it said to pass aus standards it had to be 304 or 316. Woohoo :handgestures-thumbupleft: Also tried the magnet trick and it wouldn't stick. New boiler build is back on. Still dunno what the 102 inside a bottle marking meant though. My only other thought is its capacity but at top of plate it says 106L. Confused :think: ~x(

bac206 wrote:Ok. So after so furious googling I only found one thing that mentioned AS3509 (which is stamped on the plate on it) and it said to pass aus standards it had to be 304 or 316. Woohoo :handgestures-thumbupleft: Also tried the magnet trick and it wouldn't stick. New boiler build is back on. Still dunno what the 102 inside a bottle marking meant though. My only other thought is its capacity but at top of plate it says 106L. Confused :think: ~x(

Might be a presure rating :think:

Sorry about the poor quality. Its the only way I could upload it. Here's full placard.
So this now throws another curly one, where to put elements? Im thinking those who have joined to kegs together may know.
Hopefully this will help anyone else also considering same
Cheers all :text-thankyoublue:

Thanks LX. Confirms what I found today and ur mate is a great source given his background.
I'm thinking if I lay it on side my concern is the depth of cover with element, and a, height wise, small head space. Shame I know but when you get it for a few bottles I suppose it's hard to be down about.
Thanks again

Awesome find dude.
Have you considered using it instead as a bulk storage/ageing vessel?

Didn't really consider it but I do know where's there's another one that old mate wants a carton for

Mate, If it were mine, instead of making a boiler out of it I would polish it up, put a tap on the bottom and use it as a really cool aging vessel ( you dont have to completely fill it BTW) :handgestures-thumbupleft:

As I now have 2 of these I'm gunna run (against better judgement) with one as a boiler. I figure nothing ventured, nothing gained. If nothing else it'll give me some good ideas for a better one and some practice welding staino(went bit hot at it to start with). Should be interesting anyways. Cheers Mac for the box of goodies that showed up today :handgestures-thumbupleft:
P.S. Feel free to reprimand me if it doesn't work so well. :violence-stickwhack:

That is gonna be one tall rig!! Need to set a ladder next to it to check the plates!

Have you fired it up yet?

Nah mate not yet. Waiting for lecy mate to come wire the elements up for me. Glasser build has been keeping me busy while I wait :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Well here she is finished. I put my newly built glass bubbler on and it fits nicely under the roof with 4 plates on. Couldn't go another plate though. Will post again when I get the chance to give it a whirl :handgestures-thumbupleft:

What paint did you use? Thats gonna look slick with the glasser on it :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Taped up all the ferrules and used heat rated pot belly black paint. Am pretty happy with finished product

Looks very schmick mate :clap:

Looks good :handgestures-thumbupleft: I like the paint