Keg Boiler

Boiler, burner and boiler modification talk.

Keg Boiler

Postby Hairy » Sun Aug 16, 2015 2:23 pm

Gday,
I'm about to start building my new keg boiler so thought I might run my thoughts past some of you experienced distillers to make sure I'm on the right track.
What I'm planning on is............
1. Extending a 50l keg by another 160 mm (about the first ring) so it can hold a 50lt wash with a bit of room at the top so it doesn't bubble up into the column.
2. Welding the existing ferrule onto a stainless deck plate and fitting that to the top of the keg so it can be unscrewed for cleaning.
3. Welding 2 ferrules opposite each other at 100mm height difference towards the bottom to take an 2400w and 3600w element. ( if my power supply can cope with that much)
4. Welding a I" socket on the bottom for a drain.

At the moment I am using a Pure distilling reflux still, but plan to make or buy a bubbler in the future.

Is 150mm enough room between the wash and the base of the column for my reflux still and a 4" bubbler in the future?
Is the positioning and size of elements right for both applications?
Is the standard keg ferrule on top ok for both stills, or do a need a 4" ferrule for a 4" bubbler?
Am I likely to need a voltage controller or do you think the 2400w element will be alright once it has heated up?
Does this sound about right or do I need to make some changes?

Cheers
Hairy
Hairy
 
Posts: 63
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 11:45 am
equipment: SS Super Reflux, Pure Still

Re: Keg Boiler

Postby dogbreath vodka » Sun Aug 16, 2015 4:06 pm

Ever thought of buying an 80ltr keg?
You won't have to extend anything just put 50ltrs in it.
Instant head room.

Flip the keg upside down and you have a drain.
Use the hole in the side for one element
Cut a second hole lower for the second element.

Do the rest as per what you where going to do.
Saves a lot of time and welding.

Maybe throw some legs on it like woodduck's. :handgestures-thumbupleft:
dogbreath vodka
 
Posts: 1396
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 5:10 pm
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equipment: "Steampunk 2 - 6" Bubble cap
"Jimmy" the 4" Carter head

Re: Keg Boiler

Postby Hairy » Sun Aug 16, 2015 4:18 pm

I have thought of that but I have a couple of 50 litre kegs already and welding them together is pretty simple.

Cheers
Hairy
 
Posts: 63
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 11:45 am
equipment: SS Super Reflux, Pure Still

Re: Keg Boiler

Postby scythe » Sun Aug 16, 2015 8:26 pm

Whats your general location?
I'm sure either my self or a fellow member would happily take one or both of them off your hands for a small fee if you were close by.
This would give you a bit of cash to pay for the "new" 18gal.
It would also save you money by not having to buy expensive rivnuts
scythe
 
Posts: 1860
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2013 6:34 am
Location: Central West NSW
equipment: Dreaming of a 4" bubbler

Re: Keg Boiler

Postby Hairy » Mon Aug 17, 2015 1:24 pm

Im in Mid West WA, but I have a use for the left over keg bits so its no drama using the 50lt kegs.......and I've gone off the rivnuts as I'm using a deck plate know so Ill bolt it on if its pre-drilled or weld it if not.....Cheers Anyway
Hairy
 
Posts: 63
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 11:45 am
equipment: SS Super Reflux, Pure Still


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