Control Freak

[tipsy]

I believe it will work better when I relocate the temp probe from the water outlet into its own fitting approx. 1/2 to 2/3 up the reflux condenser.

My probe is above the RC and I have seen them positioned at the highest part of the still in the vapour tube.

I would like to say that this system is not designed to run a still unattended .

I agree wholeheartedly! I find a controller is great for fine tuning the still to get the most out of it.
It has actually taught me more about how my still works and it's great fun to use.

[1 2many]

Man that Box is pimped out hard core :music-deathmetal:

How many sensors plug into that beast. :o

[Meatheadinc]

Tipsy I think I can utilise water temp although I can move to other locations if necessary

Thanks 1 2 Many

Sensors ...
well there is 5 thermos
4 PID plus 1 display only.

1 above RC
1 below RC
1 water outlet in RC
1 Boiler temp-
1 Control box temp/spare

Solenoid valve for reflux control

paddle/flow switch - no coolant flow safety shutoff

moisture sensor/rain sensor , - cut jar overflow shut off

2 Voltage controlled outlets
1 spare heating outlet
2 cooling outlets
2 pump controllers

and as I forgot to fit before I finished my boiler and shroud, It wont have a low water level indicator/float valve

[Meatheadinc]

still awaiting rainsensor but have fitted the flow switch/ paddle switch (coolant water fail, shutdown switch)

control update (4) (600x800).jpg

Flow switch = red cover

control update (3) (600x800).jpg

3 RTDs ( 2 silver one blue) and a solenoid valve (black/brass) + one thermo in boiler

control update (5) (600x800).jpg

and a partridge in a pear tree

[Sam.]

Love your work mate, it all looks freaking awesome :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Meatheadinc]

:-D Thanks Sam

[tipsy]

Tipsy I think I can utilise water temp although I can move to other locations if necessary

Yeah sorry mate, I had another read and see more clearly now :D

Cool pics

[Meatheadinc]

:angry-banghead:
Im having problems with the flow/paddle valve triggering at a sensible flow rate.. (it will work on mains water with ridiculously high flow but not on circulated system 4 litres per min)

I have moved form the 1/2" tee to a 25mm tee with a larger paddle which I made from copper but, still no luck :crying-blue:

without upsizing the paddle and housing, (tee) has anyone go any ideas ??

[MacStill]

without upsizing the paddle and housing, (tee) has anyone go any ideas ??

I think you need to talk to Mrs Mac on the phone, she works within the valve industry and may be able to help if you two get together on the phone.... Gimme a call around lunch tomorrow and I'll put you onto her, pretty sure she'll be able to find/help/source something to achieve what you're trying to do :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Meatheadinc]

I will do :-D

[Meatheadinc]

rain s.jpg

New toy arrived . Rain/moisture sensor

[1 2many]

rain s.jpg

New toy arrived . Rain/moisture sensor

I don't quite understand what you plan to do with these sensors, "cut jar overflow shut off" :-B

What is you plan Meatheadinc?

[Meatheadinc]

The rain sensor /moisture sensor will be positioned in an overflow container below the cuts jar.. if by some stupidity a jar is not changed and overflows, the rainsensor will trigger and place the system into full reflux

[1 2many]

Gotcha nifty idea but it will take a few minutes to go back to full reflux, so you will still collect a bit.

[Meatheadinc]

unfortunately ,you are correct ..


I plan to use a baking tray or similar so it will have surplus volume

[Meatheadinc]

r sensor .jpg

I have been mucking around with my rain sensor setup and it works Bench test only
Baking tray housing rain sensor and a cake cooling tray to hold jars.
( overflow spills through cake cooler and actives sensor in tray below)

- I think I can make a neater setup........ ideas appreciated

[Meatheadinc]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/390927232105 ... 1497.l2649

That should solve the flow switch problems :happy-partydance:

[1 2many]

I think placement of the sensor will be the critical part here because the base of your jars looks to be bigger in size than the sensor itself, if in the middle of a run you put the next cut jar slightly out of place are you sure the overflow will hit the sensor.

Maybe a funnel arrangement to direct the overflow directly to the sensor :-B

[Meatheadinc]

Not a bad idea.
I am looking at other setup as I know the current tray is to large.It was used only to bench test the sensor.
Looking for a neat tray grill combo ,

[1 2many]

How are you going to configure the sensor setup, because once the sensor is wet it will keep your system locked in reflux mode until the sensor has dried out or manually overridden :-B