Vapor Take Off

[CaptainRedBeard]

Hi all.

I've built myself a 2" SS Reflux still. I'm running water only tests and finding that the water vapor is not going through the take off. Gate valve is open. Reflux condenser is 200mm long 1/4" double helix. I'm not sure what exactly the issue is. Any experienced people know what my problem could be?[img[/img]

[Urrazeb]

Try posting that pic again mate. And it is customary to swing by the welcome center and introduce yourself. We might start to think your just here to take from the community and not give anything in return :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[CaptainRedBeard]

My apologies Urrazeb, I'll swing by there and say hello. I'll have to upload the photos soon*

[C2H6O]

Someone will probably correct me but with a vapor management still you are unlikely to be able to run water through and get output from the product condenser.. I know that my still stops producing at the very start of tail


Cheers

[CaptainRedBeard]

@C2H60 I hope that's the case. I'm worried I've messed up my build somewhere. Once I can get to a computer I'll upload some pics of my build. Might not be til late though considering it's father's day. Must treat my father to a few beers I think

[Yummyrum]

I think youre on the money C2H2O.
Water vapour is lighter than alcohol vapour and it wont want to " fall" down into the condenser. ( assuming we are talking about a VM still )

[CaptainRedBeard]

It is a VM still.



Excuse the cleanliness of the still. It hasn't had a thorough clean yet. Just want to make sure i've finished all the welds and such first.

*And the still isn't leaking. The water on the ground is from a poor connection to the garden hose.

[Yummyrum]

That looks the goods but some are hesitant to use Brass valves and fittings due to them containing lead .If you swap them for SS then that's always a good thing .

And yes Vapor take off issue confirmed.Should work just fine with Booze in it :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Also it is customary of one of us to ask if you have a vent in the top of your Ruflux condenser seeing as its not clearly visible

[C2H6O]

Looks good Cap, as yummy said should work great with booze.

Here are a few helpful links that you may not have seen yet.

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2863

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2860

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2859


Goof luck mate

[CaptainRedBeard]

It is completely unsealed at the top of the column. No cap. Only a stainless scrubber to keep flying nasties out.

I am well aware of the brass issue. I'm having trouble sourcing a ss gate valve or a copper/ss threaded elbow.

I'm not a boiler by trade, far from it in fact(HV Electrician), so if bunnings, masters, or local plumbing suppliers don't have it, I'm kinda screwed...kinda*

[CaptainRedBeard]

While I have some blokes with interest in my post, anyone know of craft distillers in NSW? I'd love to do a walk through and see their set ups.

[Yummyrum]

There's Red Dirt Distillery in Dorrigo ...They Do mostly Vodka and flavoured Vodkas .AFAIK these guys don't do walk through s and actually shut the doors on distilling days

Theres Docs Distillery in New England....Doc does similar and also whiskys ...Never been but Docs re-noun for a good tour :D

[5 o'clock]

There's Red Dirt Distillery in Dorrigo ...They Do mostly Vodka and flavoured Vodkas .AFAIK these guys don't do walk through s and actually shut the doors on distilling days

Theres Docs Distillery in New England....Doc does similar and also whiskys ...Never been but Docs re-noun for a good tour :D

A big :text-+1: from me about Doc's distillery (Eastview) in Kentucky NSW. If you go let him know you are coming beforehand he will go out of his way to be a delightful host. Would recommend you take a driver because after you try a few things you may not be able to drive yourself.

The guy at Red Dirt is nice to chat to about flavours etc but is not at nearly the same level as Doc. When I went there the first time I could see that he had a HBS still out the back but I can't say a better still wasn't there, it just wasn't visible. It has been a couple of years since I last went there.

Cheers,

Richard

[sp0rk]

I had a bit of a chat with old mate at Red Dirt last time I was up at Dorrigo and Like 5 o'clock said he was happy to talk about the flavours and stuff
But as soon as I asked about the still equipment he said "oh it's a reflux still" and moved onto the next topic
Went and saw Doc the next day and was much more impressed with the tour :D
Make sure you mention you're a forum member if you do visit, he seems to enjoy having fellow distillers there to chat with

[CaptainRedBeard]

Looks like i'm going to convince the missus to go on some tours. Thanks for the intel guys