How do you use temp Controller properly .

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How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby shortcut » Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:08 pm

Hey dudes, I’ve got a temp controller hooked up to the keggomax, but am not sure if I’m nailing it.
I drilled a hole in the bung at the top of the column and poked the t-couple through next to where the thermometer sits.I then set the temp to 80deg. She was over running for a while at the start but is now maintaining steady temp.
I don’t really know if this is the right way to use the controller? Should the t-couple be in the liquid? Is 80deg even the right temp to aim for?
I have tried looking for the answers but I am bulk shit at computers.
Thanks lads.
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby woodduck » Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:19 pm

Not sure you are on the right track mate. We don't control off temp, a thermostat will kick your element in and out and cause kaos. We use voltage regulators to regulate the power going in to the element. I'm not the best person to help here but try this link for info

http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewforum.php?f=60
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby bluc » Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:23 pm

Are you trying to run it with a pid controller?
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby r0bsk1 » Mon Nov 13, 2017 12:47 pm

I tried the exact same thing last week with a PID. Suffice to say it didnt work as i expected.

I ended up just setting the PID to 90 degrees and leave it there. PID was used to to monitor temp, not control it.
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby Sam. » Tue Nov 14, 2017 7:14 am

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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby shortcut » Tue Nov 14, 2017 5:15 pm

Yes. Thanks lads.
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby Kenster » Thu Nov 16, 2017 5:59 pm

as woodduck says, to get yr head around it you need to understand that the aim is to control (and be able to adjust) the power to yr element as IT is doing all the work. Any fluctuation in heat, beyond the boiler (ie, in the column) will upset the equilibrium in the column and mess with the vapours you are trying to separate into fractions. This is where insulating the col. also comes into play.
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby ThePaterPiper » Sun Nov 19, 2017 10:59 am

Isn't the theory behind the power controller the same as the heat control on the gas burner?

You are controlling the volume of vapour being produced as once a boil is induced the body of liquid will maintain that temp, any extra heat goes into making more vapour. ie rate of boil.

The temp of vapour is a factor of the contents of the wash and changes as the percentage of alcohol/water/other stuff changes.

so, up the temp, up the flow of vapour, up the rate of product coming out of your pc. (and up the chances of smearing..)
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Re: How do you use temp Controller properly .

Postby bluc » Sun Nov 19, 2017 11:17 am

Yes controlling power input not temp :handgestures-thumbupleft:
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