by DeAlchemist » Tue Jan 01, 2019 9:46 am
Hi Matt, I've just got the same still - Kegland AlcoEngine Pot Still - haven't used it yet. I also had to buy a lid with a 47mm hole to fit to my electric boiler. After reading this thread, I will get a voltage controller before I use it. I will also rinse i with hot water, soak in citric acid for 24 hrs and then do a cleaning run. So thanks for all the advice.
But - I'm concerned about your intention to solder the gaps where the cooling lines enter the body. To me, it looks like those holes are definitely meant to be there.
I've also got and I have been using the Kegland reflux column still (which is just a Boka reflux) and it also has the same gaps/holes around the cooling line. I had the same thought as you - that can't be right, looks dodgy, I should seal it up. Nope. Both of these types of stills need to be open to the atmosphere, the cooling system prevents any vapour from escaping - that's the whole point of what a still does. Still not advisable to smoke around a still but that's just standard operating procedure.
The instructions for building a Boka reflux here: https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36050 says this about those holes:
Re: Boka Reflux Still - How To Build
Postby Husker » Sat Feb 02, 2013 8:56 am
Sealed/capped
The condenser needs to sit inside the top of the column in order to condense the rising vapors into distillate that can be collected. Many builders use a cap to hold the condenser perfectly in the center of the column, or to better distribute the weight of coolant lines coming to the condenser. If you use a cap it is critical to ensure that it has enough vent holes that so the column cannot build pressure. If the condenser is of adequate size and temperature it will condense all of the vapors and no cap or seal is needed at the top of the column. viewtopic.php?f=17&t=15762 If you do not vent the top of the column, there may not be adequate outlet for the pressure inside the column which would eventually lead to catastrophic failure of the column and/or rapid release of vaporized ethanol near a heat source, both of which can cause serious injury or death. The Boka can run perfectly fine without any cap or lid above a suitable condenser, and accordingly many disillers leave the still open at the top.
and
Re: Boka Reflux Still - How To Build
Postby Husker » Sat Feb 02, 2013 9:43 am
Safety considerations
A Boka is a very simple still to use, and when used correctly, is very safe. Proper precaution, common sense, and general disilling safety should be used at all times. All stills used to distill spirits by their very nature will contain or be on a heat source, and be full of flammable vapors. Never leave your still unattended and ensure that you have proper fire retardants nearby (ie, a fire extinguisher or ready water supply.) Improper use of a still can result in serious injury or death.
Vented top
If your condenser is working correctly, there should not be any vapor leaving the still. Check your still for leaks at the beginning and during each run using a mirror or flashlight. There is absolutely no need to seal the top of the still and doing so can cause incredibly dangerous build-up of pressure. This high pressure can cause your still to explode which could kill you, and then the released flammable vapor would ignite and explode and kill you again. Make sure your Boka is open above the condenser or has a proper pressure release valve that cannot fail.
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I reckon the same applies to the Kegland pot still.
So, may I ask: did you ever seal up those holes?
Thanks
DD