As the title suggests, I want to discuss my build here. If all goes to plan, the aim is to use this for both gin and rum, with significant cleaning in between...
I started discussing it in the Welcome Centre (viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12624), but here is obviously a better place. :handgestures-thumbupleft:
Basically, I have a 50l stainless keg, which I had to remove the lid with prejudice (and a cutting wheel), as the lid refused to move, under either strong persuasion, or severe heat. So, the lid is off, and it is currently at the local engineering place, having a stainless ferrule attached via some crafty TIG.
I work at a plumbing supplies place, so all of the copper tube, tees and bends are easy to source. For this build, I am only using a 2-inch copper tube-set, while I understand how it all works. Later builds, if they happen, will be 4-inch or more. But for now, this will be adequate. I hope.
The layout of the copper piping is designed to give it a little balance, so that at any stage, there is on fear of it falling over. Basically, it will go vertically up for 70cm, then back at 45 deg for 30cm, then another 45 degree bend to take it vertical once more for 20cm, where it will meet a tee. The top of the tee will have a triclamp (for access to a removable botanicals basket for gin). The side of the tee will follow the steam trail with a 10cm extension onto another 45 degree bend, where a 60cm shotgun condenser will be attached. On the bottom of the condenser will be a final 45-degree bend, onto a 50-20mm reducer. From there, I can either attach 20mm tube to a fillable height, or wing it from there.
I'll draw this up and attach an image in a subsequent post, later.
Still to do:
Drain plug - need to find something in stainless, if anyone has thoughts on this.
Heating elements
I do have a question for those trailblazers who have paved the road ahead....
With regards to heating elements... if I am looking at distilling a 25 litre wash, can I get away with using only one 2400w heating element? Is there a formula I can use to determine what will work best, over a relatively short timeframe? Or am I better off using 2 elements? Keeping in mind that I'll need to be powering each element from a separate house circuit.
Please feel free to add your 2 cents' worth. All thoughts are welcome, as I most likely haven't had them myself.
Cheers all,
Shano