by bt1 » Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:58 pm
Howdy,
Odd the impressions you get when you can see through the column. My other platers have always had spirit running back down the walls during operation. Natural really as it refluxes against the wall temp and knock back from the RC base and temp drop zone.
In the glasser with the 2"/50mm condenser it was really pronounced. Sure it could hold the near 4"/100mm column in full reflux but the notable visibility of the knock back was well, pissing me off.
I've gone to a 4"/100mm 7 x 3/4"/19.7mm condenser as a result. It's a shortly only 65mm high and I know from 2"/50mm tests it will do the job, but hopefully have more throughput. It also fits with the more is less ideal behind the build.
I'm also not happy with solid rods for the length of the still, so intend to disassemble and add some rod joiner nuts in SS I picked up this week.
I love rustees read silicone seal so might revamp to those at the same time.
I've been well testing the glass elements for what I'd call excessive use. I've been trying to find the outer limit for the glass sections, as they're new to me and most I guess and need to know if they stand up to abuse.
A few so far:
Stood it on the pavers and let it fall. Lost 1 glass section. Better than losing the lot... I suspect the retainer screw punctured the glass section here.
Sprayed it with the hose running it flat out and I do mean flat out (100k btu for test only)
Over heated it to 145c
Immediate shut down and flush with hose
For mine it seems as durable as my other plater. It needs some more care to avoid accidental damage but the glass section seem robust. I read SBB's point elsewhere on his experience with these lantern glasses and accept his word. I don't leave my still unattended and have safety gear on hand so see the risk no differently to my other platers.
I had planned on changing over to 6mm - 8mm thick glass also in borosilicate also but I'm happy with the current. Clearly it's never going to take a knock like a copper column plater and just suffer a dent, but imho the views well worth it.
Past all the experimentation for durability, testing gaskets, etc I'm amazed at the lower costs to build. I'll detail this once I'm done on a final config but needless to say it's a most welcome reduction.
Hope to be able to post a few, normal run as a guide, a stress run posted elsewhere already and a puke on a rum wash so all can see it happening.
cheers
bt1