Hi NBB
You sure can just use 2" Tee and 2" gate valve ,according to the experts ,that's the best just that Stainless gate-valves that big are Farken expeno .That's why most use the reducer method so you are bringing it down to a "cheaper" diameter.The reducer method keeps the ratio the same .
Thing is with VMs that the lowest Reflux ratio you can have is 1:1 ( only used for stripping). with equal size up to the reflux coil and out through a fully opened gate valve.The vapour is split equally.
If you have a smaller outlet then proportionally less vapour is output verses refluxed.
In reality this isn't an issue as you never use anywhere close to 1:1 ratio unless you are using it as a stripper.I've never used mine as a stripper ,a pot head is piss easy to make and works much better.And gives you more fun building :handgestures-thumbupleft:
He's my VM/LM combo .Its a bit different but just to show there are many ways to skin a cat .
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