FSD Boiler development chat

High performance modular SS304 plated columns and accessories.

FSD Boiler development chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 2:57 pm

Hi all,

Pretty soon FSD is going to be releasing the first boilers that are being produced now, so I'd like to get some feedback from the membership on what in your view would be the ultimate boiler.

Things I want to know from you guys is obviously sizes, and then what fittings and extras you would want, while keeping in mind that the more extras the higher the end price will be.

So basically the FSD 100L boiler is the first in production at this time (except for a custom once off 250L model we'll all be drooling over soon) with the next size down being a 60L model I'm drawing up at the moment.

The 100L boiler is going to be fairly simple with a 6" tri clamp fill port / manway in the form of a 6" TC cap and clamp, a 3" SSG (screw sight glass) with 4" & 2" TC ferrules on top for still connection, finishing off with a 2" TC drain & butterfly valve. The 100L model is done & designed, on it's way.

So, with the input of the membership here I'd like to develope a 60L model & a 150L model, these will be the only 3 sizes available & other sizes will only be custom built to order.

The sizes given here are boiler charge sizes allowing 10% head space.

Looking forward to all your ideas & suggestions, however, please bare in mind I am only going to develope 3 sizes & want to keep costs reasonable.

Cheers.
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: Boiler chat

Postby blond.chap » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:10 pm

Hmm, ultimate boiler:

- Convex(or concave from inside) base with drain port at the lowest point
- Legs raising to convenient height to allow complete draining
- Thermometer located low down in the wash
- Either optional triclamp connections (8,6,4") or standard 8" connection with converters available
- 4 or 6" fill port with a simple opening system (maybe including a hinge), triclamps are a bit fiddly with fill ports
- Potential for shielded elements to prevent scorching

Your suggested standard sizes are fine, I'm assuing
blond.chap
 
Posts: 877
Images: 0
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2012 12:11 pm
Location: South Australia
equipment: Paris Stillton (4" perforated bubbler)

Re: Boiler chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:39 pm

blond.chap wrote:Hmm, ultimate boiler:

- Convex(or concave from inside) base with drain port at the lowest point
- Legs raising to convenient height to allow complete draining
- Thermometer located low down in the wash
- Either optional triclamp connections (8,6,4") or standard 8" connection with converters available
- 4 or 6" fill port with a simple opening system (maybe including a hinge), triclamps are a bit fiddly with fill ports
- Potential for shielded elements to prevent scorching

Your suggested standard sizes are fine, I'm assuming


1. is already part of the design

2. as above

3. really ? why ?

4 & 5. on such small boilers that have a 6" fill port ? I was thinking these sizes would be used with stills no larger than 6" & I personally have no issues with 6" tri clamps being fiddly.

6. how ? I see issues with this, wouldn't an optional stir plate that mounts through the fill port be more feasible for those who scorch mash's ?

Cheers.
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:49 pm

LX77 wrote:Who cares, so long as its shiny ! :teasing-tease:

Mirror polish inside & out with food grade welds

I think the "must have" list would be:
1) Drain port
2) Decent fill port to allow cleaning
3) Legs with adjustable height to level boiler on un-even floors
4) Min of two element ports on smaller size

All good, got that covered

Nice "options" list:
1) Sight glass port at min level to cover elements
2) Agitator port
3) Extra port for temp guage
4) Wheels
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby dogbreath vodka » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:52 pm

I agree with LX77

Course the next question is.... ballpark figures?
How much am I going to need to put aside for one of those 150 ltr jobbies?

And... when is it likely to happen.

Only ask cause I am looking at upgrading to a larger boiler in the not too distant future.

DBV
dogbreath vodka
 
Posts: 1396
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 5:10 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
equipment: "Steampunk 2 - 6" Bubble cap
"Jimmy" the 4" Carter head

Re: Boiler chat

Postby blond.chap » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:55 pm

MacStill wrote:
blond.chap wrote:Hmm, ultimate boiler:
- Convex(or concave from inside) base with drain port at the lowest point
- Legs raising to convenient height to allow complete draining
- Thermometer located low down in the wash
- Either optional triclamp connections (8,6,4") or standard 8" connection with converters available
- 4 or 6" fill port with a simple opening system (maybe including a hinge), triclamps are a bit fiddly with fill ports
- Potential for shielded elements to prevent scorching
Your suggested standard sizes are fine, I'm assuming


1. is already part of the design
2. as above
Cool

3. really ? why ?
May just be personal preference, but I find it helpful to know when the wash is coming up to temperature. Although you should always be watching an active boiler, once the wash starts getting to 65-70 degrees you know that you need to pay closer attention

4 & 5. on such small boilers that have a 6" fill port ? I was thinking these sizes would be used with stills no larger than 6" & I personally have no issues with 6" tri clamps being fiddly.
You're probably right that 8" connection isn't needed, however having something like a 4" ferrule welded into a 6" end cap to convert would be helpful. Reducer's would also work but keeping total height low is a good thing.
The fill port type is just a minor item, nothing wrong with triclamps if they're the most cost effective solution.

6. how ? I see issues with this, wouldn't an optional stir plate that mounts through the fill port be more feasible for those who scorch mash's ?
Yes, that's a great idea

Cheers.
blond.chap
 
Posts: 877
Images: 0
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2012 12:11 pm
Location: South Australia
equipment: Paris Stillton (4" perforated bubbler)

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:57 pm

dogbreathe vodka wrote:I agree with LX77

Course the next question is.... ballpark figures?
How much am I going to need to put aside for one of those 150 ltr jobbies?

And... when is it likely to happen.

Only ask cause I am looking at upgrading to a larger boiler in the not too distant future.

DBV


I cant answer those questions just yet, they arent even built yet & it would depend on options.

Before everyone starts asking for prices I need to get a standard design, which is what this thread is about.
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby tipsy » Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:08 pm

A 60lt would be great, short and squat would be a preference for me.
tipsy
 
Posts: 863
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:34 pm
Location: South Gippsland, VIC.
equipment: 4" Mac 4 with packed section and gin basket on a 50lt boiler with 2 2400w FSD elements.

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:27 pm

The 4" TC is the still connection, the 3" is offset and can be anything you want from thermo port to stir plate.

I'm really trying to develop a standardised boiler, that a majority would be happy with & obviously once we start talking reducers and fittings they are all optional.

Help me nut out the base design please.
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby DaveZ » Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:28 pm

Are there any dimensions available yet?

I agree pretty much with the others, but looks like you've got everything covered. Threaded inserts in the feet to allow easy fitting of wheels if required would be nice. Apart from that I think you're on a winner and I'll be seriously looking at the 100L model when they're available.
DaveZ
 
Posts: 333
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 1:53 pm
Location: Central Qld
equipment: 5 plate FSD bubbler with gin basket and packed rock section on a 50L, 4800W keg

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:30 pm

Yeh Dave I have drawings, just a little uncomfortable posting them up before the boilers are here... I'm sure everyone understands why ;-)
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby DaveZ » Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:44 pm

LX77 wrote:The Volumes of the boilers seem close to the mark too.
I'm not sure what others ferment in, but 2 x 60L fermenters filled to 50L each works perfectly with a 100L boiler (+10% head space) for me.


I think the same. Initially I thought 100 might have been a touch small for the likes of 2 x 50L rum washes, but by the time you account for the 5 - 10 L of lees left in the fermenter it'll probably work out close to perfect I think. For my use, I can't really see anything else that would need to be included.
DaveZ
 
Posts: 333
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 1:53 pm
Location: Central Qld
equipment: 5 plate FSD bubbler with gin basket and packed rock section on a 50L, 4800W keg

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby Cane Toad » Tue Jul 09, 2013 5:05 pm

:D :D :D

I think you have everything covered O Great One :handgestures-thumbupleft: :handgestures-thumbupleft:
I have no new input to add,coz mine is almost on its way :happy-partydance: :happy-partydance: :happy-partydance:
Cane Toad
 
Posts: 2473
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 9:14 pm
Location: ask punkin
equipment: where's my football :(

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby 1 2many » Tue Jul 09, 2013 5:08 pm

Looks like most things have been covered , this will be very cool cant wait to see them , one thought what about a jacket to keep temps more stable :think:

Looking forward to this Mac. :handgestures-thumbupleft:
1 2many
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 4215
Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2013 6:08 am
Location: Where the sun shines
equipment: Portable A.G brewery ,#001 5 STAR blockhead 4" Modular 4 plate SSG with,6"inline thumper, 2.5" 9 tube shotgun, packed section, Boiler 50 ltr inverted keg 4"still mount, 2.4 Kw FSD elements 1"drain.

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby dogbreath vodka » Tue Jul 09, 2013 5:38 pm

tipsy wrote:A 60lt would be great, short and squat would be a preference for me.


If all the boilers are wide rather than like a typical keg (too tall) it should help those with not a lot of headroom.
May even make a difference with heat up.... but not sure on that one.

DBV
dogbreath vodka
 
Posts: 1396
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 5:10 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
equipment: "Steampunk 2 - 6" Bubble cap
"Jimmy" the 4" Carter head

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby Rosolinni » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:27 pm

Insulation perhaps?
Rosolinni
 
Posts: 17
Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:03 am
Location: Gold Coast
equipment: 50 litre keg boiler
FSD 4 Bubble plate still with packing section

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby MacStill » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:31 pm

Rosolinni wrote:Insulation perhaps?


:scared-eek:

Cover up that shiny SS ?

You could just duct tape some pink batts around it :laughing-rolling:

:teasing-tease:
MacStill
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 16835
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:40 pm
Location: Wide Bay QLD
equipment: Anything I choose :P

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby Kimbo » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:38 pm

As LX77 said, Wheels.
Or provision so the new owner could bolt on their own wheels :handgestures-thumbupleft:
Kimbo
Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 5461
Images: 0
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:33 pm
Location: Perf WA
equipment: 4" bubbler with a 6"inline thumper

Re: FSD Boiler development chat

Postby DaveZ » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:49 pm

A custom FSD boiler jacket, I like that idea, something stylish in black and gold maybe.
DaveZ
 
Posts: 333
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 1:53 pm
Location: Central Qld
equipment: 5 plate FSD bubbler with gin basket and packed rock section on a 50L, 4800W keg

FSD Boiler development chat

Postby BackyardBrewer » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:50 pm

Wheels, and enough height to get a bucket or fermenter under the drain tap to make life a bit easier.
BackyardBrewer
Site Donor
 
Posts: 1824
Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:18 pm
Location: South Aussie
equipment: Solid Copper Love Machine (Plated column bubbler), hand made with love by a forum member
50L keg boiler with 2 x 2400w elements
PURE distilling Reflux still + a tonne of homebrew gear amassed over 10 years of brewing.

Next

Return to 5 Star Distilling



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests

x