Joining the bubbler family

[BigRig]

I found this on page 12 of the above linked using the bubbler thread really helped.

https://youtu.be/cMKYjrCtlSo

[Hick1960]

I found this on page 12 of the above linked using the bubbler thread really helped.

https://youtu.be/cMKYjrCtlSo

Thanks BigRig :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Hick1960]

Cleaned up and ready for a sac run.

[The Stig]

Good to see you figured out the jigsaw that is the Bubbler Cooling Kit :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Hick1960]

Good to see you figured out the jigsaw that is the Bubbler Cooling Kit :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Yes, all went together nicely. No leaks from the condensers.
Heating elements getting wired up. Will give it a run when I get them back.

[Hick1960]

Running a sac run. Heated up on 2 elements till top glass started fogging up, then turned 1 off. That took about 55 mins from heat up, 45 litre of cleaning feints @ 12%.
Now in full reflux with all plates loaded and a nice stream running down the downcomers.
Temp above reflux condenser is steady on 45C.
Will let it reflux for a while and keep checking for leaks. So far so good.
Seems to be going well.

Photo not real good .

[BigRig]

What wash will be its maiden voyage ?

[Hick1960]

What wash will be its maiden voyage ?

Got some tffv ready to go on the weekend.
Just turned down reflux, getting a toothpick size stream from the parrot at about 90%.
Downcomers not running as before in full reflux. I presume this is normal?
Plates still loaded but not as much downcomers action.

[BigRig]

Not enough reflux sending liquid down to the plates. 5 plates and packed section you should be able to get 94-95%. It will come with practice. Use the sac run to try different things. What power you throwing at it ?

[Hick1960]

Not enough reflux sending liquid down to the plates. 5 plates and packed section you should be able to get 94-95%. It will come with practice. Use the sac run to try different things. What power you throwing at it ?

I have 1 element going. 2400w.
Should increase power a bit?

[BigRig]

Without giving you the spiel about the many variables i personally cannot get my bubble to behave at 2400w, when i add 10% of the 2nd element (approx 220-240w) it runs like a dream.

Try adding some more power and see how that goes, it's a sac run anyway :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[BigRig]

How far open are the taps on the reflux and product condensers ?

[Hick1960]

Without giving you the spiel about the many variables i personally cannot get my bubble to behave at 2400w, when i add 10% of the 2nd element (approx 220-240w) it runs like a dream.

Try adding some more power and see how that goes, it's a sac run anyway :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Just turned on 2nd element, backed off the other to about 20%. Reflux condenser fully open again.
Will let it reflux for a few mins then try again. Like you said, it’s just a sac run. Might as well have a play around with it.

[Hick1960]

How far open are the taps on the reflux and product condensers ?

Product condenser fully open. As is the reflux condenser now. Back in full reflux

[BigRig]

Another thing that works well for me is slightly closing the product condenser for just a little back pressure, this ensures the water is entering the reflux condenser. i have it marked with permanent marker so i get it right every run, then i only have to worry about adjusting the reflux valve during the run. It allows me to remove half the variables.

[Hick1960]

Just been closing the reflux condenser slowly. Now collecting at 95% with downcomers still flowing.
One element flat out and the other on about 30%
More power worked. Thanks for your help BigRig. Much appreciated. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Hick1960]

So the first run , sac run, went reasonably well thanks to some help from BigRig (thanks mate).
Had a bit of trouble maintaining reflux and 90+% at one stage but will get there. Found a small leak in one of the plate seals which might not have helped. Also not sure if it makes much difference but for some reason I ran the reflux water in from the bottom instead of against the vapour flow. I’ve now changed it so it enters from the top.
One thing I noticed was the glass in the third and fourth tee’s weren’t clear like the others. 1, 2 and 3 were clear and easy to see in. 3 and 4 were sort of fogged up. Any suggestions?

[The Stig]

Water always goes in the bottom of the condenser and out the top.
If you go in at the top you will end up with air pocket and a lack of condensing

[Hick1960]

Water always goes in the bottom of the condenser and out the top.
If you go in at the top you will end up with air pocket and a lack of condensing

So I had it right the first time.
Thought you always went against the vapour flow.

[The Stig]

Going in at the top the water wouldn’t fill the condenser , either I’d them .
I always put the valves on the inlet but others put them on the outlet.
So your fine as you are