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Pot Still Column Height Query

PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 7:44 pm
by Kenster
Hi all...
in a bit of a quandary as i run a T500 and i wish to strip prior to refluxing.
i have an opportunity to get a pot still head (stainless) but its total column height is only 160mm, with a simple cooling jacket(water) take off at the side.
it is just a straight tube, no bends for vapour and a take off at the side...
will such a small column do a reasonable job OR could i 'weld' a copper extension tube in the guts to increase its height...

any feedback would be great...Ken

Re: Pot Still Column Height Query

PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 8:06 pm
by sp0rk
Kenster wrote:Hi all...
in a bit of a quandary as i run a T500 and i wish to strip prior to refluxing.
i have an opportunity to get a pot still head (stainless) but its total column height is only 160mm, with a simple cooling jacket(water) take off at the side.
it is just a straight tube, no bends for vapour and a take off at the side...
will such a small column do a reasonable job OR could i 'weld' a copper extension tube in the guts to increase its height...

any feedback would be great...Ken

A pic would help heaps mate
But to answer your question, pot stills don't need height, there is no refluxing going on

Re: Pot Still Column Height Query

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 7:21 am
by warramungas
Don't need the height but a bit of height sure helps a bit if there's foaming in the boiler and/or you overfill a bit.

Re: Pot Still Column Height Query

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 8:31 am
by WTDist
How long is the condenser?

Re: Pot Still Column Height Query

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 6:54 pm
by Kenster
Thanks guys...

WT... the pic off Gumtree is ordinary but it would prob be about 200 overall..

Re: Pot Still Column Height Query

PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 7:07 pm
by Kenster
Incidentally and not post related...
WT just saw your pics of the T500....in bits
you are gutsy to have the balls to pull it apart, and from all us,in the dark, owners...thanks.
makes me need to re consider the whole deal as there are some real issues with this piece of junk
time to start looking for copper pipe and other bits.....

makes me sad to admit to having one...just cheap (not so much) shi......
Ken