Colum diameter.

Reflux still design and discussion

Colum diameter.

Postby Streetgang666 » Sun Feb 07, 2021 5:06 pm

As a newbie i have a question about colum diameter, i saw a remark on this forum about a 2in colum on a keg boiler would be very slow, which is what i was in the process of making, i have access to 6in and 8in copper pipe, would these be a better option or just persevere with the 2in,i just want to make vodka or neutral spirit, any advice would be helpful thx.
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Re: Colum diameter.

Postby chipboy » Sun Feb 07, 2021 5:25 pm

Its directly related to cross sectional area, 2 inch is pi * r2 = pi so there is a big difference to 4 inch (4 pi which is 4 times the area) let alone 6 or 8.
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Re: Colum diameter.

Postby PeterC » Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:33 pm

It is spelt column, and as stated by Chipboy speed is related to cross-sectional area. To drive a greater speed you also need much more power. In home distilling 4 inch is usually as far as you need to go and 2 x 2400W or 3600W is sufficient power with a power controller for trim control to run this size. For bigger diameters you need a bigger heating system and gets beyond a hobby size.
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Re: Colum diameter.

Postby bluc » Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:52 pm

Most i have seen go 3" for a dedicated reflux still. 4 in you will run into additional challenges like channeling..
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Re: Colum diameter.

Postby RC Al » Sun Feb 07, 2021 11:08 pm

100% dependant on boiler size and power available

How much ceiling height do you have and how many amps in your stilling area?

Im in the middle of a 4" build and the word gantry is a real concept, as well as ladder

As you go up in size and height the power requirements rapidly increase
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Re: Colum diameter.

Postby Streetgang666 » Thu Feb 11, 2021 1:04 pm

Thx for all the advice, think ill stick with the 2 in for now andcsee how i go, thx again.
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