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Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 12:03 pm
by scottyd72
Been searching for plans for a bubbler but I cant find anything that tells me how far apart the bubble plates need to be or how many bubble plates to use (I just assumed 4 would be ok).
I want to build a bubbler just to do whiskey and bourbon.
I have a 500mm long piece of 2 3/4 inch (70mm) copper pipe to use. I have also bought off fleabay a metre long piece of 2" copper pipe.
I plan on making my own bubble caps but I'm unsure of what diameter they need to be.
Can anyone help pls?

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 1:10 pm
by scottyd72
I've found what I need, can a mod pls delete this thread?

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 1:18 pm
by Plumby
Can you post a link b4 they delete, I'm curious too.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 2:17 pm
by scottyd72
I found this thread that said distance can be 125% of diameter
http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=8803

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 2:26 pm
by Plumby
Cheers man.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 4:23 pm
by db1979
There's no point in deleting the thread as it will be helpful to others.

I've used 60 mm spacing in my 2" bubbler (50 mm diameter, 120 %) and 110 mm spacing in my 4" (100 mm diameter, 110 %). Both get 92 % abv.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 4:58 pm
by scottyd72
db1979 wrote:There's no point in deleting the thread as it will be helpful to others.

yes thats true :handgestures-thumbupleft:
db1979 wrote:I've used 60 mm spacing in my 2" bubbler (50 mm diameter, 120 %) and 110 mm spacing in my 4" (100 mm diameter, 110 %). Both get 92 % abv.

Ah ok nice. Do you think some packing in the bottom of a bubbler is essential too?

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:25 pm
by bluc
? In an all stainless one for sulphite conversion?

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:47 pm
by scottyd72
bluc wrote:? In an all stainless one for sulphite conversion?

I was planning on mostly copper, however all of the flanges would be stainless ones hard soldered to the copper pipes.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 7:33 pm
by woodduck
No need for packing in the bottom mate, just in a packed section if you want to do neutrals. If your using copper in the still there will be enough to remove sulfides.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:59 pm
by scottyd72
woodduck wrote:No need for packing in the bottom mate, just in a packed section if you want to do neutrals. If your using copper in the still there will be enough to remove sulfides.

Ah sweet. Thank you :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 10:05 pm
by scottyd72
Now i have found quite a few threads talking about perforated vs bubble caps. I see that the perf plates are a simpler design; I also read that the caps make the still easier to operate, so i want to use caps.
I just now have to work out the right size and quantity....

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 10:20 pm
by woodduck
Keep reading mate, that's something that is personal preference. Reading the threads and seeing what peoples experiences are will help you work that out. The best part about the research is that you will know every part of a still and how they work so it won't be anywhere near as daunting when you go to run it. Keep it up and we will help guide you as much as we can but it is definitely a learning journey :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 11:13 pm
by scottyd72
woodduck wrote:Keep reading mate, that's something that is personal preference. Reading the threads and seeing what peoples experiences are will help you work that out. The best part about the research is that you will know every part of a still and how they work so it won't be anywhere near as daunting when you go to run it. Keep it up and we will help guide you as much as we can but it is definitely a learning journey :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Thanks woodduck, will do.
I'm now trying to work out how the column will attach to the lid of my boiler...

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 6:55 am
by Bobsyauncle
:text-+1: on what woodduck said. At first i thought I knew what I wanted but after months of reading and getting a grip of how it all works I've finally figured out what will suit me.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 7:05 am
by Bobsyauncle
scottyd72 wrote:Thanks woodduck, will do.
I'm now trying to work out how the column will attach to the lid of my boiler...


What boiler do you have atm/ do you want to use?

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 7:53 am
by Zak Griffin
Five Star Distilling sell a T500 lid to 2" triclamp ferrule adapter for this very purpose :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 10:35 am
by scottyd72
I've got a 30ltr boiler and they sell a lid with a 60mm hole for under $20. So I can buy that and weld a SS 3" ferrule onto it.
I'm thinking of using some 3" ferrulles to make my 2 ¾" column modular.

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:25 pm
by scottyd72
Can anyone tell me what the minimum thickness of copper plate is for the bubble plates?

Re: Trying to work out how to build a bubbler...

PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:33 pm
by bluc
Seriously go at leat a keg and r" or there will be regrets