Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Hey all, after many years of using my 2” bok, I’m getting around to building a 2.5” bok over a 50lt keg. I’ve gone thru the LM/VM,CCM debates, and the 2” vs 3” vs 4” etc, but will stick to what I’m comfy with. My needs are modest... I just built a 2” bok for my son, and by using scoria rock instead if scrubbies, we can pull 95% at 30ml/min instead of my usual 20ml/min.
Now, for a chuckle, I’m putting a 4” perf plate under my new 2.5” column. My question is, will there be any measurable benefit? (btw, I’m using 2.5” as all the 2.5” gear is +30% over 2”, whereas 3” gear is +200% dearer.)




For the RC, I’ve simply used 3/8th inch copper tube, single wound.


I’m not sure why more don’t use 2.5”, I can’t seem to find any builds at all. Only comments from the past.
I was happy with 30ml/minute at 95% on the 2”, so it’ll be interesting to see what this one gives out.
Comments, critiques welcone ;-)

Nice looking rig mate

What hole size - count are you using on the plate? Bath depth?
The ball may have to be a bit taller to work efficiently, Most go 4"+ high on a 4", my research so far suggests 6" or so to avoid entrainment on even the larger diameter rigs, any more is for cleaning access

How much power are you using?

Had to do the calculations on 30ml/min = 1.8L/hr.
Not as slow as i first thought.

RC Al wrote:Nice looking rig mate

What hole size - count are you using on the plate? Bath depth?
The ball may have to be a bit taller to work efficiently, Most go 4"+ high on a 4", my research so far suggests 6" or so to avoid entrainment on even the larger diameter rigs, any more is for cleaning access

How much power are you using?

I just ‘guesstimated’ after reading as much as i could find. 2mm hole on a 5mm grid. I haven’t installed the heater yet, but being restrained to a 10amp circuit, I’m thinking a 3kw low density coupled to my 10kw controller. That way I’ll wring as much as i can out of it. It’ll be a bit slow to heat up... Yeah, i wondered about the small ball and its efficacy. Looks more of an afterthought now i look at it. Worst-case, it may help to break up the vapour flow a little. Bath depth is only about 20mm. I put a copper piece under the downcomer to stop vapour blowback Once i finish the build, I’ll be better able to judge how much more than the 2” it’ll do. :smile: