A build is starting to take some shape! Managed to score some free copper :dance: , now just trying to decide how best to use it. The current plan is a CCVM build. I have a few questions before I jump in too quick and potentially waste time and/or copper. When I was planning this in my head I was aiming for modular, but with these jacket type joins I have got here it seems it might be easier to have sections that are fixed. To get stuck into using this sooner than later I'll probably use it in pot still mode initially. I would like to do up some whiskey to put in a bad motivator barrel that I bought for the misses for her b'day with the proviso that I'll fill it ;-)
Was thinking the 560mm length could be made into a shotgun PC. The flattened section of 3" I'll use for the end pieces. All the builds I've seen solder these internally. A mate suggested that I could make another larger circle section that was a bit bigger than 2", cut some slits around it and bang it over the section to make a cap. He was thinking this would be more sturdy. Having thought about this a bit more, I foresee the issue with this is that the caps will make it hard to attach to the rest of the build as you now have slightly larger than 2". Could you instead leave that lip as a flange, or would you run into sealing issues as its flat, without a section for the tri-clamp gasket that most SS flanges seem to have.
Should I stick with at least 50cm and get some more 1/2 " to make up the 5th internal pipe. oooorrrr
Can I get away with a 40cm build to make use of the current lengths I have (i.e. the 860mm would then get 2x pieces out of it) and get 5x internal pipes without buying more 1/2". This would also give me 160mm to add to the top of the tee which I think is needed to properly use the RC (perhaps I may need more than 16cm?).
The plan for RC was going to be Uncoated Stainless Steel Gas that was twisted around itself, anyone using this version for their CCVM know if 36" will be enough.
https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=gas+connector+uncoated&crid=3XZU7J7FQIP5&sprefix=gas+connector+uncoate%2Caps%2C233&ref=nb_sb_noss
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/nhSfCwt.jpg?1)
I wasn't planning on using the 4" until I had played around with a 2" build. A bit unsure if this boiler would drive a 4" section. The brewzilla has a 1900w and a 500w for 2400 at full tilt. If so I'm thinking it could be easier to use a length of that as section between the boiler and the tee (riser?) rather than buy more 2" (would get away with just another reducing piece).
If was to go with the 4" how much length will be needed for this section, my gut feeling is that because there is more room for packing, the length can be shorter, but could be wrong as I haven't looked much at any 4" builds yet. I could have it backwards and the 4" needs more length :laughing-rolling: . Saving some of this 4" could be nice to upgrade to a RC deflag setup down the track :think: .
If I go with 4" any tips on removing the white paint. Is a paint stripper safe to use, should I burn it off or sand it off. + final clean with a citric acid bath.
The other option is to leave the 4" for another day. If I was getting more 2" for the up section from what I can recall I'll need about 1.2 -1.5m to get the best use out of it in reflux mode. But could potentially get away with a really short section if using in pot mode?
The random bits and pieces:
old 4" copper ~900mm (will be a bit shy as the ends aren't clean cuts yet)
2" tee
2" length 560mm
2" length 220mm
2x 2" elbows
1/2" (12.7) pipe couple of lengths:
1030mm (not depicted in photo)
860mm
550mm
2" reducer + another piece that makes it so it will fit a length of 1/2" I can run to the collection vessel
Plate cut open from a 3"
190mm x 120mm
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/3t2TmFC.jpg?2)
![Image](https://imgur.com/W3UQKc0.jpg?2)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/hWjDLCE.jpg?1)
Random bits (no photo)
3" copper cap no photo
another weird size reducer piece seems to be 1.8" to 1.5"
3x1" elbow joins
large plate thing from an old coffee boiler, dunno if I can use but might be able to trade for $$ or more copper.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/0PQeSAh.jpg?1)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/Av1lqhl.jpg?1)