CCVM build and questions about diameter
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:56 pm
Hey team,
Hope you're all fantastic.
Looking for help with a few questions. I'm planning the build for my first still and I've decided to go with a CCVM on a keg boiler.
Plan is: electric still using 2x 2400w elements (running on different circuits). I know a fitter and turner who hopefully can help me getting the boiler together, and maybe the column and condenser as well. Going modular, connecting everything possible by tri-clamps.
I am time poor so hoping to build a still that will run fast (without compromising quality of course!). I've done a lot of reading on this forum and via other sources, but I'm stuck on a few points that I can't quite seem to understand.
So, the main question I have is about speed, and how to get it: I have read that a larger diameter column will increase the distillation speed (though I've seen some people dispute this) but what I don't understand is how much of the column/still/condenser need to be the larger diameter.
- If I went 4'' column for speed, does the whole still and condenser need to be 4'' to get the benefit? Or can I just attach a 2'' product condenser to a 4'' column and still gain speed? Another way to ask this question: which parts of the below plan need to be thicker to gain speed? Just 1? 1-4? 1-2?
Bonus questions - Is 4800w enough to even run a 4'' still?
Does the thickness have a different effect when the still is in pot still mode vs reflux mode?
I don't know where to go to get 2nd hand copper pipe - do all metal scrap yards also resell?
Also, I have found a number of distilling stores selling 3600w elements. But wouldn't this exceed the capacity of most normal house circuits? Why are there so many listings for these elements when most houses can't run them?
I know this is a lot of questions all at once. Really appreciate any help you can provide - thanks!
Hope you're all fantastic.
Looking for help with a few questions. I'm planning the build for my first still and I've decided to go with a CCVM on a keg boiler.
Plan is: electric still using 2x 2400w elements (running on different circuits). I know a fitter and turner who hopefully can help me getting the boiler together, and maybe the column and condenser as well. Going modular, connecting everything possible by tri-clamps.
I am time poor so hoping to build a still that will run fast (without compromising quality of course!). I've done a lot of reading on this forum and via other sources, but I'm stuck on a few points that I can't quite seem to understand.
So, the main question I have is about speed, and how to get it: I have read that a larger diameter column will increase the distillation speed (though I've seen some people dispute this) but what I don't understand is how much of the column/still/condenser need to be the larger diameter.
- If I went 4'' column for speed, does the whole still and condenser need to be 4'' to get the benefit? Or can I just attach a 2'' product condenser to a 4'' column and still gain speed? Another way to ask this question: which parts of the below plan need to be thicker to gain speed? Just 1? 1-4? 1-2?
Bonus questions - Is 4800w enough to even run a 4'' still?
Does the thickness have a different effect when the still is in pot still mode vs reflux mode?
I don't know where to go to get 2nd hand copper pipe - do all metal scrap yards also resell?
Also, I have found a number of distilling stores selling 3600w elements. But wouldn't this exceed the capacity of most normal house circuits? Why are there so many listings for these elements when most houses can't run them?
I know this is a lot of questions all at once. Really appreciate any help you can provide - thanks!