2.5" LM/VM combo build

Reflux still design and discussion

2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Tue Apr 26, 2011 9:39 pm

So here it goes,
just built the flange / clamp set up.

Image

This is my removable adjustable Parrot,
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The coil is approximately 6m long and made from 1/4" pipe.
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This is the reducers and top tee, it will hold about 70ml of liquid.
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The finished Product,Image

Close up of the reducers,
Image
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby MacStill » Wed Apr 27, 2011 5:48 am

Kimbo that's a beast :D

Interesting valves, what are they?

Your going to want to insulate the column mate, it'll help keep temps stable, especially in winter.

She should serve you well.

Cheers.
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Wed Apr 27, 2011 6:43 pm

Thanks McStill, :D
the valves are just al-cheap-o cistern taps from bunnings (i cant afford needle valves :lol: )
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Sun May 01, 2011 12:45 pm

O.K. Gents,
I've just done my first stripping run with this beast, 4.5L in 1.5 Hrs = 3-4L/Hr.depending on % abv
I,m declaring this a success :D
Last edited by Kimbo on Sat May 14, 2011 2:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby SBB » Sun May 01, 2011 6:09 pm

Well done Kimbo
Is this your first self built still ?????????
SBB
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby MacStill » Sun May 01, 2011 6:15 pm

Good result kimbo, look forward to hearing how it performs on a reflux run.
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Sun May 01, 2011 7:17 pm

Well done Kimbo
Is this your first self built still

Thanks SBB,
no, its actually my 3rd,but i wont mention the first 2 :?
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby bradsgonetrekkin » Sun May 01, 2011 7:56 pm

Looks like a beast!

Does it fit in the garage or do you have to still outside?
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Sun May 01, 2011 8:13 pm

Thanks BGT,
funny you should ask that, :?
its about 100mm too tall for my garage, so i do it under my pergola.
but that works better for me any way.
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby MacStill » Thu May 19, 2011 8:05 pm

How's this rig going kimbo? have you done a reflux run with the beast yet?
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Thu May 19, 2011 8:20 pm

Hi Mate, not yet.
once ive finished my (your) whiskey knock off i want to do a neutral,then a rum.
i may need a bit of guidance on how to use the LM and the VM.
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby MacStill » Thu May 19, 2011 8:30 pm

Basically you'll just need to follow the LM instructions for fores & heads removal, then once into hearts you'll switch over to VM until it stops working (hits tails) then switch back to the LM and crank the heat up with valve wide open to take the tails off nice and quick.

There a couple of threads on HD in the reading lounge, just print them off and stick to what the tutorials say and you'll be fine ;)

Cheers.
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Thu May 19, 2011 8:33 pm

Thanks mate,
one problem, how do I crank up the heat with a 2200w element and no controller? :oops:
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby MacStill » Thu May 19, 2011 8:36 pm

Stick another element in it, or build a fire :lol:
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Thu May 19, 2011 8:44 pm

Smart Ass :lol: :lol: :? :lol: :lol:
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Thu May 19, 2011 9:17 pm

Hey, i heard that putting some scrubbers in the narrow part (above the VM and below the Lm) has an advantage of directing the hearts to the VM take off.
Any opinions?
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby MacStill » Thu May 19, 2011 9:36 pm

I cant answer that sorry, too busy looking at your avatar.....

up, down, up, down, up, down :P
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Thu May 19, 2011 9:54 pm

Meet Mrs Kimbo ;)
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby R-sole » Fri May 20, 2011 6:19 am

The onset of tails can be seen in VM mode by a fluctuation of temp. It will be probably be only point one of a degree rise, but if your thermo has been rock steady on .7 of something (or flicking tween say.6 and .7 ) and then goes to .8, be ready to shinny up the ladder and wind your gate valve back in in order to extract the last of the hearts slowly. Once wound in to a small stream the temp should settle back to where it was for a half litre or so before starting to rise again. This is the point i usually give up.

Alternatively you may be able to shut the vm valve and crack the lm to bleed the last of the hearts, dunno never operated one, but it's a matter of learning to drive your own equipment.



Quite a few people use a mid point column mounted thermo as well to give early warning of the tails creeping up the column in the same way ;)
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Re: 2.5" LM/VM combo build

Postby Kimbo » Fri May 20, 2011 6:48 pm

Thanks 5Star,
I'll give it a crack. :D
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