To build another still or not to build?

[jaco72]

I am on two minds about building another still. I currently am very happy with the big girl I have but want less run time.
I have a 2" boka style double helix coil that I call convertable.  Tri clamped a middle section 1200 packed with pure copper mesh, then when I want to strip run I remove it and sit the boka head on the 5 to 2 " adaptor on a 50 ltr stainless keg. The boka head is dual plate with needle valve and 1/4 " line through a lie big condensor to a mounted parrot.
In strip mode 1800w I can strip down 40 ltr tpw wash in 5 hours to end up 18 ltr @  40%.
In spirit run.
40 ltr of 20% run at 1700w.
Remove fore shots.
Equibilate 1 hour.
Remove 1400 ml heads @ 90% rising to 93.
Remove 6 ltrs hearts @ 93/94.
Remove 1800 tails.
13 hrs later done.
I am very happy with product but the time is killing me.
If I build a thors hammer VM 3 " colum with heads catcher and take of as seen here.
(Have ya seen the one done by member Disobedierudite. What a weapon.)
Just putting it out there.

[TheMechwarrior]

The 3" will sure be quicker for you.

As a rough guide I've prepared the following table:


As as a very rough guide, just look at the kW and that is the same in L/h output you may see, again as a very rough guide.
Your power determines your rate and your total height determines purity.

General rules for neutral:
Packed column height should be 20-30 column diameters
Vapour speed should be 12-18 inches per second.

Note:
Most people lack the height to be able to build these as a single column and often lack the skill to build them as multiple column so the compromise is to reduce the throughput rate by increasing the reflux ratio using a condenser.

I look forward to seeing your 3" build!

[WTDist]

Is that power for a boka Mech? or is that the same for bubblers with packed section?

(Have ya seen the one done by member Disobedierudite. What a weapon.)

Is there a link to this build? cant find the user on Aussie Distiller

[TheMechwarrior]

That table is a mock-up for a generic packed column neutral rig. Take with a grain of dust if you like, for me when toying with very large column concepts this gives me an idea of how much power MIGHT be required.

The build in question is not located on this forum.
That said, there are plenty of great VM designs here for you to work from, a VM is a simple still, no need to overcomplicate it.

[jaco72]

I see. How about this. The current girl makes a good product with defined cuts. ( obviously small sections are smeared)
How would a 3 inch tower perform with my 2 inch boka head. It wouldn't restrict it to much? And I could get the flow up. Currently I run the same wash and run by parrot and temp and can cut product within the 500 ml range.
Would save money and time.

[dogbreath vodka]

There's no substitute for cubes. As the American hot rodders would say.

The bigger the pipe the faster the run.
Maybe a 4" would be better.
Somewhere here there is a photo of a bloke using a 6" pot still. :scared-eek: :scared-eek:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4610
This one.

[jaco72]

Yeah yeah. I agree but. In your opinion on tower 3 " then boka take of section in my existing 2". Above description. And would the 1/4 take of handle that extra flow. May be not ?

[TheMechwarrior]

Keep it modular and try it, if it doesn't work you'll soon know.
Just start slowly at the same power you currently use and slowly bring the power up, over time to see if it's stable

[benpandaae86]

I did a vinegar n sacrifictial alcohol run this afternoon with my 3 inch reducer boka and i was impressed i was able to throw 3600watts at it i had my condensor in full reflux for only 20min and i was pullin 93% my packed section (24 ss scrubbers)would be nearly 1400mm i cant wait to get some tpw low wines into it

[TheMechwarrior]

I'd be keen to hear of your output rate at 95%.