by bt1 » Sun May 12, 2013 7:03 pm
Howdy,
straight up 4 -5 plates seems to the norm so no issues having fixed plates below and a couple of modular plate sections above.
I"ve not heard anything definitive on plate types perf vs. bubble, perf being easier and lower cost, providing the copper you'll need in a SS column imho.
On the issue of plate tree vs. a tig'd plate I'd go tig'd purely for the fact a plate tree weeps down the column walls until the patina heels the minuscule gaps... solid edge to edge plates do have a advantage in terms of heating and product imho. Struggling with how this would be done other than tigging sections = modular in the first place?
Re the packed section for neutrals, just made sure it's removable and flanged for ease for when it's not needed.
The design outline suggests mixed drink prefs... suggest focusing on what's important and best effort for the others.... compromise rarely brings satisfaction.
bt1