The StillDragon User Group YouTube Channel

grim

Yeah, have always wondering if the overhead condenser model was the better approach when using controllers.

It's a model you see in many industrial scale columns. There is a single overhead condenser sized to condense 100% of the vapor. You'll also either see a reflux drum or a proportioning valve setup to direct the condensate either down the column as reflux, or to the secondary product condenser for further cooling.

In this model, you separate the condenser control from the reflux control. The larger overhead condenser is controlled to a specific setpoint to condense 100% of the vapor, without subcooling.

Separate from this, is the ability to control where that condensate is going. Want to run a high reflux ratio - you can dial that in directly. 100:1, 10:1, 152.7:1, 1:1, whatever you'd like. Now, controlling reflux (and purity), is completely independent from the condenser temperature control. No fuss, no muss.

On the hobby side, it's the ol' discussion between cooling management and liquid management.

Moonshine

Pie Tasting: Thanksgiving Pairings in 2022 | StillDragon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl3EmjufurM

jimmy07

It's really great, the StillDragon User Group is a hub for distillers and enthusiasts to share knowledge and experiences related to StillDragon equipment and distilling techniques. Then offers a variety of content, including video tutorials, product reviews, and community discussions.

Smaug

A brief snippet about the little chamber still

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncm747GD8NI

punkin

Great stuff Larry

jimmy07

Very informative post, thank you for sharing.

jimmy07

Condenser models that are installed under the column allow the independent control of the cooling process and its purity. But on hobby equipment, the topic of cooling and liquid management is still a hot topic. Choosing which approach to take depends largely on what hobbyists are looking for and the resources available, but the overhead condenser is worth looking at because it offers independent control over reflux and purity of hot liquids.

Smaug

StillDragon visit to Copper Shot Distillery to review Steve's 4" continuous still performance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l6fDSg3cuY

grim

Awesome!

Smaug

Just an FYI on this, Steve recovers all of his rain water and has engineered his own cooling tower.

Basically has a relatively short tower filled with bio balls and an exhaust fan. Return water pours over the bio balls and the fan pulls out a measure of heat. He has a 3500 gallon reservoir underneath the tower.

Seems to work great as his little 4" x 36" PC renders out cool to the touch finished spirit.

Heads condenser also renders cool distillate.

punkin

Great stuff mate.

crozdog

That's great!

TheMechWarrior

Tidy