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Hello all, new to the forum been running pot stills since '04. I recently built a new 15 gallon pot still and added a single torpedo before my 2x18" column. I am using the perforated plate with a copper downcomer instead of the bubble plate. My question is for simplicity's sake would a packed column with no dephleg provide enough reflux to load the plate passively or would I still need some form of cooling. I read somewhere else on the forum that someone else did this but could not track down the post. Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Comments
Great Question....
I am thinking if this is even possible it would be a bit of trial and error to get the the right amount of packing per given heat input while trying to also get my condenser output dialed in......
I've done it with two bubbleballs and an 800mm section of packed copper. It would work better with a baby reflux condensor, but it will work without it.
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Thanks punkin, I'm gonna give it a go then. I'll report back with pictures and info.
I'd think several factors would come into play to keep the plates loaded.
Running it hard could put in enough heat to deactivate the plates but putting a small fan pointed toward the top of the column should provide enough cooling and (*passive?) reflux to keep the plates bubbling. Let us know how it turns out for you @smokinjoescbr.
--not sure if using a fan to cool the column externally could be considered passive.
IMHO - the first time you use a dephleg to compress the acetone crap heads and taste what goodness comes after, there will be no going back....
It will work, you'll just need to find the perfect temp to run (trial and error, as has been said).
A dephleg is definitely worth it though. It is much easier to drive.
So for my first go I'll pack the column completely with copper mesh and see how that works. If all is well I was thinking I could run it real slow and hopefully get a little compression for the heads and open her up to whatever keeps the plate loaded for the hearts.
It's free to try.
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