How to build a still 

- The Condenser-

 - Index - 

The Boiler The Column The Condenser The Gadgets
- 1 - - 1 - - 1 - - 1 -
- 2 - - 2 - - 2 - - 2 -
- 3 - - 3 - - 3 - - 3 -
- 4 - - 4 - - 4 - - 4 -

The Counter flow condenser

The pictures below are of my main condenser.  I have made this condenser many years ago and it stills works as on day one.  I have used standard copper piping which is easy obtainable. i have used standard brass water couplings to connect the condenser to the column. In order to close the outer pipe, I have hammered a piece of pipe into a flat copper sheet and soldered this on the end of the pipe. (it is not needed to use lead-free solder for this, as this will only be intact with water.)

The dimensions are:-

The inner pipe has a 10 or 12 mm diameter and the outer pipe has a 32 mm diameter.

  • Length of the inner pipe:  55 cm
  • Length of the outer pipe:  70 cm

The dimensions of this condenser are purely based on the availability of the materials.

The condenser in all it's glory.

 
The top of the condenser with a standard connector to the column and the water outlet.

 
The bottom of the condenser with the water inlet and the alcohol outlet (center-bottom). 
During operation, I attach a hose to it as I do not want the alcohol to come near the open fire under the boiler.......
 

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