home still: dephlegmator module concept 2

Dephlegmator module concept 2.

Here is an update on the dephlegmator module. I changed the double cooling coil to a shell and tube design to make it easier to construct. This type of dephlegmator is also called a shotgun type. I also shortened the length.

Exploded view.

The design now uses solder joint NPT fittings for the cooling water and two thermometer ports above and below the cooling shell.

Side view.

Plates have been placed inside of the shell to direct water flow around the tubes.

Top view.

The thermo ports are offset from the outer tubes so that the temperature probe can be placed away from the tubes or in the stream of the center tube. Placing the probe away from the tubes will help prevent condensate from dripping on it and changing the reading.

The dephlegmator concept may continue to change more in order to reduce cost and complexity.

home still: dephlegmator module concept 1

I have been working on a home still for ethanol production and now have a concept drawing of the dephlegmator module. The dephlegmator is a section placed above the column to control reflux before the condenser.

Exploded view.

This design uses a double cooling coil with an additional pass through the center to condense the vapors.

Assembled view.

The dephlegmator is constructed from 3in copper pipe with 3in stainless sanitary quick clamp fittings on each end. All connections will be brazed to simplify construction.

Bottom view.

The double coil might be a little difficult to make, so I will be looking into different designs.

etsy store now open

To try and increase the exposure of my keychain bottle opener, I decided to open an Etsy store. I am not a fan of Etsy's fee system. It first requires a listing fee before anything is sold with additional sales fees after. There are also payment processing fees to either Paypal or Etsy's own payment system. But there are benefits too. It puts my bottle opener on a much more searchable website; and it allows for a nice store front that looks more official than the Google Checkout Gadget I have on this blog.

Check it out at HERE.

business card bottle opener: now for sale

The folded keychain bottle opener.

I have several of the business card bottle openers for sale now. They are listed as the "folded key chain bottle opener" and are available folded or unfolded. The finish is a rough brushed look with no writing. To purchase, use the shopping gadget found on the right column of this blog.

Instructions on how to fold:

You will need pliers and something to deburr edges--like a file or some sandpaper.

Push against the edge of a table to start the fold. Align the edge of the table with the center of the fold.

After starting the fold on the edge of a table, you can continue to fold it by hand.

Fold until it forms about a 30 degree angle. At this point, you will need to use pliers to squeeze these points in.

Continue folding by hand and squeezing the points until the two sides are parallel.

After folding, deburr the sharp edges to your liking and attach it to your keyring with a key inside. I like to keep the teeth of the keys pointing out to prevent them from catching the bottle when opening.

ENJOY!

minimalist wallet: cut file

For those interested in making the minimalist wallet, here is the file I used to cut it on a laser cutter.

Click HERE.

The thin lines were cut through while the thick line was etched to make it a little thinner there for bending. Enjoy and send me a picture if you make one.

new look

I decided to add a store! The previous template didn't allow me to add gadgets, so I had to choose a new template. While it's not as cool as the previous template, it will do for now.

You can find the store on the bottom of the right column. I will be testing it for now.

testing.....