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Condensers


Nickajack

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Hello Ya'll,

I am getting close to a decision about a still and noticed that most of the vendors I am considering offer the shell & tube heat exchanger type condender instead of the traditional coiled copper "worm" type condenser. It seems to me that at the 250 gallon range condenser capacity is not the issue. Just wondering why shell & tube seems to be dominant. Personally I would prefer the worm in a glass tube. Here in Tennessee that would be better appreciated by visitors, too. Wouldn't it be better to see the condition of the worm and the shell rather than having a permanently closed shell & tube unit? Just askin'.

Best to all,

Nickajack

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Wouldn't it be better to see the condition of the worm and the shell rather than having a permanently closed shell & tube unit?

Can't think of a reason why it would matter if you could visually inspect the copper coil behind glass. If tyou are just about to make a decision on a still, may I suggest putting function over form? Form costs a ton, function is what makes you money. Also, customers are important, but don't let them design the still you are going to have to operate, remind yourself that you are the expert. Use that expertise to make great product, not to give great tours.

Best of Luck,

-Scott

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Thanks Scott and Violent. You are absolutely right about function over form. Just haven't really seen really hard information regarding a comparison between the different types pf condensers and functionality. Violent Blue, in offering both is there a capacity, cooling function, or other reason you may offer one over the other for a particular pot still? Or is it 100% customer preference in your experience?

Many Thanks,

Nickajack

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a worm hits its maximum throughput sooner than a stainless "shotgun" cooler does, but with the sizes of boiler most Craft distillers are using, this is rarely an issue.

you won't hit the maximum throughput limit of a 1 1/2" worm with a 250 gallon boiler.

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Nickajack,

I would recommend considering how you would clean and inspect your condenser of choice. I prefer the tube in shell for this reason. the copper coil was what was available traditionally. tube in shell are used in Bio-Pharm for their cleanability. I agree with Scott in this one. And my stuff is built right here in Maine.

Jesse

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