Torr Kitchen Vacuum Still

[merlin44]

This where we can focus our discussion on the Torr Kitchen Vacuum Still and related issues.

[merlin44]

To start things off, here is the link to the “ethanol recovery systems” page of his web site:
Ethanol Recovery Systems – Torr Kitchen

I currently have his large system with the ice cooled condenser. I plan to purchase the new air cooled condenser and a small receiving vessel and lid (after saving a bit of $$$ LOL). The small vessel will be for smaller runs. I typically run 2 - 2.5 L of wash but sometimes want to do smaller amounts.

[merlin44]

@Caligurl @patrick1960 @kaptain3d

[patrick1960]

Thanks for doing this @merlin. I will be trying mine some time next week once it arrives.

[merlin44]

@patrick1960

Thanks for doing this @merlin

LOL Just so there isn’t any confusion, merlin is someone else. I am merlin44. I don’t mind but you may not get the results that you expect with the wrong “handle”.

[kaptain3d]

Thanks for the tag my magical friend… But I was already following!
I really appreciate our friendly resident wizard!

[merlin44]

@patrick1960

I will be trying mine some time next week once it arrives.

Do you have an infrared thermometer? It helped me to fully understand the system and keep it at equilibrium when I first started.

Troy has some excellent videos the explain how to setup and use the system. Following his instructions, my first run went flawlessly.

Edit: Also, do you have a Buchner Filter and flask? It will really speed up the filtering process when doing large amounts of wash.

[patrick1960]

I did buy a thermometer, thank you. I have watched most of the videos. I am thinking of doing an alcohol only run the first time to make sure I know what I am doing. Sorry about the wrong tag . I did invite Troy via FB to join in and help explain, sent him a few links where he is mentioned. He was appreciative and may pop in.

[merlin44]

@patrick1960

I am thinking of doing an alcohol only run the first time to make sure I know what I am doing.

I did this as well. Very much worth the time and effort. It isn’t really necessary but I did my alcohol only run with COLD alcohol just to ensure that I was practicing under “real” conditions.

[merlin44]

@caligurl Would you like a list of the items and components that I have and recommend?

[Caligurl]

Yes please

[merlin44]

It will take a couple of minutes. I am looking for one of the posts where I listed everything.

[merlin44]

Hey @Caligurl I didn’t find my previous posts on the Torr Kitchen Vacuum Still. I will put it together right here, right now.

This is the system setup and ready to go.

Here is the list of components from Torr Kitchen:
Induction Heater
Large Loading Vessel (where the filtered wash is placed and final extract is after processing)
Large Torr-Nado Ladder Condenser (filled with ice and water)
Large Recovery Vessel (where ethanol is recovered)
Vacuum pump
In addition, I got two sets of quick dis-connects and a heating mat. Both can be found cheaper. It was convenient to get them from Torr Kitchen.

Extra Items that I purchased separately:
IR Thermometer
Buchner Filter and Flask (to speed filtering process)

I will be happy to provide links to any or all of these components. If desired, all of the components can be sourced elsewhere but I went the easy route since Troy has done all of the experiments and testing.

I hope this is close to what you are looking for. I HIGHLY recommend this system if you have the space to operate it and want to process fairly large quantities in a short time.

I also have photos of the system in operation if you wish.

Edit: I use the same vacuum pump from the still to pull the wash through the filter and flask.

Edit #2: It seems that he has an air cooled condenser now. I may look into that. ($600 yikes) I may do it despite the price tag. Getting enough ice for several runs is a pain.

[merlin44]

@caligurl If I were purchasing today, I would get this option plus the Induction Heater:

Torracane Cooled Base Set: Two-Gauge – Torr Kitchen

The system with the ice cooled condenser is about $600 cheaper, that is what I have.

Edit: I didn’t mention it before, I highly recommend Troy’s Jar Tech Decarb technique.

[Caligurl]

Thank you!

[merlin44]

I can’t tell you how much I recommend getting the Buchner filter and flask (don’t forget to purchase appropriate filters).

That is one situation where the quick disconnects come in. Simply move the vacuum line from the Loading Vessel and connect to the Buchner flask.

This is the one that I got. Nothing special about it so any similar product will work as well.
TN Lab Buchner Funnel Kit with Filter Flask 120mm Porcelain Ceramic Funnel and 2500ml 2.5L Heavy-Wall Borosilicate 3.3 Glass Vacuum Flask with Side Arm and Matching Vacuum Sealing Adapter: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Edit: I was just in contact with Troy at Torr Kitchen. I says that the air cooled condenser is more efficient than the ice cooled option. The air cooled unit has a fan that runs so makes noise while the ices cooled unit is silent.

[merlin44]

@merlin44

I can’t tell you how much I recommend getting the Buchner filter and flask (don’t forget to purchase appropriate filters).

I just noticed that Troy (Torr Kitchen) now sells a filtration funnel.

You can now get nearly everything you need from Torr Kitchen.

Edit: Note that depending upon the size filter and your system size, you may need a special receiving vessel lid.

[patrick1960]

My order is coming on the 20th. This is my list. I thought about the tornado condenser but went with the standard cooler.

If anyone wants a Source Turbo for parts let me know.

[merlin44]

Which size system did you get?

[patrick1960]

@Caligurl if you are wondering the amount of material you can run in a small vs large vessel system. I went with the smaller size. Troy gave this explanation to someone figuring out what size.