I am thinking a going to a bigger boiler. I am currently using a 15.5 gallon ss keg, electric powered with a combination pot still with thumber and reflex head.

I have a 55 gal ss drum with one 2 inch opening in the middle on the side and a 3/4 in threaded opening on top, my question is would it be a good idead to place the boiler on its side and run the column up the middle or should i have one put one the top, or even cut a 8 to 10 inch hole on the top and mount a large ss bowl and then attach my column the same way I do on the keg.

Heating, I know 2 1500 watt elements wont be enough, I usually heat the keg with the 2 and propane then after reaches temp turn off propane and one element, because it is easier to maintain. How big and how many elements should i use. 220 is not a problem as I can run the power to it.

thanks pa mike

Mike:

So the first question is how much are you planning to cook at a time? Lets assume with 55 gal drum you are going to do a 35-40 gallon wash.

MileHi sells a connector that screws into a drum and allows you to connect a column. In the picture they have the barrel set on end. Looking around the internet others using drums have theirs on end as well. However in old photos of stills from the 20's the old timers had them on the side. Just make sure if you decide to go with the side you stabilize it so it doesn't roll on you. Doing this much at a time, have you considered column size? I would go with a 3' at least.

As you know if you have followed any of my posts I'm a big advocate of using electric heat in distilling, however for a project this large I think your idea about using propane to up temp is necessary. With 210,000 BTU's you could be up to temp in about 2 1/2 hours. Using coils, even a couple of 3500W coils could take a very very long time. For some other possible heat sources check out:

http://ethanolpro.tripod.com/id174.html

Just my 2 cents.

Keep us posted on how this progresses. Cheers!