Distillers are used for a variety of purposes, from purifying water to making gasoline. They can also be used to make alcoholic beverages, but in many countries this practice is prohibited and can be a dangerous undertaking both in terms of criminal liability and in terms of consumption. However, it is perfectly legal and safe to build stills for water purification. Also, water distillers are interesting gadgets for those who love science.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Distiller with Stove Heating
Step 1. Gather the materials
You'll need several, most of which can be found at your nearest building supply store. Malleable copper tubes are involved, so if you want to make your life easier, get a pipe bending tool. The materials needed are:
- You will need a kettle or pressure cooker (preferably made of copper or stainless steel, never aluminum or lead).
- Stopper or rubber strip to seal kettle or pressure cooker openings.
- 8mm copper tube (quantity will depend on retort settings, 3 to 6 meters should be sufficient).
- A very large thermos or a plastic bucket
- pipe joints
- a thermometer
- a good drill
- a little silicone
Step 2. Make the seal
Drill two holes in the rubber or stopper, one for the copper tube and one for the thermometer. These holes should be slightly smaller than the tube and thermometer to make a tight fit. Cut the seal so that it fits snugly into the kettle or pressure cooker.
Step 3. Prepare the copper coil
You will need a copper coil to condense the steam coming from the pan. Take the 8mm copper tube and bend it in a spiral towards one end. You will need a long straight section (at least 15 cm) and a shorter one at each end of the spiral. To make the spiral, you can simply wrap the tube around an object or use a special tool to do it. The spiral should be small enough to fit in the kettle or thermos, with about 2.5 cm of space on each side.
These copper coils tend to twist very easily. To avoid this, you can block the tube at one end and fill it with salt or sugar (never use sand). Use a funnel and shake the tube while filling so that it is evenly filled
Step 4. Make your condenser
The thermos or bucket will be the condensers. Drill a hole on one side at the bottom, where the short part of the copper tube reaches and deposits the distillate. Then make a hole in the top of the lid. This is where the larger section of pipe will come out.
Step 5. Place the spiral on the condenser
Place the copper tube into the condenser, inserting the short end into the bottom hole. When the short tip appears from the outside, seal the ends of the hole with silicone or another material. Then insert the long end of the tube into the hole at the top.
- If you want to make the process of removing or replacing the cap easier, cut the tube a few inches after it comes out of the hole. Make a separate section that can cover the distance to the kettle. Connect the two with gaskets, which can be disengaged if necessary.
- Be sure to detach the tube to fill it with salt. You may also want to empty the tube and wash it before performing this step, although this can be done later with much more effort.
Step 6. Connect the tube to the pan
Attach the longer end of the tube to the kettle or pressure cooker. The tube should be inserted just far enough into the pan, without dipping into the liquid.
Step 7. Insert the thermometer into the appropriate hole
Leave it deep enough to soak in the liquid, but not to touch the bottom or sides of the pan.
Step 8. Use the distiller correctly
Fill the condenser with ice, water and rock salt. Only use electric stoves as the flames from a gas stove can cause problems. Do not heat the pan after everything has evaporated and always be aware of the pressure in the equipment to act quickly if something goes wrong. If you are distilling alcoholic beverages, never drink what comes out when the temperature is below 78°C.
Method 2 of 3: Large Solar Distiller
Step 1. Gather the materials
You will need a container for distilled water, a plastic sheet and a shovel. You might also want some plastic tubing.
Step 2. Dig a hole
Make a hole the size of the plastic sheet and deep enough so that when you push the center of the sheet down, there are several inches between the bottom of the sheet and the hole.
This is the type of distiller that will come in very handy if you have to distil your drinking water. If you get lost on a desert island, this is the best option
Step 3. Insert the container
Place it in the center of the hole and bury it a little so it doesn't tip over. Insert one end of the plastic tube into the container and leave the other end out of the hole. The objective is to keep the pipe clean and secure it so it doesn't fall into the hole.
Step 4. Add plant material
Line up plants around the hole, such as cacti, leaves or other types of plants, if available. This is not strictly necessary, but it will help your distiller to produce more water.
Step 5. Cover the hole with plastic sheet and use stone to hold the corners
Step 6. Add weight
Carefully place a stone in the center of the plastic sheet so that it descends at a 45-degree angle; the lowest point should be directly over the container in the hole, but you cannot touch it.
Step 7. Seal the ends
Cover all ends of the plastic sheet with earth or sand to prevent water vapor from escaping. Be careful not to cover the plastic tube.
Step 8. Wait to add water
Wait two or three hours for some water to collect in the plastic and go down into the container.
Step 9. Drink the water through the plastic tube
You can disassemble the retort and drink straight from the container, but you'll have to reassemble it once you're done; and during that time, all the vapor from the plastic will evaporate.
Method 3 of 3: Small Solar Distiller
Step 1. Set up a very large, deep basin
It can be plastic, aluminum or steel, but it cannot be lead. Place the bowl on a sunny surface outside.
Step 2. Place a cup or bowl in the bowl
The cup or bowl should be smaller than the ends of the bowl.
Step 3. Fill the bowl with water, but do not go over the edge of the cup or bowl
Step 4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap
Use tape or rubber to tighten and seal the film.
Step 5. Place a weight in the center of the plastic
The weight should be just above the cup and angle the plastic down. Do not let the plastic touch the cup. A good weight to use is a stone.
Step 6. Wait for water
The sun will evaporate the water in the basin, causing the steam to rise and condense on the plastic. As long as this is correctly directed, the condensation will descend into the cup.
Tips
If you are purifying water using a stove-heated still, try using glass tubes instead of copper. This makes the water purer
Notices
- Supervise the stove distiller. If you don't turn off the stove as soon as the water has completely evaporated, the pot and glass could spoil.
- Do not seal the pan too tightly as this may cause it to explode.