good..
top the column - > top of the reflux column.

it could go out into the atmosphere. wouldn't this defeat the purpose of the methanol recovery?

thought so..
now that you understand the roll of the reflux column..

at the top of the column there is a 'U' shaped piece. this could be made from two 90 degree elbows...
the net effect is a downward turn towards the condenser( air cooled or water cooled)
the goal to the re condense the methanol vapor back into to liquid. if the reflux column is working properly then we'll get high purity methanol only..no water in the methanol.

I think we've come back around your original question..which is more efficient? really either will work just fine..since you a source of car radiators( hopefully the fans too) I would suggest that route. I also use an air cooled condenser. it works fine.

we'll get back to the PID info after I post my diagram on another thread.

-dkenny

Hi
Very informative. I'm following along.

Brian

Cheers for the info mate.
looking forward to seeing your pictures,
Mubs

quote:

Originally posted by dkenny:
nope...none..makes the setup simpler.

just remember to plug the fan in.

Ideally you'll need to figure out a means to control the temp to the top of the column( this if the point before it makes a down turn to the condenser. this temp should be around 152-154F for the best purity..higher temps will distill faster but purity will suffer. a thermostat doesn't control the temps close enough. I use a PID and a thermal couple.


-dkenny

We use a thermostat and it works fine, we get 99% pure methanol http://www.biodieselpictures.com/viewtopic.php?t=614