Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Make a Distillation Column from a Brass Pipe

A distillation column is typically a coil of tubing used as a condenser. As the hot steam flows up from, and through, the piping, it travels down the condenser. The steam cools and is converted into a liquid that is then sent to, and collected in, a separate container. To do this, you need to bend and coil a length of a brass of copper tube to use inside the condenser.

Things You'll Need

Brass or copper tubing
Propane torch
Masking tape
Metal can

Instructions

- 1
  Soften the tubing by heating it with a propane torch. Run the flame of the torch over the tubing on a heat-resistant surface until it begins to turn red in color. Turn off the torch and allow the tubing to cool. This process of heating and cooling the tubing is called annealing.
- 2
  Cover one end of the tubing with the masking tape. Pour sand down the open end of the tube by using a funnel. Cover this end of the tube with the masking tape. The masking tape will contain the sand and allow the tubing to maintain its shape when heated.
- 3
  Place the center of the tubing around a round object such as a metal can. The can will need to fit inside the condenser.
- 4
  Begin bending one side of the tubing around the metal can. Bend the other side of the tubing around the metal can. Hold the tubing with one hand while you bend it around the can with the other.
- 5
  Remove the masking tape from the ends of the tubing, then pour out the sand. Repeat this process if you need to coil another pipe.

Other Hobbies