Thanks for all the replies GW! I have a few final questions for you, if you don't mind. I really appreciate it!
What is the wall thickness/gauge of your stainless tube/pipe? Also, is it tube or pipe? Could tell me exactly what specific tube/pipe I need to look for? I found the flanges on scamazon.
What length heat cable do you recommend? I was thinking 9ft, but again, am open to your expertise.
Why are there in-line valves on almost every hose? Are they necessary?
How many holes needed to be drilled in the lid of the paint pot, to weld nipples/fittings?
From your pictures, I don't understand/see where the hose from the top of the column is, that goes to the paint pot. If I do, then how is the gauge hooked up? Could you please clarify? Also, what type of gauge is that. I am having trouble finding one with negative pressure.
Sorry for so many questions, but I'd rather be safe than sorry...in the pocket and in health ;) THANKS AGAIN!
P.S. I got this pricing for the columns with flanges already welded, but it seems too expensive.
1-1/2 sch 10 x 48" 304 SS W/ 300# SLIP ON FLANGE WELDED TO EACH END $300.00
1-1/2 sch 10 x 36" 304 SS SAME AS ABOVE $250.00
1-1/2 sch 10 x 24" 304 SS SAME AS ABOVE $235.00
1-1/2 sch 10 x 12' 304 SS SAME AS ABOVE $225.00
ADDITIONAL FLANGES WOULD BE $50.00 EACH
GASKET AND BOLT SETS WOULD BE $50.00 EACH
ANY ADDITIONAL FABRICATION WOULD EXTRA $$$$
I used Schedule 10 304SS pipe, because I already had eight and a half feet of it. Paramount Plumbing Supply quoted it at $6.20 per foot in 20 foot lengths.
Schedule 5 would be adequate but is harder to get locally and there is little price difference. The pot is the weak link in the system at a rating of only 80 psi and I have never seen more than about 30 psi on it.
I used ANSI 150# 316SS flanges. The slip on flanges were about $26 ea and the blank flanges about $21 ea at Paramount Plumbing Supply.
I used a 50' cable ($100) but have since found that simply setting the pot on a surface plate works even better. My next generation design will have a built in heating element under the pot.
There are two inline valves that make things easier. The one in the vapor return line to the storage tank, so as to be able to more easily bleed off non compressible gases occasionally, and in the vacuum pump line, which doubles as a can tapper line for loading butane out of 300ml cans instead of a bulk container.
In this design, there are three holes in the lid. In my new design, there are five and the Christmas tree of valves is eliminated on one of the ports.
There is a 1/4" stainless Swage Loc tube running from the top of the column, down to the collection pot at the bottom. The hose you see attached to the gauge, is attached at the Christmas tree on the pot lid.
I got my gauge at a local refrigeration supply shop, where they are standard equipment for handling refrigerants.
Your fabricated prices does sound expensive. Does that include the o-ring machining in two of the flanges?
I am looking at replacing the lower flange with an O-ring stainless union, which costs $132 each and would be faster, while still having a 3,000 psi rating.