Modular reflux condenser kit built around Vortex water free condensers.

The VORTEX Reflux Equipment Kit lets you run a full reflux setup without a drop of cooling water. No water line, no pump, no bucket of ice, and hundreds of litres of water saved every run, without giving up speed or quality.

The kit includes two VORTEX air-cooled condenser modules, CREATE+ 2" modular components, and all the tri-clamps and gaskets to connect them. One VORTEX does the job of your condenser and the other replaces your dephlegmator.

It’s also a 2-in-1 kit. The same components can be reconfigured for water-free alembic distillation, so you can switch between reflux and pot style runs with the one set of gear. This means will not need to purchase a seperate alembic kit to use this equipment in pot mode.

How it works

Each VORTEX uses forced air instead of water to pull heat out of the vapour and liquid. Vapour and liquid travel through two internal tubes surrounded by aluminium fins. The fins soak up the heat and three built-in fans blow it away.

A single control dial on each unit sets the fan speed. Turn it up for more cooling, down for less. It’s the same idea as adjusting water flow on a traditional condenser or dephlegmator, just quicker and with nothing to plumb in.

Setting up

Assemble the CREATE+ components and VORTEX modules following the included instructions. Attach the setup to your boiler (sold separately), plug in the power and you’re ready to go.

What’s included

• 2 x VORTEX Air Cooled Condenser Module
• 2 x Universal power supply (AU/NZ, US/CA, UK, EU)
• Instruction booklet
• 500 mm straight section tube
• CREATE+ 90° thermowell elbow
• CREATE+ 90° elbow
• 2 x CREATE+ 45° elbow
• CREATE+ vented collection cup
• CREATE+ beeping alarm thermometer
• 2" sieved gasket
• 9 x 2" silicone gaskets
• 8 x 2" tri-clamps
• 100 g copper saddles
• 500 g stainless steel saddles
• Ceramic boil enhancers
• Tether system
• 1 m silicone tubing

Key features

• Connects to 2" tri-clamp distilling accessories
• Replaces a water-cooled condenser and/or dephlegmator for water-free distilling
• 304 grade stainless steel components and product tubes
• 1060 grade aluminium fins
• High-temperature, food-grade silicone

Specifications

• Dimensions: H 37 cm x W 33 cm x D 61 cm
• Weight: 10.6 kg

Mounting on a Still Spirits Boiler Lid or Alembic Dome

The Still Spirits Boiler Lid and Alembic Dome are designed for small to medium setups without heavy, off-centre attachments. They have a bit of flex but will happily support components within these limits:

• Total column and condenser height up to 1.1 m above the lid or dome
• Total column and condenser weight up to 11 kg, including up to 2 kg of off-centre weight (from a swan neck, lyne arm, or a condenser running parallel to the column) offset up to 160 mm from the main column

We recommend adding external support if:

• Your column and condenser go beyond those limits
• Your lyne arm is angled or runs out perpendicular from the column, putting a lot of weight well off-centre
• Your column and condenser are noticeably leaning

Cleaning

Dust can build up in the fan grills and fins over time. A household vacuum cleaner sorts that out easily.

To clean the inside, do a run with equal parts white vinegar and drinking water.

Handle with care

The metal fins can have sharp edges. Take care when handling, assembling, cleaning or storing the units, and don’t run your fingers along the fins.

Please note

In Australia and many other countries, distilling alcohol and owning distilling equipment is illegal without the appropriate permits or licences. For guidance, contact your relevant local authorities.