HOW TO BUILD - AND USE! - A SOLAR STILL

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The two drain holes—both 1/4 inch in diameter—can now be drilled. One is located in the center of the bottom 1-by-4; the other is in the side 1-by-4, positioned at the vee formed by the bottom and plywood back. Study the drawing to be sure of locating this hole properly. The side drain can now be inserted.

This is a good time to caulk the joints at the bottom and sides and apply several coats of sealer to the inside of the collector box . . . to make it watertight, and so that the distilled water will run out the drain tube and not seep through the bottom of the box. Allow to dry thoroughly and check for leaks.

We know that any surface receiving heat will reradiate part of that warmth. To prevent as much heat loss as possible, and also to present a smooth surface for condensation of water vapor, we'll line the inside of the box with aluminum foil. Running the foil in one piece across the plywood back and the bottom 1-by-4 will make an additional waterproof layer to help proper drainage. Notice that the foil extends into the bottom glass slot also.

A single piece of foil 24 inches wide will do the job. If you find it necessary to use narrower foil, apply the section toward the drain tube first and lap the other piece over it. Use glue, rubber cement or airplane dope to apply the covering. Start at the top, carefully unrolling the foil for a smooth job. Let its edge extend a quarter inch past the edge of the glass slot. This excess will be forced into the slot later when the glass is slid into place. Next line the inside surface of the other three 1-by-4's to complete the job.

Since some salty or otherwise undesirable water may not be evaporated before it reaches the bottom of the black towel wick, we provide a vee-shaped trough to catch this waste and prevent it from mixing with the distilled water at the bottom of the still. Made from galvanized iron, this 24-inch trough is a 90-degree angle with legs 1-1/2 inches wide. This can best be bent at the sheet metal shop.

Drill a hole in the very center of the angle, as shown in Fig. 1, to receive the center 1/4-inch copper drain tube. Put the short length of tubing in place and solder securely. To keep the waste water from spilling out the ends of the trough, curve it slightly by "crimping" its edges in several places.

Once the drain trough is completed it may be put in place by inserting the copper tube in the hole drilled for it. This should be a snug fit. Carefully punch through the aluminum foil first with a pencil, then press the trough down until it just touches the foil at the center.

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