HAMILTON

LABORATORY
GLASS
LIMITED

WATER STILL INSTRUCTIONS

Unit A1 Continental Approach, Westwood Industrial Estate,

Margate, Kent CT9 4JG
Telephone: 01843 232633
Facsimile: 01843 232644
E-mail: sales@hamiltonlabglass.com
 PLEASE READ VERY IMPORTANT

On our 8 litre versions of our water still they have had an electrical
revamp,

1. When fitting the silica heaters you can lay the panel on its side
giving you an improved access to the terminals.

2. The terminal blocks which have orange levers are very easy to use
and they are just a push down action which will open the clamp,
when you release the lever it closes.

3. The big grey terminal blocks are very easy to use and very secure;
we have supplied a diagram which is attached to show you how to
use them.

4. 'The heater terminals have been renamed and these have been
high lighted on the diagram provided which is attached. Please
refer to this rather than the book.

All of the above is mainly for the silica versions of our waterstill, as the
metal heater versions the heaters are already fitted for you.

1
Diagram of new Connector

The new connector is very easy to use, where it says screw driver insert please use a
slot headed 2.5 X 75 screw driver which will fit perfectly. When done so lever the
screw driver upwards and this will open the clamp inside, holding the screw driver
there please insert the wire as labeled on the diagram above. When done so pull
screw driver out creating a tight fitrnent

2
Dear Customer

Thank you for buying Hamilton water still. We suggest you record the model number
and serial number for future reference. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. At no time
should the heaters be turned on until covered with water unless stated to do so.

Contents
Page No.
Fitment of Heaters 4
Internal Piping for all 4 & 8 litre Models 5
External Piping for all Stills 5
Internal Piping for Double Distilled Models 6

Getting Started
WSC/4 - WSC/4S 7
WSC/8 - WSC/8S 8
AWC/4 - AWC/4S 9
AWC/8 - AWC/AS 10
AWC/4D 11
WSC/4D 12
WSB/4 13
WSE/4S 14
Diagrams for WSB/4 and WSE/4S 15
RS/25 Fitting Instructions 16 - 18
WSS/4 - WSS/8 19
Deionisers 20
Troubleshooting 21
Spares List 24
Recommended cleaning instructions back page

Diagrams
Heaters 4
Horizontal Condensers 5-6
WSE/4S - WSB/4 15
8 Litre Model Circuit Board 22
4 Litre Model Circuit Board 23

3
Metal heaters
Please note, if you have ordered a WSC/4, WSC/8, AWC/4 OR AWC/8 the metal
heaters have already been fitted for you

Silica Heaters you should have

WSC/4S , AWC/4S
1 UNIT = 2 x 1.5
WSC/8S, AWC/8S
UNIT 1 = 2 x 1.5 UNIT 2 = 2 x 1.5
WSC/4D, AWC/4D
UNIT 1 = 2 x 1.5 UNIT 2 = 1 X 1.5 / 1 X 1.25

Fitting the Silica heaters

1. Remove the electrical panel from the cabinet by releasing the two screws
on the top side of the cabinet.
2. Place the silica heaters into the boiling chambers matching up the
corresponding numbers on the cabinet and the heating elements,
Tighten screw caps to secure heaters.
3. Refer to electrical diagram and connect electrical cable to the relevant
connections N (blue) and L (brown) matching the corresponding numbers.
Replace electrical panel and secure.

Diagram for heaters

VERY IMPORTANT

ON NO ACCOUNT SWITCH ON THE STILL BEFORE THE WATER HAS COVERED THE HEATER

Assembly - Silica Heater Assembly - Metal Heater

Bend insert to
a circular shape

SCREW CAP

BOLTS

BOILER METAL FLEXIBLE PTFE HEATER

WASHER HEATER FLANGE INSERT GASKET
BOILER

4
INTERNAL PIPING 8 LITRES Standard and Aquamatic
Hint: Pipe all of unit 1 before unit 2
(Except deioniser stills)
Metal and Silica
Please look at diagram below
Unit 1 Condenser
1. Supply to nozzle 1
2. Float switch to nozzle 2
3. Output to nozzle 3

Unit 2 Condenser
1. Supply to nozzle 1
2. Float switch to nozzle 2
3. Output to nozzle 3

INTERNAL PIPING 4 LITRES Standard and Aquamatic

Metal and Silica
Please look at diagram below
Condenser
1. Supply to nozzle 1
2. Float switch to nozzle 2
3. Output to nozzle 3

1 2

Horizontal condenser
EXTERNAL PIPING for all stills (Except deioniser stills)
 Connect the water supply marked (SUPPLY). The connections from the
mains must be secure.
 Connect hose from OUTLET to Reservoir.
 Connect hose from WASTE to external Drainage area

5
Double distilled models ie AWC/4D AND WSC/4D
Please refer to diagram of horizontal condenser
Hint: Pipe all of unit 1 before unit 2
UNIT 1

1. Supply to nozzle 1
2. Float switch to nozzle 2
3. Pipe attached to condenser to be placed inside constant level on boiling
chamber 2

UNIT 2

1. Supply to nozzle 1
2. Float switch to nozzle 2
3. Output to nozzle 3

1 2

Horizontal condenser

6
WSC/4, WSC/4s
Getting Started

Please refer to INTERNAL PIPING AND EXTERNAL PIPING BEFORE THE FOLLOWING
At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until the heating element is
completely covered by water.

Please note that the heaters have already been fitted for you on model WSC/4, For
the WSC/4S please refer to fitting instructions for silica heaters.

 Turn the water supply gently, which will circulate through the Condenser into
the float switch, then into the boiling chamber, allowing the water to cover
the heaters.
 When the heaters are covered switch on the unit.
 When the unit is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to
give minimum waste and maximum output by controlling the water supply in
the float switch to the red line.
 The unique flow control unit allows the water supply to be set visually at the
correct volume input. This reduces to the minimum amount of water going to
waste, at the same time giving the best setting for the maximum output of
distillation.
 There is a sensor inside the unit this will automatically switch off the unit if
overheating reaches a critical point.

7
WSC/8 , WSC/8s
Getting Started

Please refer to INTERNAL PIPING AND EXTERNAL PIPING BEFORE THE FOLLOWING

At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until the heating element is
completely covered by water.

Please note that the heaters have already been fitted for you on model WSC/8, For
the WSC/8S please refer to fitting instructions for silica heaters.

 Turn the water supply on gently, which will circulate through the Condensers
into the float switch, then into the boiling chambers, allowing the water to
cover the heaters.
 When the heaters are covered switch on the unit then Unit 1 and Unit 2.
 When the unit is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to
give minimum waste and maximum output by controlling the water supply in
the float switch to the red line.
 The unique flow control unit allows the water supply to be set visually at the
correct volume input. This reduces to the minimum amount of water going to
waste, at the same time giving the best setting for the maximum output of
distillation.
 There are two sensors, one for each unit; these will automatically switch off
the unit if overheating reaches a critical point.

8
AWC/4, AWC/4S
Getting started

Please refer to INTERNAL PIPING AND EXTERNAL PIPING BEFORE THE FOLLOWING

At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until stated

Please note that the heaters have already been fitted for you on model AWC/4, For
the AWC/4S please refer to fitting instructions for silica heaters.

 Turn on water supply slowly. Switch on the mains and turn on the Boiling
fill/cleanse button, which will circulate through the Condenser into the float
switch, then into the boiling chamber, allowing the water to cover the
heaters.
 When the heaters are covered switch on the unit
 When the unit is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to
give minimum waste and maximum output by controlling the water supply in
the float switch to the red line.
 The unique flow control unit allows the water supply to be set visually at the
correct volume input. This reduces to the minimum amount of water going to
waste, at the same time giving the best setting for the maximum output of
distillation.
 There is a sensor inside the unit this will automatically switch off the unit if
overheating reaches a critical point.
 The RES full light will come on when the required level of distillate is reached;
this will shut off the electrics to the heaters. To restart turn off and wait 5
Seconds and turn back on.
 Connect a hose to nozzle marked PS to the reservoir. This will automatically
shut off the electrics to the heaters when the required level of distillate is
reached.

9
AWC/8, AWC/8S
Getting started

Please refer to INTERNAL PIPING AND EXTERNAL PIPING BEFORE THE FOLLOWING

At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until stated

Please note that the heaters have already been fitted for you on model AWC/8, For
the AWC/8S please refer to fitting instructions for silica heaters.

 Turn on water supply slowly. Switch on the mains and turn on the Boiling
fill/cleanse button, which will circulate through the Condensers into the float
switch, then into the boiling chambers, allowing the water to cover the
heaters.
 When the heaters are covered switch on the unit then Unit 1 and Unit 2.
 When the unit is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to
give minimum waste and maximum output by controlling the water supply in
the float switch to the red line.
 The unique flow control unit allows the water supply to be set visually at the
correct volume input. This reduces to the minimum amount of water going to
waste, at the same time giving the best setting for the maximum output of
distillation.
 (AWC/8S ONLY) There are two sensors, one for each unit; these will
automatically switch off the unit if overheating reaches a critical point.
 The RES full light will come on when the required level of distillate is reached;
this will shut off the electrics to the heaters. To restart turn off and wait 5
Seconds and turn back on.
 Connect a hose to nozzle marked PS to the reservoir. This will automatically
shut off the electrics to the heaters when the required level of distillate is
reached.

10
AWC/4D
Getting started

Please refer to INTERNAL PIPING AND EXTERNAL PIPING BEFORE THE FOLLOWING

At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until stated

For the AWC/4D please refer to fitting instructions for silica heaters.

 Turn on water supply slowly. Switch on the mains and turn on the Boiling
fill/cleanse button. , which will circulate through Unit 1's Condenser into the
float switch, then into the boiling chamber, allowing the water to cover the
heaters.
 When the heaters are covered switch on Unit 1, Not Unit 2.
 When Unit 2 has filled with the distilled water from Unit 1 and has covered the
heaters then you may turn on Unit 2's heaters
 When the unit is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to
give minimum waste and maximum output by controlling the water supply in
the float switch to the red line.
 The unique flow control unit allows the water supply to be set visually at the
correct volume input. This reduces to the minimum amount of water going to
waste, at the same time giving the best setting for the maximum output of
distillation.
 There are two sensors, one for each unit; these will automatically switch off
the unit if overheating reaches a critical point.
 The RES full light will come on when the required level of distillate is reached;
this will shut off the electrics to the heaters. To restart turn off and wait 5
Seconds and turn back on.
 Connect a hose to nozzle marked PS to the reservoir. This will automatically
shut off the electrics to the heaters when the required level of distillate is
reached.

11
WSC/4D
Getting started

Please refer to INTERNAL PIPING AND EXTERNAL PIPING BEFORE THE FOLLOWING

At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until the heating element is
completely covered by water.

For the WSC/4D please refer to fitting instructions for silica heaters.

 Turn on water supply slowly, which will circulate through Unit 1's Condenser
into the float switch, then into the boiling chamber, allowing the water to
cover the heaters.
 When the heaters are covered switch on the unit and turn on Unit 1, Not Unit
2.
 When Unit 2 has filled with the distilled water from Unit 1 and has covered the
heaters then you may turn on Unit 2's heaters
 When the unit is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to
give minimum waste and maximum output by controlling the water supply in
the float switch to the red line.
 The unique flow control unit allows the water supply to be set visually at the
correct volume input. This reduces to the minimum amount of water going to
waste, at the same time giving the best setting for the maximum output of
distillation.

12
WSB/4

At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until the heating Element is
completely covered.

Please refer to diagram below to follow the instructions.

Getting started

 Place Part 1 to Part 2

Carefully place the condenser on top of the boiling chamber.
 Fit part 3 to part 2 by unscrewing the cap and fitting to the constant level to
the boiling chamber.
 Connect the water supply to the bottom of the condenser and from the top
of the condenser to the constant level
 Connect plastic tube to the constant level device on the boiling chamber
and run to drain
 Connect plastic tube to distillate outlet at the bottom of the condenser and
into reservoir
 Turn water supply on gently which will circulate through the condenser and
into the boiling chamber, allowing the water to cover the heater.
 Turn on power supply when the heater is fully covered by the water.
 When the still is running it will be necessary to adjust the water supply to give
minimum waste and maximum output.

See Diagram on page 15

13
WSE/4S
At no time should the electricity supply be turned on until the heating Element is
completely covered.

Please refer to diagram below to follow the instructions.

Getting started

 Place part 1 to part 2 by carefully placing the condenser on top of the boiling
chamber.
 Fit part 3 to part 2 by unscrewing the cap and fitting to the constant level to
the boiling chamber.
 Connect the water supply to the bottom of the condenser and from the top
of the condenser to the constant level
 Connect plastic tube to the constant level device on the boiling chamber
and run to drain
 Connect plastic tube to distillate outlet at the bottom of the condenser and
into reservoir
 Place part 5 to part 2 by unscrewing the caps and fitting the silica heaters
into the boiling chamber and plug into the cabinet.
 Put together Part 4 by unscrewing the cap and fitting the sensor holder to the
boiling chamber and threading the sensor into the holder. This will
automatically switch off the unit if overheating reaches a critical point.
 Connect a hose to nozzle marked PS to the reservoir. This will automatically
shut off the electrics to the heaters when the required level of distillate is
reached.
 Turn water supply on gently which will circulate through the condenser and
into the boiling chamber, allowing the water to cover the heater with a
minimum amount of water to waste.
 The RES full light will come on when the required level of distillate is reached;
this will shut off the electrics to the heaters. To restart turn off and wait 5
Seconds and turn back on.
 When the still is running it may be necessary to adjust the water supply to give
minimum waste and maximum output.

Diagram of finished still on page 15

14
 WSE/4S

CONDENSER PART 1

CONSTANT LEVEL PART 3

WATER SUPPLY

OUTPUT
BOILING CHAMBER PART 2

SENSOR HOLDER PART 4

WASTE

SILICA HEATERS PART 5

WSB/4
CONDENSER PART 1

CONSTANT LEVEL PART 3 WATER SUPPLY

OUTPUT

BOILING CHAMBER PART 2

WASTE

15
RS/25

If you have purchased a still with a reservoir already fitted please do not read the
following as it does not apply to you, your cabinet has already be fitted and tested,
all you have to do pipe the still according to the piping instructions i.e. WSC/4D

FITTING INSTRUCTIONS RS/25

These instructions apply to both 4 litre and 8 litre versions

When unwrapping the reservoir you will notice a bag of parts, in this bag you will
find the following,

 6 x bolts with nuts and washers

 4 x rubber feet
 2 x red connectors
 4 x cable ties
 1x tubing (1 foot)

Keep these safe as you will later need them.

First things first is to take the boilers and condensers out of the cabinet so the
cabinet is completely empty, Please leave all the piping and float switch as this will
not cause a problem and leave the electrical panel on for now. If the heaters have
been fitted please take them out and put to one side. In each corner of the still you
will notice a hole and also in the middle a long the edge.

These will line up with the holes on the reservoir. (please refer to diagram on page
16).

16
 Thread hole

bolt holes

Top of reservoir

Place the still on top of the reservoir and line up the two front holes as these are the
only ones you can see.

front holes

17
Turn the reservoir around so you are looking at the back. Undo the panel on the
reservoir by unscrewing the 4 screws.

Inside you see the tank with a polystyrene lid. Underneath the tank you will see two
fitments please undo these and remove the tank, Remove the lid after the tank has
come out as it is easier. I n the process of removing the tank you will see the float
switch is attached, just unplug it, and leave to one side.

Now with the reservoir empty you can now attach the still with four bolts leaving two
left.

When this is done undo the electrical panel by removing the 2 screws.

When looking, in the corners you will see two more holes and these are for your last
two bolts, Please do not use the thread hole.

The plug and wire you have just seen with the female connector please pull through
the thread hole with the plug inside the reservoir and place the cable tie round it so
that it does not fall through. Use the red connectors on the end of the wire for an
easy and safe connection.

Please refer to Circuit board diagram.

The pressure switch, please disconnect and place the connectors you have just
made on these terminals. Your pressure switch does not work now, remove if you
wish to.

With the female plug please connect to the plug on tank.

To test that it works place the panel back onto the cabinet and plug in the mains
leads, Please ensure the heaters are not attached. Turn the cabinet on and turn
both units on, take the float inside the cabinet and turn upside down so the heater
lights come on. Pull the float switch up inside the tank and the reservoir light will
come on knocking the heaters out. To reset turn all off and start again.

After the test you have to put everything back.

Put the polystyrene lid in first with the pipe threaded through the top, then the tank
will slide in underneath, reattach the connections underneath the tank, Make sure
that they are secure and they also have the black washers inside.

Place the panel back with the 4 screws.

Turn back round and place the boilers, heaters and condensers back into the
cabinet.

One more thing before you start you will notice you have a piece of tubing hanging
from the reservoir this is to be connected to the output nozzle on the cabinet.

18
WSS/4 - WSS/8

What you should have

1. METAL STAND for free standing or wall mounting, complete with

BOILING FLASK fitted with HEATER
2. CONDENSER, coil type
3. SYPHON TUBE
4. CONSTANT LEVEL

Please refer to diagram

 Taking the condenser, fit into the neck of the boiling chamber so that the
rubber rings on the condenser form a steam-tight seal between the two parts.
 Place the syphon tube into the 28mm cap on the top side of the boiIing
chamber.
 Place the constant level into the 28mm cap on the side of the boiling
chamber
 Connect water mains (by means of rubber or plastic tubing) on to the plastic
nozzle at the base of the condenser ( Nozzle 2 ), which is connected to the
coil inside.
 Nozzle 1already has tubing fitted this is to be placed inside the constant level
 You will find another plastic nozzle at the base of the condenser ( Nozzle 3 ).
This is where the distillate comes out when the Still is in operation.
 Connect the rubber or plastic tubing to this nozzle and into a container (e.g.
Reagent bottle). The nozzle outlet on the constant level device is to waste, so
link with a tube to the sink or drain.

2
3

Condenser for WSS/4 and WSS/8

19
DEIONISERS
Piping internally
Please refer to diagram of the cabinet and the condenser.
The Numbers correspond with the holes shown on the diagram
1. Deioniser supply ( connected to the float switch)
2. Waste to nozzle 2 on Unit 1 condenser
3. Output to nozzle 3 on both condensers
(WSC/4D or AWC/4D nozzle 3 on Unit 2's condenser only)
4. PS is the pressure switch.
5. Main water supply to nozzle 1 on both condensers
6. Waste to nozzle 2 on Unit 2's condenser
7. Drain from Unit 1's boiler
8. Waste from Unit 1's boiler
9. Drain from Unit 2's boiler
10. Drain from Unit 2's boiler

EXTERNAL PIPING for all stills

The Numbers correspond with the holes shown on the cabinet diagram Hole No.
1. Connect the water supply from deioniser marked (DEIONISER SUPPLY).
The connections from the mains must be secure.
3. Connect hose from OUTLET to Reservoir.
Connect hose from all WASTE to external Drainage area (holes 2,6,8,and 10)
4. Connect a hose to nozzle marked PS to the reservoir
5. Connect tubing to your main water supply and this is not going through the
deioniser
Holes 7 and 9 are drainage holes, connect hose and run to drain when you want to
empty the boiling chamber
5 6

1 2
1

4 3

7 8 9 10

The cabinet CONDENSER (nozzle 1, 2 and 3)

The deionisers come with separate instructions which are in the box which they are
supplied in, they are very simple to use and the instructions are very straight forward.

20
 Trouble Shooting

1. If boiler is not filling up please check.

i) Water Supply
ii)Is the Drainage tap closed
iii) Are all the seals on boiler tight with cap & washer
iv) Is their any cracks or breakage in the glass.

2. If a lot of steam is being produced ensure the heating element is

covered with water. Increase flow of water supply. Control of the
cooling water will effect volume of distillate. More cooling water does
not always produce more distillate.

3. In the event that the sensor cuts the still off, for whatever reason,
being a bi-metal sensor needs time to reset, so a delay in switching
the still off and back on again to re-start distillate production should
be observed. These sensors will only operate in the event of a boil dry
situation. Normal water failure would bring into operation the float
switch, therefore the sensor would only come into operation in the
event of boiler breakage and loss of water.

4. If the still is completely dead with no mains supply, check the fuses in
the plug, also Panel fuse and Circuit board fuses.

5. If main supply is working and float switch is not working it is either 4

things:

1) The Float switch

2) Solenoid valve (Aquamatic)
3) Pressure switch (Aquamatic)
4) Fuses on Circuit board and also check Fuses on Panel face.

21
 SPARES AVAILABLE
UPRIGHT STILLS
WSS/48 4 Ltr ROUND BOILER
WSS/88 8 Ltr ROUND BOILER
WSS/4S STAND FOR WSS/4 & WAS/8
WSS/4C CONDENSER 4 Ltr
WSS/8C CONDENSER 8 Ltr
48C 3 Kw HEATER FOR 4 Ltr & 8 Ltr

CIRCUIT BOARDS
CB4 For WSC/4 Water Still
CB8 For WSC/8 Water Still
CB44 For AWC/4 Water Still
CB88 For AWC/8 Water Still
CB4S For WSC/4S Water Still
CB8S For WSC/8S Water Still
CB44S For AWC/4S Water Still
CB88S For AWC/8S Water Still
CBES For WSE/4S Water Still

WATER STILL
4BS BOILER FOR SILICA HEATER
4BC BOILER FOR METAL HEATER
4ST SCREWCAP FOR SILICA HEATER
4WW WASHER FOR SILICA HEATER
4TT SENSOR HOLDER
4CC CONDENSER
4CL CONSTANT LEVEL FOR ALL BOILERS
W42C SCREWCAP FOR CONDENSER
WPC PERSPEX COVER
4PS PLAIN SYPHON TUBE
4GW CLAMP INSERT & P.T.F.E. WASHER FOR METAL HEATERS
WT3 SET OF PLASTIC CAPS, NOZZLES & WASHERS (8 Ltr)
WT1 SET OF PLASTIC TUBING CAPS, NOZZLES & WASHERS (4Ltr)
4C18 SET OF CAPS & NOZZLES FOR CONDENSER
WT2 10 METRES TUBING FOR MAINS WATER & WASTE

ELECTRICAL
WJP PANEL SOCKET & PLUG (Pair)
WAG INDICATORS (AMBER & GREEN)
WFH PANEL FUSE HOLDER
WS ROCKER SWITCH
WCG CABLE GLANDS
WER RELAY
WET TRANSFORMER
WERC RECTIFIER
WCB TERMINAL BLOCKS
WF 13 AMP FUSE (Pack of 5)
WSP AIR PRESSURE SWITCH (AQUA-MATIC)
WRS REED SWITCH FOR RESERVOIR
WPR PLUGS (PAIR) FOR RESERVOIR CONNECTION
4HC METAL HEATER
4SC SILICA HEATERS 1.5 Kw
4SC2 SILICA HEATERS 1.25 Kw
GLSC GLASS COVER FOR SILICA HEATER
4TS SENSOR
4FS FLOAT SWITCH WITH GLASSWARE
4SV SOLANOID VALVE
4WAR RESERVOIR FULL INDICATOR
4FW 200 M/AMP FUSE FOR TRANSFORMER
4PL 13 AMP PLUG & LEAD
4P6 FEMALE SOCKET 6-WAY AQUAMATICS
4P7 MALE PLUG 6-WAY AQUAMATICS

24
 Recommended Cleaning Instructions for
Hamilton Water Stills

Always clean on a regular basis depending on the quality of mains

water where the still is situated.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE BUILD UP OF SEDIMENTS IS TOO GREAT AS

THIS COULD MEAN DISMANTLING THE STILL.

If cleaning is done on a regular basis it becomes a very simple exercise.

We do not recommend the use of acids because of damage to
heating elements. We recommend domestic Kettle descaler, whatever
brand is available locally to each customer. The customer should follow
the manufacturers instructions as near as possible.

Anyone using distilled water should be aware of the need to keep the
water still clean and act sooner rather than later. Later can mean
contaminated distillate and breakage to glassware through high build
up of solids in the boiling chamber.

To apply the cleaner to our range of water stills can be done through
the constant level, or the censer inlet or in the case of vertical
condensers, the condenser can be removed. Drainage and flushing
can be done through the plastic drain stopcock.

Note: Ensure that the drain stopcock is closed again before resuming
distillate production.