Help with 55 gal drum evaporator

[Rudder]

Hi- I recently purchased a 55 gal drum evaporator and need some suggestions on insulation. Approx. how much blanket do I need? Approx. how much fire brick?
Thanks

[TimJ]

area of the barrel tube: (Pi * diameter * height) plus the two ends (2 * (Pi * r^2))

That is the max you will need - of course you will need less due to cutting the door and the top for the pan.

[Rudder]

Smart a$$:lol:

[TimJ]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be a smart *** - I don't have a barrel in front of me to measure - but that is your starting point. I have not seen too many people putting the blankets in the barrels - but it would help (at the loss of volume for firebox)