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Experimental run on CM reflux still

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 12:58 pm
by Winger
As I mentioned on my introduction, I recently did my first run with my homemade CM still. It is a 2" copper column 40" high with 9 stainless scrubbers stuffed inside attached to a beer keg. I used city water from a garden hose attached for cooling. I did not have an alcohol-meter but I have 2 thermometers on the still one on the top sticking inside and one on the cooling outlet, just secured on the outside and insulated. My 25 L sugar wash was about 10% ABV. I heat with a natural gas burner and it took 1 hour to get any vapor. I then ran the cooling water till I was getting about 2 -3 drops per second. The top temp was 168 when I got the cooling balanced. I basically maintained a steady drip and adjusted the cooling as required though at first I dropped the flame to assist in temp control. It took nearly 5 hours to get the temp to 205F when I shut everything down. After chucking the first 50 ml I ended up with 2.5 liters. The first drippings saved were in 2 separate 1 cup portions after that I made 1 pint portions. I didn't have an alcohol-meter at the time but bought one today. Since I was going to chuck this batch I combined it all (after tasting each bottle first) tested it and got 180 proof. I would like to know if my procedure and results were reasonable or not?

Re: Experimental run on CM reflux still

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 4:17 pm
by Prairiepiss
First if this is your first alcohol run. It should be considered your sacrificial alcohol cleaning run. And shouldn't be drinking it.

9 Scrubbers isn't nearly enough for 40" of column. I use 6 to 8 in 12". So 180 proof ain't to bad. Run it a few more times and play with it you will figure out the sweet spot in running it.

Re: Experimental run on CM reflux still

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 7:32 pm
by Winger
Thanks for the input, that's the kind of feed back I need. It was an experimental run with no expectations of consumption, though I did sample. I realize I should test every cut for APV but didn't until it was all combined. Next run I'll know and be prepared.I have another 6 scrubbers but I have difficulty pushing them past the lines that go through the column, I'm sure they will squeeze in. I have a potato vodka batch ready to run this weekend.