Idea for a Pot still head

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

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skow69
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by skow69 »

Yes you can. If your solder is too thin you might not get enough, but give it a try. If you are going to feed it by hand, make a bend in your solder wire about 2" from the end. That is how much you want to use.

Did we talk about cleaning yet? Your parts need to be shiny clean. Use emery cloth, a file, or sandpaper. That will expose the raw copper for the solder to adhere to. But an oxide film starts to form immediately. The oxide film won't let the solder get to the copper. That is where the flux comes in. The flux prevents the oxide layer. Sometimes you will find you have to scratch with the tip of your solder wire to get through the oxide before the solder will stick.

Good luck, man. You'll get 'er this time for sure.
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

Solder is about 1/8 thick
Thought I cleaned pretty well. Used 400 grit sandpaper inside and out of both parts


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skow69
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by skow69 »

Sounds good. Go for it.
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

This is getting done today.
Going to clean it as I go wit a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar then make the last joint


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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

So, she aint pretty, and there are some solder overflows I need to clean up, but she is done, and she is MINE!!!!!!

13 and change rise
44 inch 3/4 total condenser length
30 inch 1" water jacket
IMG_2183.JPG
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skow69
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by skow69 »

Looking good,Tx. All ready for a test drive. Give 'er hell, man.
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

skow69 wrote:Looking good,Tx. All ready for a test drive. Give 'er hell, man.
thanks for the help and moral support...LOL
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by Mikey-moo »

TxBrewing wrote:So, she aint pretty, and there are some solder overflows I need to clean up, but she is done, and she is MINE!!!!!
One of the best feelings in the world :-)
Treat her nicely and she'll put out a good drop for you.
Good job!
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by still_stirrin »

Looks good TxB.

ICU have an "upside down" keg...you're going to use the Sanke opening for a drain. Smart. Do you have the fittings necessary to make that up, including a valve? I'd suppose a 2" TC valve is expensive, isn't it? Or, are you going to plumb it down to 1" copper?
ss

p.s. - Got plans to insulate it?
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

I do have the bottom drain already...bought as a kit from Brewhardware ( I have 3 piece valves for days because of the brewery)

And insulate what the still or the keg...I can do both if needed.

will be heated by a 5500w element, working some issues out with he SCR build in a different thread.

TXB
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by still_stirrin »

Insulate the boiler. And be sure to insulate the top and bottom dish too.

Potstill doesn't need insulation.

Reflux columns do.
ss
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by still_stirrin »

TxBrewing wrote:I do have the bottom drain already...bought as a kit from Brewhardware ( I have 3 piece valves for days because of the brewery)...
I curious about this...can you post a link?
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/sankebdrain5.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I also use his element enclosure called the hot pod


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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by still_stirrin »

Thanks TxB.

I see it's a 2" TC x 1/2" MIP adapter and elbow + pipe. All parts stainless. Good deal/price. I just hope the 1/2" ID doesn't have a tendency to plug if you have any solids or heavy matter in the boiler. Just be sure to strain your wash good before running into the boiler so the drain won't plug on you. Probably not much of a problem otherwise.

I have a 3/4" drain on mine and if I was using the 2" Sanke fitting, I probably would stay with 1"ID minimum...just to keep the drain flowing under all conditions. Even now with the 3/4", sometimes it drains slowly....but I hook a garden hose up to the fitting so the hose probably slows things down too.
ss
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

The plan is to run clean. It's a brewing thing. LOL


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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by bronctoad »

TxB your rig looks just right :thumbup:.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by jb-texshine »

Looks perfect.now fill it with water and let it blow steam for a hour or two then vinegar and water. Then sacrificial and then a lifetime of hangover free liquor will start dripping! Congratulations on a job well done.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by Mikey-moo »

jb-texshine wrote:Looks perfect.now fill it with water and let it blow steam for a hour or two then vinegar and water. Then sacrificial and then a lifetime of hangover free liquor will start dripping! Congratulations on a job well done.
Jbt
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by ShineonCrazyDiamond »

still_stirrin wrote:
Potstill doesn't need insulation.

Reflux columns do.
ss
I know your point, SS, performance would be the same. But I will say, i have insulated both my pot still columns for safety. Takes one time to lean over it and leave a mark on your neck or arm to realize some reflectix is a smart move.

Also, I would think it should still help conserve some energy. But not the main motivation.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

I read this post because well, I was supposed toooooo.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15489
Have a few questions

1. I thought water --> vinegar --> sac run was the order, the water run seems to be omitted
2. How long after the vinegar run can I wait to do the sac run?
3. 5lb of sugar in 5 gal of water good enough for the sac run?
4. if I can't do the sac run the same day, should I re-steam to make sure the vinegar does not do anything bad to the copper?

Thanks

TXB
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by jb-texshine »

1. Water vinegar sac,yes.
2.id do it the same day
3. As long as it finishes fermenting its good enough to throw away. Try sugar ,water ,yeast,and tomato paste. The yeast needs nutrients to ferment out fully.
4.rinse the hell out of it with hot water or re steam either one. If the vinegar is left for long itll cause bluegreen funk to form.
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

Thanks
Will start the fermentation tomorrow
Next weekend get her cleaned


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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

So 5.5 gallons of water
10 pounds of sugar
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice

Warming up the fermentation chamber to 75f

This will be for the sac run


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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by still_stirrin »

TxBrewing wrote:So....this will be for the sac run:
5.5 gallons of water
10 pounds of sugar
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice
I'm gettin' thirsty already. :clap:
ss
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by bronctoad »

Whoa :esurprised: SS that's his cleaning sac run, lets turn him over to the t&t topics to find a yummy flavor to cook up for sippin :roll: :wave:
BTW SS thanx for the google search fu link in your siggy box :thumbup:
TxB good job dude! betcha can't wait to run some product :ebiggrin:

have a blast (metiforicly) stay safe
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

indeed, just wanted to make sure I hit close to the right numbers...you have no idea how the beer brew geek in me is tripping on such a easy ferment...lol

I am about to order my Distillers yeast, and this week will pick up some cracked corn.
UJSSM will be the first 10 or 12 runs.

I have 2 13 gallon fermentors, will start one, then after the 1st run, will have both going at the same time.
10 gallons water
14 pounds corn
14 pounds sugar
2 tbsp yeast
per ferment

TXB
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

So this evening will be 48 hours and no visible activity in the TPW.

I did run into a snag, I sprinkled my yeast (US-05) on to the top of the wash, like I do my beer....
because it was only 5.5 gallons I was using my bottling bucket with a spigot on the bottom, and knock the spigot loos so it started leaking.
I quickly transferred to on of my 8 gallon fermenters, and waited 24 hours with no activity.
So at that point (last night) I proofed another packet of yeast (US-05) and pitched it, when I poured it into the fermentor it made a fizzing sound....
Tonight will be 48 hours, and I hope to see some activity, if not I will just make up a new wash and start again but I will use bakers yeast, while I am waiting for my DADY to get in .

TXB
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by skow69 »

The yeast fizzed when you poured it in? What is your pH? And temperature?
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

PH not sure. Can check when I get home in about 30 min

Temp 75f


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Re: Idea for a Pot still head

Post by TxBrewing »

EDIT TO ADD: Birdwatcher calculator says I need 5 TABLE SPOONS and I only used 2 TEA Spoons.......

can't find my brewing PH test strips...because I have not used them in YEARS
I have ones for my pool, but they only go down to 6.4, and I think I am much lower than that

I also started raising the temp to 80, and it is there now, but no activity.
Do you know how embarrassing this is...I have been brewing for 10 years and I can't get sugar water to ferment....

Run down:

5.5 gal water
10 pounds sugar
6 oz tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice.

I have everything i need to dump and re-make, might be what I do.
Also picked up a jar of Baker's yeast while at the store just now.

TXB
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