Going to give this a try.

[MrKaos63]

Thank you for opening the door. Have been reading here for a couple of years.Going to try my hand with Pugirum first this week. Yeast bomb and all. I have built a keg based 2" column still with a 24" liebig condenser. The other thing I have access to is mangoes next month by the wheel barrel full. I do have an experienced stiller as an acquaintance to help with the first run thankfully.
Thanx again.
Kaos

[bilgriss]

Welcome and good luck.

I'm guessing since you've been reading for two years, you also have done the required cleaning runs in advance of your rum!

[MrKaos63]

Everything has been cleaned with citric acid first, ran 3 gal of white vinegar Saturday. Then washed with PBW. I think I did this right.

[NZChris]

The PBW is a waste of time and effort.

A sacrificial alcohol run will remove flux and machine oils better than anything else. If you drink them, you best grab a barf bowl on your way to the crapper when you feel the runs coming on.

[Still Life]

A cheap "Birdwatcher's" recipe scaled to your still makes a good sacrificial alcohol run.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5018

Welcome.

[MrKaos63]

Thanks for the heads up. NZChis and Still Life. That why I am here.

[MrKaos63]

Is a 20 liter wash large enough for a 15 gallon still?

[MrKaos63]

Might there be a minimum wash size for a sacrificial run. I will post pictures of my set up tonight.

[Still Life]

1/3 to 1/2 still capacity for a sacrificial.
Your 20-liters fits right in there for a 15-gallon still.
Doesn't take a lot. Just don't leave any heating elements exposed.
Condenser on, just like a normal run. Don't let the alcohol vapor out!
Run (after heat up and alcohol production begins) for 30 to 45 minutes minimum.
No tasting or drinking! Pour it out!

Glad you asked. Don't want you getting sick.
The sacrificial run has its own special cleaning qualities unlike anything else.

Then have fun with that Pugirum!

[MrKaos63]

Have birdwatchers and pigirum washes mixed. Hope they do well. It is in the low 90s and 70% humidity this time of year.
Now if I Cain figure out how to post pictures?

[Still Life]

800x800 pixel size is maximum photo size allowed.
Resize photo in MSPaint. Use Resize, click Pixel, change LARGER number too 800. Leave Aspect Ratio checked. Save.

Then click Upload Attachment at bottom of your post. Browse photo. Click Add the file.
Set cursor where you want photo, and click Place Inline.
----------------------------
You can find this info and more by using HD Google Search at top of page.
Open it. After the URL, leave a space and type in search term like "post photo" (without quotes).
Very powerful Search engine, HD Google is.

Resized to 800

[MrKaos63]

Pitched the yeast this morning for birdwatchers was boiling the air lock in 15 minutes.

[Still Life]

Nice still.

[MrKaos63]

Both mashes still bubbling but not as vigorously as last night.

[Still Life]

Don't get anxious! Let 'em finish!
Exciting, 'ey?

And it may be time to move your progress to a new thread before The Man shuts it down.
(We like to keep The Welcome Center thin on questions and progress.)

[MrKaos63]

It Is! How do I move the Thread? Start over? Mashes bubbling about 30 seconds now. 48 hours since pitching yeast.

[Still Life]

Oh I apologize Mr. Kaos! It is a different thread!
I just saw 'Welcome Center' and thought wrong.
Sorry!
Bubble on.