first run on LM set-up

Many like to post about a first successful ferment (or first all grain mash), or first still built/bought or first good run of the still. Tell us about all of these great times here.
Pics are VERY welcome, we drool over pretty copper 8)

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Im gone
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Posts: 56
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:50 am

first run on LM set-up

Post by Im gone »

I haven't been posting much. Just reading, building and running. I have a sanke keg set-up with a pot still head and a LM (bokabob slant plate) tower. I ran my first real run (aside from the cleaning runs) on my LM tower. The boiler was charged with 10 gallons of ~15% ABV sugar wash and a gallon of feints from previous pot still runs.

Notes -
In the future I may extend the top of the tower and put a bigger condensor in it. The condensor seems to manage, but just barely (especially during the equilibration time).
I haven't finished the entire run but will do so tonight.
I am pulling a 93% ethanol product and it tickles me pink. I realize that it is not the 96% azeotrope, but it is pretty damn close. I feel like with a bigger condensor and by running a charge with 40% low wines, the 96% target is within reach.
This product will be transformed into absinthe and gin, when I am through. Overall I am really pleased with the performance.

Comments, suggestions? I'll post picks of the tower later.
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heartcut
Master of Distillation
Posts: 2781
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:31 am
Location: Houston, Texas

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by heartcut »

Looking forward to the pics. Nothing wrong with 93%, should do you well.
heartcut

We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know.

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Im gone
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Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:50 am

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by Im gone »

Note - I am NOT collecting ethanol in a plastic jug. This was taken during a cleaning run and that is vinegar. Also - I did not have the thermometer inserted during this cleaning run, and I just plugged the whole for the thermometer. During the actual run there is a thermometer inserted between the plates.
LM_tower_post_2.jpg
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WV Shine
Swill Maker
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2011 3:08 pm
Location: Rockies

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by WV Shine »

Ha, the fact that you knew to preempt a flame-fest by pointing out the jug proves you've done your fair share of reading on this site :lol:

Looks like it oughta work great for ya, good luck! :thumbup:
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JollyMon
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Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:22 pm

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by JollyMon »

Looks good. Keep that baby fired up and you will making the good stuff in no time. :clap:
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Im gone
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Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:50 am

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by Im gone »

after cuts - 2484 ml of ~92 % ethanol
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WV Shine
Swill Maker
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2011 3:08 pm
Location: Rockies

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by WV Shine »

Not a bad run ;) Feels pretty good eh? :thumbup:
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rgarry
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Location: Paradise

Re: first run on LM set-up

Post by rgarry »

Don't be hung up on getting 96% ABV unless you are in a contest to get the strongest ABV :D The goal is to get a good quality product that you and your family enjoy drinking. Sometimes my product comes off stronger than others, sometimes I finish a run quicker than other times, however, I enjoy drinking everything that comes off.
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