Search found 372 matches

by linw
Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:27 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Linear Flavor Theory and Reflux
Replies: 100
Views: 7203

Re: Linear Flavor Theory and Reflux

There is only a linear smear of alcohols because your still, or its management, is not separating the different alcohols by volatility. A fractionating column, run properly, will certainly separate heads, hearts and tails. My still runs for hours at exactly the same temp producing pure flavourless '...
by linw
Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:54 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Ideas for inserting packing
Replies: 6
Views: 956

Re: Ideas for inserting packing

Good contribution WM - thanks.

Yea, it did feel a bit tacky :mrgreen: It also could have been like loading an old cannon!

Lindsay.
by linw
Mon Jun 06, 2011 3:45 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Ideas for inserting packing
Replies: 6
Views: 956

Re: Ideas for inserting packing

Thanks for reply, Bushman. I had another think and have come up with what seems like a simple solution. I used a piece of PVC tubing that fitted the inside diameter of my column and attached a wire to one end. Then I stuffed a scrubber in the top end, shoved a broom handle up the tube and pushed the...
by linw
Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:46 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Ideas for inserting packing
Replies: 6
Views: 956

Ideas for inserting packing

About 5 years ago I did the original pack with copper mesh from Amphora but I am now ready to re-pack my 1.1 metre one piece 2" VM column with SS scrubbers. I must have just rammed the wads up last time but I am wondering if someone has a good scheme for getting the scrubbers inserted without s...
by linw
Fri Jun 03, 2011 3:26 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Copper Mesh source
Replies: 4
Views: 717

Re: Copper Mesh source

Thanks, Kentucky, but I live a long way from you - like New Zealand. Appreciate your offer, though.
by linw
Fri Jun 03, 2011 3:12 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Copper Mesh source
Replies: 4
Views: 717

Re: Copper Mesh source

Thanks for the reply, myles. You are echoing my thoughts, now, I must say. My boiler and column are SS. I originally used Amphora copper mesh several years ago and, due to neglect, it is in a pretty sorry state, especially in the lower end. Now I know why the still doesn't perform like it used to! I...
by linw
Thu Jun 02, 2011 9:46 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Copper Mesh source
Replies: 4
Views: 717

Copper Mesh source

Does anyone know whether this stuff is good for packing? Looks similar to the Amphora mesh. http://cgi.ebay.com/Stuf-Fit-Rat-Mouse-Bat-Control-Copper-Mesh-20-ft-Roll-/110467792640?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19b864bf00" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="n...
by linw
Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:58 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Reflux Column Extension
Replies: 16
Views: 6309

An addition. If you need to kill power, you can put your through tubes at the base of the column. This will control the power without upsetting the reflux action going on in the column.
by linw
Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:48 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Reflux Column Extension
Replies: 16
Views: 6309

Believe Rectifier. If you don't understand how distillation works you will continually waste your own time and that of others you try to advise.
by linw
Mon Mar 06, 2006 5:37 pm
Forum: Flavoring and Aging
Topic: Essensce
Replies: 15
Views: 5906

A good standard strength for many of us is 40%. A store bought gin is about 47%. It's your grog so you decide.

As for the carbon, Grayson has it about right! You will take from that that there is no critical recipe to follow. How about half a cup (or so!) per litre?
by linw
Mon Mar 06, 2006 5:29 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Reflux Column Extension
Replies: 16
Views: 6309

I have been down this path so here are a couple of ideas. I used a 1 metre column packed with structured copper. I also separated the water flow so I could independently control the flow to the cooling jacket and the product condenser. I also packed the SS head 'column' with mesh. For controllable r...
by linw
Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:41 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Stirring the wort
Replies: 5
Views: 2924

You don't say what sort of wash. A sugar wash doesn't need stirring. At least, mine doesn't.
by linw
Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:09 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: New still in the making
Replies: 46
Views: 18087

Look forward to hearing how it goes. The steam test will help clean it out but don't get worried about how the steam test goes as an alcohol charge behaves very differently.

Good luck.
by linw
Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:42 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: New still in the making
Replies: 46
Views: 18087

These photos of my VM still may be useful.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/linw99200 ... ?.dir=81ab" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
by linw
Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:36 am
Forum: Materials Safety
Topic: what can be used as column packing?
Replies: 46
Views: 19246

Personally, I can't see any point listing all the things you shouldn't use as it would be a VERY long list! My question would be why not use the best as it is available and quite inexpensive? Incidentally, you have omitted the best which is structured copper mesh. The next best would be the scrubber...
by linw
Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:28 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: What am I doing wrong?
Replies: 22
Views: 7210

Just one thing ... The Starting Temperature. I use Still Spirits yeast, and pitch the yeast at approx 24 - 26 deg C. I think the safe starting temperature for the SS yeast is between 20 - 28 degrees C. After starting the yeast, it will ferment at higer temperatures. I'm not familiar with your yeast...
by linw
Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:49 pm
Forum: Yeasts, Enzymes, Fungi, Nutrients
Topic: still Spirits Yeast
Replies: 9
Views: 3056

Always used SS Turbos. No complaints. Haven't used anything else so can't offer comparisons. (Suspect I wouldn't be able to tell the diff, anyway!).
by linw
Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:02 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Reflux Still Animation Update
Replies: 20
Views: 42766

Tec, you are right.
by linw
Mon Feb 27, 2006 2:17 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: how accurately measure the reflux ratio?
Replies: 12
Views: 4375

Sure takes a lot of words to explain!! Why does anyone need to know, anyway? What's wrong with having just enough reflux to keep the temp stable?

How about a rule of thumb?
Very little output = lots of reflux.
Lots of output = little reflux.

(Stands by for flak :twisted: )
by linw
Mon Feb 27, 2006 2:04 am
Forum: Still Related Hardware
Topic: Designing a small VM still... questions
Replies: 3
Views: 1473

Sounds pretty much right. One of the purposes of the washer is to ensure that the distillate gets redirected into the centre of the packing. This is critical. Certainly the output slows as the percentage lowers but if you want to keep all tails out you must watch the temp and switch bottles quick! A...
by linw
Mon Feb 27, 2006 1:45 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Reflux Still Animation Update
Replies: 20
Views: 42766

Thats awesome Decoy man. That just explains it all w/o reading. A total package to explain the thermodynamics of a reflux still. I'm excited to see any other designs you can animate! --------------------------------------------------------------- DAMN IKKITOUSEN!!! The picture is good as far as it ...
by linw
Mon Feb 27, 2006 1:38 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: First run
Replies: 12
Views: 4379

Well done, Chub. Are you keeping good run records? This helps you improve as you go along. As KH says, be very careful with the 94% stuff. Religiously label all jars. If I have any at 95% I make sure it is on a completely different shelf. I never mix final product from that shelf, either. Onwards an...
by linw
Mon Feb 27, 2006 1:28 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: New still in the making
Replies: 46
Views: 18087

The one thing that I would like to know is, Where would be the best place to put a thermometer in a VM design. LINW, maybe you can answer this for me. ~pot No problem. Mine is at the start of the take-off tube. I have a nipple into the side of the column and it has a brass tee screwed onto it with ...
by linw
Sun Feb 26, 2006 2:35 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: New still in the making
Replies: 46
Views: 18087

You are building a vapour managed (VM) system which is a good choice. Your reflux condenser HAS to condense ALL vapour so you have the take-off valve in about the right place. And, yes, the vapour will flow out that outlet. I also have a copper 'washer' with 4 points angling down to get reflux into ...
by linw
Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:10 pm
Forum: Still Related Hardware
Topic: Rubber o-ring in needle valve
Replies: 6
Views: 2088

What's your problem with small neoprene o-rings? It is recommended for use with ethanol and neoprene is widely recommended for protective gloves in an ethanol environment. Cork is a disaster in the presence of hot vapour. I've tried it and had to throw it out after a few runs as it dried out and cru...
by linw
Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:51 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: About reflux distilling
Replies: 13
Views: 3886

Wot KH said. Especially about a mixture only ever having one BP. Alcohols just don't boil off differentially unfortunately. The vapour is always a mixture of water and all alcohols present, and, as KH says, it is only the refluxing in the column that separates the various alcohols for us. As for the...
by linw
Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:22 am
Forum: Related Electric Accessories
Topic: Heating element metal
Replies: 2
Views: 1427

Yes, incoloy is very suitable as incoloy was made for aggressive environments. I bought one for my latest still. It was quite expensive but it was worth it in my opinion. It won't corrode like cheaper "normal" elements (at least I hope so!!).
by linw
Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:06 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: LM v. VM
Replies: 33
Views: 11292

Swag wrote:On your first design it seems to me that you could control the amount of reflux by adjusting the flow of water to the reflux condenser. Then you wouldn't need the valve.
So where would the vapour go that didn't get condensed?
by linw
Wed Feb 15, 2006 2:19 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: A modified SS Reflux column
Replies: 2
Views: 1915

Is this a trick question as your web site shows several rigs stating that they produce product well over 90%?
by linw
Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:30 am
Forum: Still Related Hardware
Topic: removing old solder?
Replies: 7
Views: 2054

Here are two ideas. Heat the solder and wipe it off with a wet rag or file/wire brush it off.