Search found 253 matches

by casper the Irish
Sat Nov 23, 2019 8:21 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Condenser Controlled Columns
Replies: 378
Views: 155767

Re: Condenser Controlled Columns

CSST is what is inside gaspipe, the yellow covered underground tubing you can buy by the yard at the plumbers. Just strip off the yellow plastic
by casper the Irish
Tue Jun 19, 2018 3:30 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Condenser Controlled Columns
Replies: 378
Views: 155767

Re: Condenser Controlled Columns

Since his post of June 9 (which predates my first post on this thread), I've not seen any posts here from Dad300. I'm certainly eager to read anything he has to say on the subject I can easily get 5/8" OD CSST to 'fit' within 2" tube ...I'm worried that may mean vapors making it out the t...
by casper the Irish
Tue Jun 19, 2018 1:46 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: So, the answer was copper
Replies: 185
Views: 30850

Re: So, the answer was copper

Bagasso and me...now adding copper in the boiler or...between distillations has become a regular part of our process. Can you quantify? I tried to read every post, but fail to grasp your conclusions.. eg I produce 25l low wines and store for a few months till I make another batch. I also store 25l ...
by casper the Irish
Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:10 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Condenser Controlled Columns
Replies: 378
Views: 155767

Re: Condenser Controlled Columns

Dad has kindly reposted his earlier post for you. The relative sizes are not so important, its just a matter of getting the csst to twist and fit inside the tubes. Why are you resizing to 2"? Dad advised me to go with 3" if possible. My keg has a 2" neck, so I used 2"copper male ...
by casper the Irish
Tue Jun 19, 2018 11:40 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

Hi guys, Just thought Id check in here before I order packing for my soon to be completed 4"x60" LM column build. As with most people on this thread topic, I will be aiming to pull neutral spirit as fast as possible whilst maintaining azeo (or near to it). Do we still reckon marbles are b...
by casper the Irish
Wed Mar 28, 2018 8:26 am
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: Carbon Filtering tips
Replies: 36
Views: 8600

Re: Carbon Filtering tips

Instead of diluting my spirits for another run, would it not be an idea to have run the High Wines thru first since they are already about 50% and before the spirit run? Even for Vodka I leave my reflux column gathering moss at the bottom of my garden. I just prefer the taste and control I get from ...
by casper the Irish
Mon Nov 06, 2017 6:43 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Rerunning Feints
Replies: 154
Views: 87752

Re: Rerunning Feints

I presume you are Not adding feints to wort before fermenting.... adding alcohol to yeast will suppress the fermentation. Yeast is good up to 6% or 8%abv when the alcohol suppresses its reproduction. (Mash, washes, wort, fresh fermentation.... I get confused by these, since there are no washes used ...
by casper the Irish
Mon Nov 06, 2017 12:48 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

I am down 7% Alcohol By Volume, not a lower yield by volume. I should have written 7%ABV
by casper the Irish
Fri Nov 03, 2017 4:44 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

I've always used marbles for packing. Perfectly happy with them. I have one 6 gallon still which I packed with copper mesh. It actually puts out too high a proof for my taste, since I like to make whiskies. Same here, I ran with 4 sizes of marbles I ran with scrubbies, with copper mesh and with SS ...
by casper the Irish
Sun May 07, 2017 12:05 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Condenser Controlled Columns
Replies: 378
Views: 155767

Re: Condenser Controlled Columns

Nice one. I will print and hawk for another local supplier It's good to know Azeo can be achieved. My best was stubbornly 92% until adding a low centering collar similar to your reducing cap does now seem to +1.5% Not sure if it's the centering collar 12" above the keg, or the added scrubbies i...
by casper the Irish
Sat May 06, 2017 11:46 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Condenser Controlled Columns
Replies: 378
Views: 155767

Re: Condenser Controlled Columns

2" x 3" reducer cap on keg (don't bother molesting the keg) That 2" to 3" cap between keg and column isn't just cheapest way, it acts as a plate to catch reflux. I don't understand exactly what a cap between keg and column is. My keg has a 1 3/4" rimmed neck. My SS dairy su...
by casper the Irish
Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:59 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

got mine from Poland https://destylacja.com/pl/p/Enzymy-do-zacierow-zbozowych/531" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow yes it's a pain with a polish site and they have dropped paypal as an option so you have to do a bank transfer or set up your card on a...
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 24, 2017 1:37 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Stop using Elbows and go with a "T" - CCVM Build
Replies: 20
Views: 7407

Re: Stop using Elbows and go with a "T" - CCVM Build

A T yes. Or a Y My 10 gal cooking pot lid has a 3" SS Y capped on 1 side, lyne on the other. The lyne is a 90° then 45°. These are stuffed with copper mesh rolled tight. Clamped to the lyne is a 3">1.5" reducer to 24" long SS PC Into the PC I stuffed a twisted 1/2" csst abou...
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 24, 2017 12:22 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

I will tell you what I see and hear, and can measure abv, etc but I do not know the math how to gauge packing efficiency.... even my power input is a gas valve, no # kW markings. Using the Bigger packing from 1/2" up to 3/4" basalt pebbles, still 36" of packing Things going much bette...
by casper the Irish
Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:27 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

And with good reason, I suspect. I know beach stones are not perfect spheres so the interstitial spaces are not a straight comparison, but here is what I've observed on a few runs so far. 3" SS column, 40" with CCVM Tee. I have a 36" copper pipe normally fitted under to provide column...
by casper the Irish
Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:52 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

OK I've just measured the vol of 1m 3" tube at 3.4litre I have sourced clear glass Matt or polished balls with a choice of diameter from grains thru 1mm steps to 100mm. In other words they need to know to the nearest millimetre the size I want. Price posted is 6€ per kg and I will need 5kg or 1...
by casper the Irish
Tue Apr 18, 2017 8:05 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

Maybe china?

http://www.bolibio.com/EnzymesforAlcoholandBrewing/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Is 0.065-0.085% dosing rate about 6# per 50# sack of grain?
by casper the Irish
Tue Apr 18, 2017 4:00 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

Oh!
Thanks again there, DW
I'm so old school....

In U.K. The only source for enzymes on a quick search is a commercial lab who might do a free sample but not supply retail volume. Any UK or EU posters know where to order?
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 17, 2017 11:17 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Stop using Elbows and go with a "T" - CCVM Build
Replies: 20
Views: 7407

Re: Stop using Elbows and go with a "T" - CCVM Build

1. What length was that uncoated 3/8 gas line that you bought? How long is your condenser when finished? 1/2" is also good. 3ft is enough for EACH coil, the RC and then the PC. I sourced on eBay from Italy sold as motorbike fuel line $5 per metre, but the yellow coated gas pipe is the same thi...
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 17, 2017 10:54 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

And wtf is a booner??
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 17, 2017 10:47 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

Barley has an amazing flavour contribution to the mash. And it is full of more enzymes than these. And I do not see how it is easier to start hot and try to cool rather than heat up thru the stages, particularly since slow cooling creates so many problems for pH and infections. What I don't understa...
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:06 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

Can all grains be used similar to booners? Say I wanted to add rolled oats,would I add them at the same time as the corn or at a different temp? What's a booner, urban dictionary Adelaide slang for a low life or spyde. Rolled oats needs its starch to be dissolved first at 90°-100° to avoid thick co...
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 17, 2017 6:48 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?
Replies: 18
Views: 2268

Re: Booners protocol. Adding other grains?

Other grains add flavours but some have low starch high protein, like oats which surely are more useful to beer drinkers than to stillers. What would be your advantage in using other grains like oats? Scotch used to be made from any convenient grain. Corn and rice are high carbs, best alcohol yield....
by casper the Irish
Mon Apr 17, 2017 6:08 am
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: The No Boil Corn Mashing Method
Replies: 128
Views: 137525

Re: The No Boil Corn Mashing Method

No-boil means bacteria are not sterile. And as it happens during fermentation the acids become a good environment for LAB Hence, ferment should be fast. I read that distilleries usually don't cover the vessel and don't control temperature. When doing more than 5 gal the temps can rise alarmingly, th...
by casper the Irish
Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:32 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

Scots-Irish. The best of both and the worse of either. With plenty of Dutch blood. Odin says he used basalt beach stones to great effect before he experimented with SPP then started making improved helicals. Both basalt and SS metal differ from glass in that they absorb and emit heat quickly. It was...
by casper the Irish
Fri Apr 07, 2017 2:51 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

Personally, I don't really care why it works ....if my column is flooding ...I'm curious and plan on trying SPP some day... but a 3"x40" column is going to cost a lot to fill and I not displeased with marbles at the moment. SPP or Odins improved helical packing? Small medium or large? Fin...
by casper the Irish
Fri Apr 07, 2017 2:30 pm
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: Un-malted wheat mash. Protein rest needed?
Replies: 18
Views: 3668

Re: Un-malted wheat mash. Protein rest needed?

Even with a slow heat up my first wheat mash retains a lot of gum right thru to the end of fermentation. I note that gel temp for wheat is above the beta Glucan action. So next time I will be adding my wheat to hot water for gel rest, then cooling before adding malt for the Glucan rest (44°C to 37°C...
by casper the Irish
Tue Apr 04, 2017 11:45 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing
Replies: 494
Views: 94558

Re: Glass Marbles for Reflux Column Structured Packing

Glass can have little thermal exchange happening here, in that sense it's sheer mass is taking no part except to restrict flow, narrow the effective diameter by at least 58% on your ready reckoning. Gas flow and heat input are therefore less than it could be in an open 3" column. However, the m...
by casper the Irish
Tue Apr 04, 2017 11:15 am
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: Un-malted wheat mash. Protein rest needed?
Replies: 18
Views: 3668

Re: Un-malted wheat mash. Protein rest needed?

Feed store don't have rye, and wheat is seasonal (around here, Britain /Ireland) That protein rest needs a slow heat up. There are 3 steps, maybe 4 and without them the gummies stay around till the strip. I've been fermenting from Bx16° for a warm week and still those proteins stay, the Bx reads 10°...
by casper the Irish
Sun Apr 02, 2017 2:30 am
Forum: Rum
Topic: Ageing Dunder for Rum
Replies: 80
Views: 23259

Re: Ageing Dunder for Rum

In Britain and Ireland our refuse is collected in 225l /60gal plastic wheelie bins. A choice of colours, black, blue, green, brown. Apparently food safe, and they hold the heat of fermentation well. Not sure if it will work as a Dunder pit though. The lid will keep off rain, but the exposed area whe...