Search found 80 matches

by richard1
Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:41 pm
Forum: Boilers
Topic: Is this weld sanitary?
Replies: 17
Views: 1231

Re: Is this weld sanitary?

I did an installation the other day where I had to cut out someone else's weld and redo it. In any case here is the photo.
by richard1
Fri Jul 29, 2022 10:22 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Semi-Automatic Liquid Management
Replies: 34
Views: 1642

Re: Semi-Automatic Liquid Management

I dunno . Just use a VM still head . Not effected by power fluctuations . Maintains constant Reflux ratio . So much less hassle than trying to automate an LM still head that by its very nature has several demanding variables . Seriously, a LM still has to be the simplest to operate / automate. It i...
by richard1
Thu Jul 21, 2022 8:01 pm
Forum: Boilers
Topic: Which adhesive for boiler insulation?
Replies: 11
Views: 746

Re: Which adhesive for boiler insulation?

For great insulation use Armaflex, 13mm thick. They also use Vidoglue for the adhesive part. But you can also get the Armaflex with a combined adhesive.

There are other but this works well.
IMG_20220626_123928a.jpg
by richard1
Tue Jul 19, 2022 6:17 pm
Forum: Safety and Related Issues
Topic: teenagers poisoned in south africa
Replies: 9
Views: 1153

Re: teenagers poisoned in south africa

There are a lot of public unknowns here. Authorities for whatever political reason are just not releasing the info. One young girl there whom survived told one reporter that the establishment released tear gas into the almost closed room. Remember that it is winter here, the room / tavern was pretty...
by richard1
Tue Jul 19, 2022 5:54 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Semi-Automatic Liquid Management
Replies: 34
Views: 1642

Re: Semi-Automatic Liquid Management

A comment was raised above where it was queried how much KW you were throwing at your boiler at any one time. This is an easy one for a home distiller where you can get a meter from your electronics shop and wire it up with your controller. Here is a photo of my controller where I have variable cont...
by richard1
Tue Jul 19, 2022 5:42 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Semi-Automatic Liquid Management
Replies: 34
Views: 1642

Re: Semi-Automatic Liquid Management

Just for quick info in running a LM still, below is a photo of the screen showing temperatures during last stages of heat up up to where fores and heads are about to be stacked. If you are doing a spirit run, best is to stack the heads for at least +20 minutes in full reflux. Never turn water off to...
by richard1
Sat Jul 16, 2022 9:43 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: LM slant plate take off dimension
Replies: 8
Views: 543

Re: LM slant plate take off dimension

Be well and best wishes
by richard1
Wed Jun 22, 2022 9:34 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Vapor Temperature On My First Run
Replies: 9
Views: 484

Re: Vapor Temperature On My First Run

Nonsense. I run a LM still. You manage the entire process by temperature at the uppermost take off point. Forget the kettle temp., that's just for info. You monitor Ethanol BP, to fores, heads, hearts and tails. Take plenty samples for tasting (in jars) noting take off temp. during heads into hearts...
by richard1
Fri Apr 01, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: Gin
Topic: My Gin Journey
Replies: 183
Views: 19765

Re: My Gin Journey

Good post from Aartooks so much so I distilled this gin 3 days back but with some minor changes. Recipe is good and very drinkable. A "quaffable" gin. But something is missing or needs changing from being perfect, smooth and taste rounded. (yes I know that it needs to stand longer). With a...
by richard1
Wed Mar 30, 2022 5:27 am
Forum: Gin
Topic: Gin Run %(ABV) during different stages and when to end
Replies: 17
Views: 2015

Re: Gin Run %(ABV) during different stages and when to end

Another thing that I am wondering, lets say I have 2 different gin run that I have to start the first one is %43 ABV and the second one is 30 ABV do I still collect 400 mls from each other, or is there a formula for this how do you do it ? If you use the same amount of Neutral, then YES the same am...
by richard1
Tue Mar 22, 2022 10:28 pm
Forum: Still Related Hardware
Topic: SPP Packing
Replies: 459
Views: 79410

Re: SPP Packing

This is how I support the helical coil packing. The laser cut plate is welded in.
IMAG0275a.jpg
by richard1
Mon Mar 21, 2022 8:53 pm
Forum: Gin
Topic: My Gin Journey
Replies: 183
Views: 19765

Re: My Gin Journey

But this begs the question with respect to your Tangerine. I know Tangerine as a NAARTJIE which has an unbelievably soft skin which peels off with no effort. Your photo shows something quite different. Pith generally is thin so no scraping off.
naartjie 1.png
by richard1
Mon Mar 21, 2022 6:49 am
Forum: Gin
Topic: My Gin Journey
Replies: 183
Views: 19765

Re: My Gin Journey

Brilliant
by richard1
Sat Mar 19, 2022 6:43 am
Forum: Still Related Hardware
Topic: SPP Packing
Replies: 459
Views: 79410

Re: SPP Packing

I suspect that you have completely collapsed all the SPP and has become almost like a solid mass. This is the problem with this product in that it has no strength.

Ideally you ought rather consider SS helical coils like as shown below.
helical coils.jpg
by richard1
Sat Mar 19, 2022 6:33 am
Forum: Gin
Topic: My Gin Journey
Replies: 183
Views: 19765

Re: My Gin Journey

Interesting recipe your 3rd one.

What part I am not quite in agreement with is your pepper corn quantity / ratio which is extremely high.. 7.79 g (1g/l @43%). I would have dropped it to 1.2g (0.16 g/l @43%)

The big question is ..... how does the it finally taste
by richard1
Sun Mar 13, 2022 1:45 am
Forum: Gin
Topic: Arto's Gin Recipe V3
Replies: 70
Views: 17114

Re: Arto's Gin Recipe V3

I suspect that you have cut too way early into hearts with the heavy Juniper oils coming through.
Apologies, this ought read .... too way early into heads with heavy Juniper oils coming through
by richard1
Sat Mar 12, 2022 10:07 pm
Forum: Gin
Topic: Arto's Gin Recipe V3
Replies: 70
Views: 17114

Re: Arto's Gin Recipe V3

@Andrew_90 As below / attached is my spreadsheet view of the recipe. I haven't included the Lindentree. My only view is on the use of dried house tea i.e. Earl Grey and similar, I find that they can lead to some quite harsh flavours especially if used in high ratios. As to louching as you haven't us...
by richard1
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:05 am
Forum: Fruits & Vegetables
Topic: Lemoncello, first attempt
Replies: 26
Views: 2461

Re: Lemoncello, first attempt

All shapes and sizes. Google pelamatic. About $174. Works great..... but not for industrial use.... home use.
by richard1
Wed Apr 07, 2021 7:17 pm
Forum: Fruits & Vegetables
Topic: Lemoncello, first attempt
Replies: 26
Views: 2461

Re: Lemoncello, first attempt

f10ada7b1b8e96ac318cc0955d0462.jpg
Bought a Zester for this project as well as general zest dehydration.

Used 3 lemon zests in 250ml neutral at 96%. 5 days maceration and added 375ml water and sugar
caca090ff1d79babc8f3e6b4ced4b6.jpg
by richard1
Thu Mar 04, 2021 9:17 pm
Forum: Related Electric Accessories
Topic: Still Dragon DIY Controller build- 220
Replies: 15
Views: 1492

Re: Still Dragon DIY Controller build- 220

My comment is with respect to your heat sink. To locate your heat sink inside your box as far as I am concerned is wrong and ought be positioned on the exterior. This is easily accomplished with a few cut outs for a SS plate and subsequent mounting. This way, your heat is kept external doing away wi...
by richard1
Mon Feb 15, 2021 11:37 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Question about mixing column packing
Replies: 5
Views: 650

Re: Question about mixing column packing

Regarding your column, you indicated 3", SPP, 2KW @ 2lph, this rate for when you are running with high reflux for high %ABV take off.

What rate do you achieve when stripping.
by richard1
Mon Feb 15, 2021 11:23 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Question about mixing column packing
Replies: 5
Views: 650

Re: Question about mixing column packing

Always try keep copper to the base of the column and better still if it is easily removable. This will aid in cleaning. I designed a column where I can at will insert and remove the copper. Yes have the copper for stripping. I am of the opinion the SPP is too small for your column, the SPP at approx...
by richard1
Tue Feb 02, 2021 10:18 pm
Forum: Related Electric Accessories
Topic: Electric ball valve with posisioning
Replies: 25
Views: 2051

Re: Electric ball valve with posisioning

Still busy building for the future so not yet commercial.

But, my current active still is a 60L unit and you are getting the benefit of my build experience.
by richard1
Tue Feb 02, 2021 8:39 pm
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: backset fermenting
Replies: 13
Views: 1596

Re: backset fermenting

Not sure what you are making but I would not advise using backset in fermentation. Basically you will potentially lose fermentation control with all sots of infections coming into play. Rather use the backset in a mash and you will get better PH control as well as creating the basis for yeast nutrie...
by richard1
Tue Feb 02, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: Related Electric Accessories
Topic: Electric ball valve with posisioning
Replies: 25
Views: 2051

Re: Electric ball valve with posisioning

For this boka / LM still I concur, do not use a ball valve unless flow rate control is not considered important. The best and least expensive is a needle valve. A 1/4" needle valve is good for up to 6 LPH That all said I would not waste money on automated control unless you have a serious sized...
by richard1
Tue Feb 02, 2021 8:20 pm
Forum: Still Related Hardware
Topic: Analogue power controller
Replies: 21
Views: 3850

Re: Analogue power controller

Just remember that whatever you decide to use, ...... attach it directly to a heat sink, with the heat sink external to the enclosure / control box. This way you prevent internal overheating.
by richard1
Fri Jan 29, 2021 11:21 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: LM still, positive vapour flow from top of still column
Replies: 0
Views: 1909

LM still, positive vapour flow from top of still column

I recently did a beer stripping run on a new 60L LM still build and was checking amongst others a variety of things. ... Cooling water take off temperature at RC top ..... outlet Temperature of distilled product take off after PC Top temperature at column top (where I have a DN25 CIP connection) I w...
by richard1
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:40 am
Forum: Grains
Topic: Grain to water ratio
Replies: 4
Views: 1693

Re: Grain to water ratio

The above can be shown in an Excel spread sheet that I made up for a beer brewing vessel that I am busy with.

Distilling mashing is not the same as beer mashing as its process is simpler but the same initial figures hold true
brew water1.png
by richard1
Tue Dec 22, 2020 8:04 pm
Forum: Pot Distillation/Thumper and Design
Topic: Large copper bowl!
Replies: 13
Views: 1538

Re: Large copper bowl!

Cheaper to go and spin your own copper top
by richard1
Fri May 01, 2020 12:44 pm
Forum: The Construction Site
Topic: One Big FOOKING Mistake
Replies: 7
Views: 1820

Re: One Big FOOKING Mistake

Don't bugger around, go and tig weld it closed. Just remember to purge the inside during the weld...….. or stick weld it closed with a SS rod.