Whiskey helmet

Vapor, Liquid or Cooling Management. Flutes, plates, etc.

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Hounddog1
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Whiskey helmet

Post by Hounddog1 »

Looking at different still setups and have seen some with “helmets” or “onion bulbs” in their column. Could someone explain what a helmet does and/or the benefits of using one?
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jonnys_spirit
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Re: Whiskey helmet

Post by jonnys_spirit »

I have one and like it because it looks cool!

I also like that it provides some relief from excessive foaming in the boiler for strips.

It slows down vapor speed in that section due to increased volume and increases dwell time for additional copper contact.

I'm considering experimenting with copper packing and RC above when used in conjunction with reflux.

Also considering how I might build an insertable segment below to use it as a vertical thumper with an overflow return to boiler.

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OnceAlive
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Re: Whiskey helmet

Post by OnceAlive »

Here's something I read recently about whiskey helmets.

Whiskey Helmet on Stilldragon.org

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BlueSasquatch
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Re: Whiskey helmet

Post by BlueSasquatch »

jonnys_spirit wrote: Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:25 am I also like that it provides some relief from excessive foaming in the boiler for strips.
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Re: Whiskey helmet

Post by Twisted Brick »

+1 to what jonny shared.

Also, a small amount of passive reflux occurs. As some vapor comes into contact with the helmet, it condenses, starting a return path to the boiler. Reportedly, this condensate returns to the boiler, the lower-boiling point fractions re-vaporize via contact with fresh vapor, and return to the upward-moving vapor path. The net of this is continuous returning of heavier compounds while allowing the lighter ones rise.

This passive reflux tends to be a key element contributing to the characteristic of some lighter-flavored whiskies.
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jonnys_spirit
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Re: Whiskey helmet

Post by jonnys_spirit »

My smaller alembic has the "split rotating top column" and on regular spirit runs I get 80% for much longer than expected when running with that column (no packing) - very noticeably higher proof for longer - not so much with the helmet on my bigger still but maybe a little bit...

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Hounddog1
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Re: Whiskey helmet

Post by Hounddog1 »

They do look cool! That’s all great information. Thanks all.
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