Whiskey helmet
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Whiskey helmet
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?
Sometimes nothin can be a real cool hand
- jonnys_spirit
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Re: Whiskey helmet
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.
Cheers!
-j
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.
Cheers!
-j
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
Re: Whiskey helmet
Chill'n Still'n ~ Distilling is a hobby where you don't want to blow off steam.
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Useful links:
Don't forget the parent site... full of organized good info there
Newbie kickstart & Novice bump
Words words words
Help to pay the bills
- BlueSasquatch
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Re: Whiskey helmet
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.
You're telling me I could help my puke problems with another distilling project?
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- Twisted Brick
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Re: Whiskey helmet
+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.
.
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
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...
Cheers,
j
Cheers,
j
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
Re: Whiskey helmet
They do look cool! That’s all great information. Thanks all.
Sometimes nothin can be a real cool hand