pouring high proof alcohol back into a hot boiler

[shadylane]

I made this mistake awhile back.
While doing test runs to compare different packing.

The rig had produced a 1/2 gallon of +90% alcohol.
For testing accuracy, I figured to add the alcohol back into boiler
I turned off the power and opened up the 3" fill pot.
And started pouring the 90% in

BAD FUCKING MISTAKE

When the 90% alcohol hit the +200 degree boiler charge
It began to instantly flash into a very hot vapor cloud.

[Saltbush Bill]

Just goes to show how easily things can go wrong in this hobby.
Even the very experienced can and do make mistakes.
Always expect and be prepared for the unexpected in this hobby.

[HDNB]

did the same making Tater's Kahlua a few years back. had the hot coffee on the (gas) stove and dumped in a litre of high proof....bad effin mistake that day too. Never gave it a second thought since the coffee was just "hot" not boiling, but lemme tell ya, it was sure as shit boiling after that booze went in.

[Truckinbutch]

It's important to remember vapor points and safety over speed . I've never run into this doing higher volumes of stripping and spirit runs . Lots of cool down time with the volumes I have to handle .

[Demy]

I once had to put the alcohol back into the boiler due to a heating error but I inserted it from the top of the reflux capacitor, scrubber packaging and nothing strange happened. I think the scrubbers have slowed down the descending race.

[NineInchNails]

I have poured high proof back into my still, but I didn't pour it directly into the hot boiler. I turned off the element, waited until there was no reflux, I removed my reflux condenser and poured it straight down the column. I've done this several times and never had an issue. I believe the cool spirit somewhat cooled the packing and any vapor produced was easily knocked down by the cooler packing.

[jonnys_spirit]

Nice thread Shady and glad you're ok! Good reminder to always be mindful when working with high ABV, elevated temps, and to know what's going to happen when you move into action.

Cheers!
-jonny

[Kareltje]

Glad you survived, Shadylane!