I've been looking at the pictures of the reflux stills everyone has been posting. I understand the principle, as the vapor goes up thru the column with packing it cools and drips back down allowing for the alcohol to heat up again and rise. Thus ending up with a lot higher ABV on the first run. Also I understand that these are much better for producing a "tasteless" neutral or vodka.
My question is with this being a seal system until you crack open the valve, don't these stand a much better chance of ending up in orbit if something distracts the operator. You know, "hey honey, can you come here for a minute?"
I would like to have one for doing some neutral, but not necessaryly one over four or five gallons.
Reflux Stills
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Re: Reflux Stills
look closer - there's always a vent hole or even just a totally open pipe at the top of the reflux condenser
liqarchy - a society based on liquor
Re: Reflux Stills
They should always be open, generally this is at the top above the reflux condenser. If your condenser is designed well you won't have problems with vapour loss from this point.