Wash recirculation system?

[Ben Stillin]

I was looking at different still designs to see what features I could borrow for my own design easily. I noticed all the big fancy stills have either a mechanical mash stirrer or a pump wash recirculation system. It seems like mechanical agitation of the wash would ensure temp stability and even heating. Has anybody tried either of these and do thy have any noticeable positive effect of the distilling process?

[Ben Stillin]

I wonder if mechanical agitation would assist in the alcohol component coming off faster or perhaps with slightly lower water content.

Like when you stir a pot that's not quite boiling and it creates a big rush of steam and a sudden temperature drop of the liquid. Perhaps this is not just the ticket to reduce the chance of burning the wash but also heat more efficiently.

[Dnderhead]

unless you have a large boiler or doing on the grain distilling it is not worth the trouble.

[Ben Stillin]

How large is large. Mine is 40 gallons with 11000w

[Unsensibel]

Bumping this topic. Has anyone ever tried this?

I think having a re-circulation pump can have a couple of benefits:
- More even heat distribution during the run
- Can be used as CIP pump to flush the whole system after a run
- Easy discharge of the boiler after the run

I'm currently thinking about this as well and was looking if anyone has already done it...

[Ben Stillin]

I have not had the opportunity yet but it will be incorporated in my new boiler build. I managed to find some stainless 55 gallon drums. I will let you know.