I Inherited a 50 gallon stainless pot with matching arms, valves, and 30 gallon thumper, copper worms, and even 8 plastic food grade blue barrels-basically everything I need to get going. Came from the western Virgina hill country by way of my father inlaw. Look forward to using it to power the Mrs. E-85tahoe, and to help beat the chill up here when it gets cold. I realize a reflux may be better for making fuel, but hey, it's what I got.
My first question is that my drinking water is from our pond, treated by various mechanical filters and treated with iodine 2 times a year. The iodine isn't taste-able after about 2 weeks, so I wouldn't run anything until a month after the treatment, but can this cause any problems with flavor, or worse yet, health? I'm inclined to say since I drink it, it's ok, but never hurts to ask.
Second question, given the size of the still, I'm going to go with a propane burner..any idea how long should it take for a stripping run so I make sure to set aside enough time? Most of what I've read is all in liters, and my thermodynamics are a bit rusty.
I should note that I've watched my previously mentioned father-in-law, so I've got the set up down, use of the flour paste, vapor leak-testing, so the size of the still doesn't scare me any more than if it was the little 5 gallon stovetop cooker I use the woodshop stove. He always used wood to heat, so not sure how to translate to propane.
Thanks for all the great info so far, looking forward to putting it safely to use.
