Brewing in the basment?

[RenoPowers]

I see a lot of stove top set ups, so I feel like some of you guys have either gotten comfortable with or mitigated the dangers of distilling inside. On the other hand a lot of guys are in the garage or shop. I'm in a colder climate, so using my unfinished basement is really what I'd like to do. I've got the room I need, access to water, drains and electric. My first thoughts were about venting. I could build a hood or something and easily tap into the exhaust my water heater and furnas use. I cold also just crack windows at each end of my basment and create a little air flow across everthing. I'll won't be using flame, so CO2 won't be a problem. Mostly avoiding any kind of vapor build up and laying things out to minimize heat near potential spill areas.

Anything else I should be immediately aware of?

thanks!

-r

[astronomical]

GFCI breaker if running electric (cheap on ebay). I can smell any vapor leaks pretty damn fast as my runs begin. I always check with a mirror too. Fire extinguisher never hurt.

I use this probe thermo w/ alarm and set it at about 200 when pot stilling and 79 when fluxing
http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-1470-Digit ... 244&sr=8-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Its loud. It my failsafe incase the column starts flooding and is ready to become an etho volcano. I also use one just taped to by boiler (thanks emptyglass) and set it for the temp when my keg it about to boil. The beauty of this is, even though I don't get an accurate reading, its still always in the same vicinity. I have one temp for low wines and one for wash.

[myles]

I wouldn't consider using the exhaust flue from your boiler. These are carefully calculated and you might even get exhaust taking the route back into your basement - particully if there is a strong wind outside. Not a good idea.

Ventilation however IS a good idea and it would be wise to put in something like a bathroom extractor fan. You might also wish to invest in a simple carbon monoxide detector - these are ALSO triggered by alcohol vapour, so they make a good warning if you do spring a leak in your vapour path.

[Washashore]

+1 on Myles. Definitely DO NOT tie in to your furnace or other vent.

[RenoPowers]

Glad I asked. Didn't have any idea about the vent for my water heater and furnace. I just though they were pipes that lead to holes in the roof...
I'm pretty sure cracking windows will/would give me any venting I need.

The other great idea is the carbon monoxide alarm. I didn't realize the alchol vapour would trip it. I'l put one of those up right behind my set up for sure!

Thanks again!

-r

[Prairiepiss]

I run mine in a bathroom. As long as you don't have any leaks (which you should be checking for on each run) you shouldn't have a problem. The vapors should all be condensed by the condenser. Plus you will be there watching it to see that nothing happens. And will be able to shut her down if something does. Common sense safety rules apply.

[Weißer Hund]

I Brew in my basement and I use propane on all (3) of my kettles. I have a fire extinguisher close at hand near an exit, I have a Carbon Monoxide placed 3 ft. off the floor(I didn't know that a CO detector would detect alcohol vapers, nice thing to know. Thank you!) and I crack open my basement entrance and use a fan to push cotaminated air out the opening. This works very nice for me. "Safety first". I don't want to end up asphyxiating myself in the pursuit of my hobbies. I the future I may go electric on my still, but for now it's propane.

[bentstick]

I also run in my basement, have a fire extinguisher handy other than that if ya have no leaks, keep good vigil on, there should not be much of a problem.

[rtalbigr]

I run mine in a bathroom. As long as you don't have any leaks (which you should be checking for on each run) you shouldn't have a problem. The vapors should all be condensed by the condenser. Plus you will be there watching it to see that nothing happens. And will be able to shut her down if something does. Common sense safety rules apply.

Uh, PP, sorry, but I just couldn't help laughin. I guess you watch your still from a "commanding" position.

I run mine on my kitchen stove, it's electric. My worm set up so that I collect in the kitchen sink. I have a fire extinguisher within arms reach. I'd run in my basement except I don't have water or drain down there.

As long as ya keep safety foremost ya won't have a problem.

Big R

[stillenand chillen]

I posted this project turned out nice, I bought the stainless steel range vent on ebay for $102.00 plus $32.00 shipping 850cfm it has a 6 inch vent pipe, I didnt like cutting a 6 inch hole in my house. It also has 2 lights and 3 speed fan.






http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =7&t=23318

[Prairiepiss]

Uh, PP, sorry, but I just couldn't help laughin. I guess you watch your still from a "commanding" position.

Big R

Yeah I sit on my throne in my castle while I run my still. What's it to you. Hey at least I don't have to leave the still unattended while I use the throne.

[jus teasin]

Here I sit all broken hearted
came for stillin then I farted
vent fan don't. Handle it well
all I can do is sit here and smell

[RenoPowers]

Here I sit all broken hearted
came for stillin then I farted
vent fan don't. Handle it well
all I can do is sit here and smell

So maybe I'll get a backup fan ... just in case.