Boiler Charge Size

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Shae
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Boiler Charge Size

Post by Shae »

How important is it to match the charge to the volume of the boiler, specifically in a pot still? I use a propane burner, so having an immersed element is not an issue. Here's my dilemma: I'd like to make, say, a gallon of gin, but with a 13-gallon boiler, I'm wondering if I can pull it off. Since I'll be using hearts from a sugar wash run multiple times, heads/tails aren't really a concern, just wondering if I can do it with such a low volume. I have a Mile Hi unit, and I had been hoping to get a 3-gallon boiler to fit my tower, but they seem to be out of stock for the near future.
Prairiepiss
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Re: Boiler Charge Size

Post by Prairiepiss »

I don't thinkin would try a gallon in a 13 gallon boiler.

If it were me I would add 2" of water to the boiler. And measure how much that is. And that's how much I would want to be left in the boiler. After a run. But that's just me.
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OBX Phantom
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Re: Boiler Charge Size

Post by OBX Phantom »

What is the ABV of this gallon of hearts you are wanting to run? The reason I am asking is because if it is above 40% then you are going to want to water it down to 40% or even lower, wich will add to the volume of liquid you are wanting to put in that 13 gal. boiler.
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Shae
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Re: Boiler Charge Size

Post by Shae »

OBX Phantom wrote:What is the ABV of this gallon of hearts you are wanting to run? The reason I am asking is because if it is above 40% then you are going to want to water it down to 40% or even lower, wich will add to the volume of liquid you are wanting to put in that 13 gal. boiler.
Yes, I would dilute with water, of course. But assuming that I have a gallon of 160 proof neutral, another gallon or even 2 of water still leaves my boiler mostly empty.
Shae
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Re: Boiler Charge Size

Post by Shae »

Prairiepiss wrote:I don't thinkin would try a gallon in a 13 gallon boiler.

If it were me I would add 2" of water to the boiler. And measure how much that is. And that's how much I would want to be left in the boiler. After a run. But that's just me.
It's fairly narrow and tall (milk jug), so I'd be willing to guess a gallon would be 1.5" of fill.
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