HELP: Can someone tell me where i went wrong?

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Trevor2004
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Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:33 am

HELP: Can someone tell me where i went wrong?

Post by Trevor2004 »

ok, the $64,000 question is...
why does my distilate taste like (for lack of a better descriptor) detergent?

This was my 4th run with this column and the only one that had any really bad flavor

Now before we even go there, here are a few facts
No I have not “washed” anything, not my boiler not my column nothing...
when i'm finished with my run I always backflush with hot water, and rinse the boiler well, thats it.
And its not my catch containers because I placed my finger under the output tube and it tastes the same.

yes, I am using ss scrubbers. No they were not the pre-soaped kind. And I boiled then rinsed all of them for about 20 min before I packed the column.

The wash I use is based on the econ-o-wash recipe that I found on the main site. With some basic substitutions. All 4 batches that I made used the same ingredients, aside from some minor adjustments in amount, timing, temperature, etc.

the 3 most recent batches have been double runs, by that I mean a stripping run and a spirit run.
Not 100% sure my terminology is correct there.

There are only two real differences that I recall doing differently in this latest run.
1st. I added “kosher” salt and Sodium bicarbonate to the spirit run about ¼ – 1/3 cup of each in about 30 – 35 liters.
In the 2 runs prior (runs 2 and 3 if your keeping track) I only added the salt to the spirit run.
and they both turned out well.

2nd. I changed my sugar source. Was using the 25 lb. Box from GFS. Switched to 5lb bags from aldi's. I dont really think this could have an effect but its the only other thing that I changed.

And as far as column operation goes. Huskers directions pretty well match what I was doing.
Differences being, during the stripping run. I ran at full reflux for 30 min or so then collected some foreshots. Before I cranked open the collection valve.

Hopefully someone can help me fix this mess...

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