Propane burner and a reflux still?

[StimpDog]

Is it OK to use a propain burner when distilling moonshine? I read that it's best to use a hot plate, that way you don't have an open flame near a container of alcohol . Is that true? Because I'm more inclined to get a propane burner for my 16 gallon reflux still.

[still_stirrin]

Have you read any of the threads in this forum? I think the answer to your question will be self-evident when you do your reading.
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[DWelsh]

I have a 12 gallon still and I only run it on a propane burner. I only run it outside on my back porch and it has never been an issue. Some people like electric better because you can control the heat more accurately. One upside to propane is that it heats up the still faster than electric can. I would say go for it. If you run it in a garage, keep a fan blowing outside to keep any possible alcohol vapors from condensing in the air, and stay with your still at all times. My still is a hybrid, like the ones from claw hammer supply. I copied their design when I built it and I really like it.

[Truckinbutch]

Is it OK to use a propain burner when distilling moonshine? I read that it's best to use a hot plate, that way you don't have an open flame near a container of alcohol . Is that true? Because I'm more inclined to get a propane burner for my 16 gallon reflux still.

Show us where you read that here . If it isn't here , it just isn't real .
Back to the reading room for you .

[rad14701]

Here in these forums we consider independent research here in the forums and the parent site to be mandatory, not optional... Forget everything you thought you learned elsewhere and start with the novice link in my signature... Read all of it... Also read the entire parent site, remembering that some information is inaccurate or outdated... THEN if you have questions, ask... We want you to be both safe and successful and knowing what you need to know before you need to know it is the best practice... As you do your research you'll learn answers to questions you don't even know you have yet...

[DWelsh]

Is it OK to use a propain burner when distilling moonshine? I read that it's best to use a hot plate, that way you don't have an open flame near a container of alcohol . Is that true? Because I'm more inclined to get a propane burner for my 16 gallon reflux still.

Stimpdog, are you gonna get a hot plate or a propane burner? I hope I answered your question, and if I were you, I'd go with the propane burner. You can find them really cheap on craigslist. I got two, and one was sold with a 5 gallon pot that some guy deep fried with- the whole set was only 15 bucks. I'd look for those big ass frying pots cause they are great for mashing.

[wtfdskin]

I run propane with a burner that you get with a turkey cooker. Works just fine.

[Reverend Newer]

I'd like to see the hotplate that can get 16 gallons up to drip temperature in a reflux

[Johnsmih1010]

Modified Hot water tanks work great as a heat source . They come built with flame arresters in the bottom which are essentially perforated metel that spreads the flame out out a lowers temp to below ignition temp . The boilers are lined cast iron and work well as boiler or as atmospheric steam generator. I strip maple syrup and spirit from maple syrup and bring a power vent hot wTer tank with 20 lb lp tanks to the site . The steam runs to a plated heat exchanger connected to your boiler . Sometimes I just put the Column direct on the hot water tank . The fittings on top are npt thread and will allow a connection directly. I change the gas regulator valve( 100$ Honeywell , hsi ignition or pilot flame ) out for a more usuable one that you can control with a pid temp control (30$ eBay ) extremely safe compared to open flame outdoor boiler rigs .
D

[Johnsmih1010]

Here is. Drill chart to drill your own orifce for the burner
http://www.joppaglass.com/burner/lowp_chrt.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow