Proof issue reflux

[Blackhammer]

I am currently running a 15.5 gallon sanke with triclover fittings. 240 volts, 23 amps. I have a 4" by 24" column packed with 2 rolls of copper mesh, topped with a 4" x 12" dephlegmator, run off of it's own pump. This is topped with a 12" sightglass, topped with a 12" tee, terminating in a 2" stainless shotgun condenser with 3 1/2" internal copper tubes on its own separate pump. Both pumps feed from a iced cooler. So far, I can only achieve 176 proof. The flow to the condenser is trickling and consistent. No matter how much I adjust the flow. I can only achieve 176 proof. What may I be doing wrong. Starting ABC is around 12% with a sugar wash. Help

[still_stirrin]

Taller packed column. Add another 4x24” section. And don’t scrimp on the packing.
ss

[Bushman]

Taller packed column. Add another 4x24” section. And don’t scrimp on the packing.
ss

My thoughts exactly!

[StillerBoy]

I have a 4" by 24" column packed with 2 rolls of copper mesh

Your column is too short, plus not enough packing..

As stated in a prior post, an addition of 24" plus some good efficient packing will give you a higher abv.. copper is not the best in packing..

Mars

[Corn Crib]

>This is topped with a 12" sightglass, topped with a 12" tee, terminating in a 2"


Would love to see a picture of this

[Yummyrum]

12”sightglass after the Defleg is a waste .
Put it under the Defleg and pack it up to about 3-4” from the top .
I also agree , stuff as much packing in as you can and make the packed section taller .

[Blackhammer]

The sightglass is actually just below the dephlegmator. I mistyped . I don't have room for extra height, so I will use more packing and see how it improves. Thanks for all the help!

[jonnys_spirit]

One thing I have read about around HD is that a larger diameter requires more height (and more power) to achieve the same ABV for a given power/reflux ratio. If you're limited on height you could use a 3" or 2" column and more efficient packing as well to bump the ABV.

Cheers,
jonny

[StillerBoy]

I don't have room for extra height, so I will use more packing and see how it improves.

You have a lot of waste in your present configuration..

A 12" dephlegmator is on the long side and over kill, 8" would do well.. a 12" slight glass can be omitted.. a 12" tee can be changed to an elbow saving height.. you have in total 24" that can be changed and that could be replace with 24" of column..

Even if you had the extra space, a 4" column would required at least 5' and better at 6" to perform well, plus a 15 gal keg is also on the small size to feed a 4" column..

Mars