Hi All
I am looking for some advice regarding running my still..
I have a 4 bubble plate 3” col with 3kw heating element PID controlled.
Technically I have completed 3 first runs.. all sugar wash 30ltrs @ 1100Sg down to 990.. Turbo yeast. ( I know next run grain and nothing turbo to be seen) But having said that they all were perfect ferments
Run 1.. PID bouncing temp everywhere.. a real shit show... result 5 Ltrs @80%.. ( heaps of tails boiled to hard) = hand sanitiser
Run 2. PID bounced everywhere again.. this time too much flow on (Depheg)reflux condenser, ran 3kw flat out...turning the water flow down to achieve higher col temps.. result 5ltrs @ 85% Better.. first 3 ltrs worth saving... rest = hand sanitiser..
Run 3.. Ran PID in manual.. 65% power...so no PID.. more like a SCR... Water flow in depheg 0.5 ltrs/min (got an inline flow meter) controlled temp perfectly at 79oC... drip, drip, spurt... 1 drip per second or there abouts.. Then ramped up power to 75% after first 3 ltrs
Result 5.5 ltrs at 91%.... 6 hours!!!!! IS that normal???
On all occasions the max %al is no more than 93%... no matter how slow I run the output or how much I vary things... The plates load up well... good reflux action .. Obviously the faster the output flow the %AL drops....I can get 2ltrs an hour at 80%... But I don’t want to do that.. and the spirit smells like yeast at that speed.. It’s very tails like without the oil feel..
What’s the problem I hear everyone ask.. I am shooting for 96% for GIN/ VODKA etc,,..
So I’m starting to think that its not possible with my set up.. But I reckon I should be able to get there...
The last run is beautiful to drink.. just didn’t hit my set points..
Any advice..
cheers
GP
My first reflux run
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