Air still and a level surface

[zed255]

Well, really glad I was giving my full attention to my little knock-off air still today.

I was bringing some low wines up to temperature and had just removed a foreshot to begin a spirit run. I upped the power just a smidgen. Almost immediately after placing collection jar 1 under the spout the bloody top popped off releasing a spray of boiling low wines. I killed my controller and slapped the lid back down faster than a cat can get off a hot tin roof. Upon investigation there was no blockage other than pooled distillate in the coil. I had never run it in this location, an old cabinet I relocated to my basement, and found it out of level just enough to result in the product not able to flow by gravity through the coil. Since the top only has a little friction from the seal and it's own weight to hold it on the pooled distillate allowed a tiny build up of pressure that was enough to lift the top off and generate a flash boil.

It is something I don't see mentioned about these little stills, and for small experiments I love mine, but please do ensure the place you run yours is very close to level.

[buchrob]

Over time, the interior of the narrow coiled tube can accumulate a coating that gets baked on because the cooling is marginal on these units. It doesn't take much to reduce the flow by a serious percentage. Every now and then, turn the head upside down, make a paste of water and baking soda and stuff it into the cooling tube with a length of wire, then pour some vinegar in to get a foaming action. Remove the gasket and clean the folds. They usually accumulate some cooked low wines over time. Finally, do a short sacrificial run to purge the system.

I've had 4 of these units, with and without thermostats or an SCR contoller, and every one of them will eventually puke, pop the top or give you cloudy output unless you keep the passages clear.

[6 Row Joe]

I have a clear plastic tube id same size as the condenser tube that is hooked to a faucet. I reverse flush mine after a run. Working good so far.

[acfixer69]

Over time, the interior of the narrow coiled tube can accumulate a coating that gets baked on because the cooling is marginal on these units. It doesn't take much to reduce the flow by a serious percentage. Every now and then, turn the head upside down, make a paste of water and baking soda and stuff it into the cooling tube with a length of wire, then pour some vinegar in to get a foaming action. Remove the gasket and clean the folds. They usually accumulate some cooked low wines over time. Finally, do a short sacrificial run to purge the system.

I've had 4 of these units, with and without thermostats or an SCR contoller, and every one of them will eventually puke, pop the top or give you cloudy output unless you keep the passages clear.

Maybe time to use a better safer still. It is not like you would be leaving a great recipe.