Stripping still to doubler/thumper - ideas and questions.

[tommysb]

I was recently reading these (light) articles -
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-reaso ... -pot-still
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-reaso ... lumn-still

I was already aware of the Coffey style still with 2 columns - a stripping column feeding into a another plated (rectifying) column, on where each plate is a 'takeoff' for components with different boiling point/purity etc etc. The 'cuts' are made by taking off products from different points on the still.

The articles claim that the Coffey still makes higher proof, lighter flavoured products, but in the US, they DON'T use the same setup - instead referencing a BEER STILL.
Some overview of the process was here:
https://alchemistcabinet.wordpress.com/ ... ng-pot-vs/

My understanding is that this BEER STILL is a column which feeds into a DOUBLER or thumper or REBOILER. I've seen a similar set up in this thread viewtopic.php?t=86417 but despite Larry's explanation - I am still not sure what happens with the doubler - particularly if the doubler goes before or after the rectifying column.

Anyway - I am trying to understand how the doublers work in this 'american style' still setup. I had the idea that if it was loaded with wash then you could make cuts on the output in somewhat the same way that you would on a conventional thumper setup (I have no experience with thumpers).

Would something like the following setup work? Is it anything like the 'american' style beer stills?

strippingthumper.png

In this set up you can get the high feed rate of a stripping still, but also have some refinement/cuts, so not have to collect low wines (which are usually high ABV, 50+ from a stripping column), and re-run.

The disadvantages:
Would have to stop from time to time and either empty/reload the thumper.
When you switch off the stripping column, there would be alcohol left in the thumper. This could be overcome by switching to a steam only feed for 'switch off'.

Another idea - could have 2 thumpers, and switch between them, to keep production continuous.

Really hoping Larry can chime in as I think he will have some good insights on pros/cons of this kind of set up!