Actions to avoid scorching when distilling rye

[jonnys_spirit]

I haven't done a high rye mash yet but I want to. All i've read around here leans towards steam stripping the rye. I've done a ton of bourbon mashes that I typically squeeze and clear with very few scorches. The few scorches I had were when I didn't clear as much as I should have but still very minimal.

I'll plumb the thumper at some point for a high rye. I won't try it on the element due to the number of folks that experience issues with it and I feel like it's generally not recommended to run rye on an element.

I have used smaller percentages of rye malt in other bourbon mashes (probably 5-10%) without any issue whatsoever.

Cheers,
jonny

[Swedish Pride]

I've used up to 1/3 rye without scorching, ferment on grain, pump from fermenter to boiler and let it rip.
Internal 4500w fold back element.

Next mash is going to be over 50% rye.
I'll let yous know if it scorchers

[PalCabral]

I’m not trying to change your mind, but building a steam stripping rig does not need to be complex. It’s as simple as adding a large volume thumper to a pot still setup. It’s no more work than that.

Otis, say that I was a little bit interested to evaluate steam stripping rig. The idea of a thumper type of vessel could potentially work. But will the steam pipe going into the thumper/vessel with the wash to be stripped be just as hot and likely to scorch as the element?

[jonnys_spirit]

I’m not trying to change your mind, but building a steam stripping rig does not need to be complex. It’s as simple as adding a large volume thumper to a pot still setup. It’s no more work than that.

Otis, say that I was a little bit interested to evaluate steam stripping rig. The idea of a thumper type of vessel could potentially work. But will the steam pipe going into the thumper/vessel with the wash to be stripped be just as hot and likely to scorch as the element?

That vapor path pipe will get up to vapor temp or 212*F if you're boiling water. Turning your element power up increases the amount of vapor (more power = more vigorous boil = more vapor produced = more heat exchange) but the max temp is limited by the liquid that is being boiled.

Cheers,
jonny

[PalCabral]

That vapor path pipe will get up to vapor temp or 212*F if you're boiling water. Turning your element power up increases the amount of vapor (more power = more vigorous boil = more vapor produced = more heat exchange) but the max temp is limited by the liquid that is being boiled.

Cheers,
jonny

Thanks for clarifying, Jonny!

It dawned for me that I have two 50L boilers, albeit one with a leakage, which I could use for this. I’ve got spiols/tubes and elbows, all I need is the downer tube and fittings.

Maybe I should study how steam stripping actually works?

[jonnys_spirit]

That vapor path pipe will get up to vapor temp or 212*F if you're boiling water. Turning your element power up increases the amount of vapor (more power = more vigorous boil = more vapor produced = more heat exchange) but the max temp is limited by the liquid that is being boiled.

Cheers,
jonny

Thanks for clarifying, Jonny!

It dawned for me that I have two 50L boilers, albeit one with a leakage, which I could use for this. I’ve got spiols/tubes and elbows, all I need is the downer tube and fittings.

Maybe I should study how steam stripping actually works?

It's recommended to have an atmosphere valve in line with the thumper tube such that when you open the valve, the path is opened to the atmosphere. This is used when you turn the power off to prevent a vacuum as the boiler cools that will crush the boiler. When the boiler is producing steam, the atmosphere valve is closed and steam/vapor is sent into the thump. Careful with that valve because when you open it there may be some pressure and hot vapor coming out until the boiler starts to cool off.

Cheers,
j

[Bolverk]

I'm glad someone said it... running heavy rye mashes with electric just doesn't work.. sure there are a few way you can do it but as a general rule steam injection or bane marie are really the best way.

[OtisT]

I'm glad someone said it... running heavy rye mashes with electric just doesn't work.. sure there are a few way you can do it but as a general rule steam injection or bane marie are really the best way.

Amen brother. I’m past my experimental phase and doing 20 batches a year. I only do a few AG runs a year now and I’ll be damned if I’m going to risk wasting a months work (again) due to a scorch.