Returning High Proof Back To A Hot Boiler ? ? ?

[Salt Must Flow]

Out of interest , how many mls are you expecting to pour back each time Salt ?

Sometimes it's just a quart or so. Other times it might be more. It just depends on how much testing I'm doing at the time. I just need a method of pouring it back that doesn't require me to climb too high up a ladder. I used to have 6' of 4" packed column, but I've since added another 12" which made a big difference.

[shadylane]

Same here SMF.
For accurate measurements on my keg sized still, a quart output vs time works good.
After the test, shut off the heat and slowly return the high proof back to the boiler, to keep the boiler abv exactly the same, without drama.
Then turn the heat back on and do another test run.

[Salt Must Flow]

My OCD is triggering with that angled fitting .
I think I would have put the valve horizontal with an M-M nipple to get the extra spacing .

Ok Yummy I fixed it. It drove me nuts too. I replaced the half coupling with a full coupling and I think that may have created enough space for a decent size funnel.

4 in Tee 02.jpg

[Yummyrum]

My OCD is triggering with that angled fitting .
I think I would have put the valve horizontal with an M-M nipple to get the extra spacing .

Ok Yummy I fixed it. It drove me nuts too. I replaced the half coupling with a full coupling and I think that may have created enough space for a decent size funnel.


4 in Tee 02.jpg

Much better

I guess we all wait with bated breath to see how it works for you .

[Salt Must Flow]

I had the opportunity to test this new addition today and it worked perfectly. I poured two quart jars back down the column about as fast as I could and it worked great. It didn't blurp air back at me and the flow wasn't restricted by the 1/2" port. It basically worked as I hoped it would.

[Yummyrum]

Glad to hear it works SMF .
Was the boiler charge hot or cold ?
If hot, did you kill the power before pouring in ?
If so , how long did you wait before pouring back in ?

[Salt Must Flow]

Glad to hear it works SMF .
Was the boiler charge hot or cold ?
If hot, did you kill the power before pouring in ?
If so , how long did you wait before pouring back in ?

The boiler was hot and the column was running. I closed the VM gate valve and switched the power off moments before pouring it back. If the power is left on, it restricts the liquid from flowing through the packing and causes the column to flood very quickly.

[Yummyrum]

Well that sounds like a win then , and you have put to rest all the fears we had of flash back and you getting burned . I’m guessing the majority of the flashed vapour went up the 4” column compared to the 1/2” tube .
A good example of vapour Management

[Salt Must Flow]

Well that sounds like a win then , and you have put to rest all the fears we had of flash back and you getting burned . I’m guessing the majority of the flashed vapour went up the 4” column compared to the 1/2” tube .
A good example of vapour Management

I've been pouring high proof back down the column (through the reflux condenser) for many years without any issue. I think the cool product aids in knocking down most vapors. As long as the power is off to the boiler, nothing can come up high enough to cause any issue.

Pouring high proof directly into an open, hot boiler would certainly flash back unless prevented by other methods recommended earlier on in this thread. Pouring it though the tee seemed like a reasonable compromise.