Windy City reflux rig

[LWTCS]

First time checking out this thread, impressed Windy nice work!

100%
Really a beautiful build.
Use it in good health.

[Saltbush Bill]

If there where " copper porn awards" windy should win some of them.

[RC Al]

Windy, noting you dropping the 3x columns, do you think you had smearing issues with the shared reflux drain back to the boiler with that config? Was there another reason its not running that way now?

Awesome work mate +1 on a CuPorn award

[Windy City]

Thanks for all the kind words. I was running this on Friday (and Saturday) and was texting back and forth with Jimbo while he was running at his house and just wanted to share one statement I shared with him.
Damm I Love This Hobby
I switched from the three side columns to a single four plate side column for a few reasons.
1 was space, I am starting to rebuild my barrel and a half brewery which sits just to the left of the four plate still.
2 I was not able to get the height on the last column to get azeo
So now I use the four plate to strip wash for this reflux rig or I remove two plates and do one and done for bourbon/whiskey/rum
I never really noticed a smearing problem but I mostly did brown spirits (my Favorites) as I was unable to make a truly neutral azeo.
Once again thanks for the kind words

Johnny

[LWTCS]

Yeah divorced side columns end up sending some pretty high proof column bottoms back to the kettle.
This promotes smearing and greatly reduces production speed.

[Windy City]

Yeah divorced side columns end up sending some pretty high proof column bottoms back to the kettle.
This promotes smearing and greatly reduces production speed.

Yeah when I would run all three columns at once it was a bear to dial in.
If I were to do it again I would use high proof pumps at the bottom of each column pumping up to the top of the previous column like you see on large commercial setups.
I am extremely happy with my current two stills and don't really see me changing it.
I do have one side column on the four plate. I don't believe I am getting any smearing because it is only one column so the reflux at the base of the column drains into the boiler and boils right back around.

[LWTCS]

Yeah divorced side columns end up sending some pretty high proof column bottoms back to the kettle.
This promotes smearing and greatly reduces production speed.

Yeah when I would run all three columns at once it was a bear to dial in.
If I were to do it again I would use high proof pumps at the bottom of each column pumping up to the top of the previous column like you see on large commercial setups.
I am extremely happy with my current two stills and don't really see me changing it.
I do have one side column on the four plate. I don't believe I am getting any smearing because it is only one column so the reflux at the base of the column drains into the boiler and boils right back around.

Yarp, that would be the way to do it for optimal performance. Just need a pump that is really good at metering.

[bunny]

How is the Siporax working compared with other packing you have tried?
I personally have found the Eheim pearls (a little) better than the mini Siporax however I'm only in a 1" column.