first distillation

homebrewnorcal · Post by **homebrewnorcal** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:02 am

So...I'm doing my first distillation this weekend after I get my thermometer and pressure gauge...I'm just running 2 gallons of mead...or maybe just ferment cane sugar to practice...but I was wondering what else I need...and If I cut some stainless mesh and put it in my column will it help with efficiency?...Is it ok to have my counter flow (sorry for brew terminology) up my column then have a 45 degree for my out put 2 inches above that...the condenser connected to an all stainless corny with a coupler in the lid which the condenser screws into...then I'm using a my 3 tier for a boiler...is it better if i put my still in a bath to hold a better constant temp or direct fire? Is there a formula for when to make cuts to use as a guide? But yeah can't wait sorry for all the questions...I'll try to look them up but its a lot any help is much appreciated...

Ayay · Post by **Ayay** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:25 am

Thermometer if it's a reflux still. Pressure guage if you are playing sillybuggers...reallly not necessary if you follow the guidelines. Mead, cheap plonk, anything containing alcohol for starters. Mesh will improve purity in a column. Counterflow = reflux (I hope). Direct heat is fine as long as it's steady and it's a cleared wash. A tongue with functional taste buds is the formula for cuts. It's all here

. Do it and see, but play safe!

Post by **rad14701** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:21 am

First, scrap any idea of using a pressure gauge because if the gauge starts giving a reading you're already in trouble... The idea is to use a design that is known to not build pressure... That being said, you'll be better off using a tried and true design that many others have used rather than venturing off into uncharted territory for your first build... We can't help you much if you're blundering off to where none of us have been before... This craft is far to dangerous to be wandering around blindly...

Pick what still design you want to build based on what you want the still to produce... Pick a design, ask questions about it, and then build it without deviations... Once you get the hang of the How and Why related to the overall process, by real world experience, then you can try making modifications or building a still of your own design...

Good luck and stay safe...

homebrewnorcal · Post by **homebrewnorcal** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:40 pm

thanks guys...do I need any kind of blow off valve? I wasn't sure how much or if any pressure would build...

Post by **blind drunk** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:46 pm

I wasn't sure how much or if any pressure would build...

rad said -

First, scrap any idea of using a pressure gauge because if the gauge starts giving a reading you're already in trouble... The idea is to use a design that is known to not build pressure...

Post by **LWTCS** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:23 pm

blind drunk wrote:
I wasn't sure how much or if any pressure would build...

rad said -

First, scrap any idea of using a pressure gauge because if the gauge starts giving a reading you're already in trouble... The idea is to use a design that is known to not build pressure...

++1

The systems are open ended. If you feel the need to install pressure relief, then your not understanding enough yet.
Keep reading and good luck

Home Distiller

first distillation

first distillation

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