I am currently about to construct an alcohol still from scratch. I will be posting my research, progress as well as my construction results, questions and success stories here within this forum.
I will use Standard English measurements vs. metric – I am American so cut me some slack.
When possible I will list the URLs (web research) for those who have a desire for home distillation.
REMEMBER, this is my very first still and distillation project. Therefore, I will do the work, research and post my mistakes here so you will not have the same turmoil as I.
My Background:
I have simply a “school of life” experience in construction (college summers). I also hold a minor in Chemistry and a “school of Father” Master's Degree.
My “school of Father” degree is that of a wonderful scientist – my father – who was a renowned Environmental Scientist – NEHA, Man of the Year and GEHA Man of the Year for two consecutive years. Therefore, I have over 35yrs of life, onsite experience and practical science from my dearly departed Father.
Essentially, I am an average Joe.
Construction safety
~ Metals
- DO NOT USE ANY GALVANIZED METALS
o Including Soder with Zinc, so check your products!
- Years ago there was a prime example of US College students who mixed up some “hunch punch” – a mixture of Ever Clear (120proof alcohol), Fruit and Fruit Juice – in an assortment of Galvanized Steel Tubs. Subsequently, they accidentally caused several cases of Galvanic (Zinc) Poisoning for those who attended the party.
- Also there are several documented cases of Galvanic Poisoning that lead to death – with animals. (*Why do you think your own pets water and food bowels are made from Stainless Steel?)
~ Heat
- Remember, what you are building will conduct steam. Therefore, you will be building the steam stack and/or a steam handling process. You are essentially your own “pipe fitter” so be careful.
- Allow for steam ‘venting’ or some sort of pressure release component to your design or process.
~ Explosion Safety
- Alcohol – in steam form – is extremely flammable and explosive in the right environment. Act with all due caution!
- VENTILATE, all areas where you are maturing the mash (fermenting) and “cooking” the mash.
- REMEMBER, steam is under high pressure and temperature. DO NOT try to contain it, ONLY control it – allow it to escape and “be free”.
~ Electrolysis - Properties of dissimilar metals
- Essentially, whenever you “mix” different metals and liquids (Copper, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel) you can expect problems with adverse electrolysis. (Electrolysis, Chemical change, especially decomposition, produced in an electrolyte current.)
- Therefore, if a decomposition state exists, this “state” is therefore departed into state of the “less solid” - the liquid mass (your ‘hooch).
- Layman’s terms: your alcohol might assume a somewhat metallic or “off” taste.
- History: Once there was a major Scotch distiller who decided to opt for a Stainless Steel (SS) Pot-type still vs. the traditional Copper Pot-type still. The SS still was exactly like the other Copper stills in every dimension. Their process of making Scotch did not change whatsoever, except the addition of the SS still. Once the final product was distilled the result was catastrophic. The final taste of the Scotch was compared to that of Red Devil Lye. Their “scientists” couldn’t explain why the taste was so “off”. Simply, this is a clear example of electrolysis. Note: They fixed the problem by lining the SS Scotch still with copper.
- Double check all your simple chemical and metal tables, or simply stick with what has worked best throughout the centuries and don’t mix-n-match your metals.
- Either use copper or stainless.
o NOTE: I am going to recommend that you also do NOT use any Aluminum in your distillation process. I have seen some writings (Note: there is a difference between writing and research.) around the alcohol-electrolytic processing with Aluminum and how it could result in a dangerous end solution (i.e., poisoning your hooch).
o I do not think there is any validity to this assumption. But I have noticed two things;
Aluminum will break down quicker (electrolytic oxidization) under the distillation process than SS or Copper
Aluminum is NOT used by any of the professional still manufacturers
o Copper or SS is proven safe, use it.
~ Thermodynamics & Fluid Dynamics
- Basic properties of fluid and thermal dynamics in stills;
o Hot “goes to” Cold
o High pressure “goes to” Low pressure
o Steam is a fluid or gas that has undergone a heat and pressure change
o Metal transfers heat to adjoining and connected metals
o Expansion and contraction of metals should be calculated
o *Note: This area will be discussed during the still construction.
~ Learn from the Professionals
- Simply, there are professionals out here (the Web) that have done this for years so ask them specific questions and learn from their designs.
- I am NOT a still making professional.
~ Food Safety
- Essentially, if the product, vessel or device is not made to handle, store, mix or transport “Potable” water, food or food related items, do NOT use it or incorporate it into your distillation process.
- Research on your own your;
o Plastics
o Fittings
o Sealants (Food safe silicon, etc.)
o Proper metals (NO galvanized (Zinc) metals)
o Containers
URL Listing I used during my initial research
Step by Step Still Construction Process
moonshinestill.com/page2.htm
*The BEST distillation web site
http://homedistiller.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Manual for making Alcohol Fuel (VERY GOOD)
http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_lib ... l_ToC.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
A copy right Adobe document (VERY comprehensive)
http://www.distillationgroup.com/distil ... 2/H002.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Pot Still – Malt Whiskey
http://www.sgoc.de/making.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Making Bourbon Whiskey
http://www.cocktailtimes.com/distillery ... ndex.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Making Scotch Whiskey
http://running_on_alcohol.tripod.com/id34.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Let’s see how things proceed shall we?
