in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
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Re: Calling Hawke
No, I don't imagine it did any dancing. That all looks to be hell for stout.
For a vacuum break, you could tap into the top of the keg or lower column with a small ball valve. Then just open it when you shut off the power.
For a vacuum break, you could tap into the top of the keg or lower column with a small ball valve. Then just open it when you shut off the power.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Re: Calling Hawke
I'll bet your right. I'm hoping the addition of the thumper will temper back my lack of control.Hack wrote:I'll bet you'll end up wanting better control over the temp.
This year was dedicated to getting my cooker assembled. I blew my wad.
The 30amp variac is really spendy. But I want all 30 amps for the quick heat up.
Next year (if I can wait) I'll get the controller.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: Calling Hawke
I may be inclined to add a couple of dump valves for ease of clean up. A 1" for the primary and a 3/8" (or the like) for the thumper. Perhaps I should also install something for the vacume break while the tools are out.Hawke wrote:No, I don't imagine it did any dancing. That all looks to be hell for stout.
For a vacuum break, you could tap into the top of the keg or lower column with a small ball valve. Then just open it when you shut off the power.
Thats a good call. Thanks Gents.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: Calling Hawke
Well, I'm pretty sure I had good success with my limited control switch.
I switched over to 120 volts when the base of the column got hot but still touchable.
The discharge was a series of very fast drips. Kind of a "bappity bappity bap" dripping.
I collected down to 65% then switched back up to 240 volts and she just poured.
The entire start up to finish was 5 hours.
I switched over to 120 volts when the base of the column got hot but still touchable.
The discharge was a series of very fast drips. Kind of a "bappity bappity bap" dripping.
I collected down to 65% then switched back up to 240 volts and she just poured.
The entire start up to finish was 5 hours.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: Calling Hawke
I charged the thumper with low wines (maybe two or three inches) and wash.
My head without the thumper would offer 45% on a single push.
The thumper (through the 3 liters of combined hearts) is at 80% @ 60 dgrees F.
My head without the thumper would offer 45% on a single push.
The thumper (through the 3 liters of combined hearts) is at 80% @ 60 dgrees F.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: Calling Hawke
Sounds like it's working about right to me. WTG.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Re: Calling Hawke
???Hawke wrote:WTG.
When I poped the thump lid after the run, I did not note any vacume pressure as such.
There was only 3/4" of liquid in the thump pot after the run. I charged the thumper with 3 or 4 inches.
I imagine some of the liquid could have siphoned back into the boiler as I did see some sucking back through the float.
But I am a little unclear as to why this is an issue?
On a partial related note:
I bought my hydro to help me make a more apples to apples comparison (old unit to new unit). I found the dependancy on trying to evaluate the run by using the numbers to be rather annoying.
I much prefer using my smell and taste.
I'll use the hydro for odds and ends but I recon it'll say in the drawer more often than not.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: Calling Hawke
Let me say,, taking the head off whould work, or a hand valve whould also. but a check valve whould be automatic.
something less to worry about when your taking care of other things. something like a anti siphon valve "mite?" work.
something less to worry about when your taking care of other things. something like a anti siphon valve "mite?" work.
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Re: Calling Hawke
For a relief valve, simply install a 1/2" or 3/4" "foot valve". Available in the plumbing section for around 10 clams... Very reliable.
"WTG" = Way To Go
Say, can the mods change the thread title? We'll never find this again in a year or so when looking for in-line thumper...
"WTG" = Way To Go
Say, can the mods change the thread title? We'll never find this again in a year or so when looking for in-line thumper...
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
durabla makes stainless check valves from 1/4" up. search "durabla check valve". if you put one in the top of your float it would provide a path from atmosphere to boiler. bear in mind anything mechanical can fail. in this case failure only results in siphoning your thumper if it sticks. cob
edit
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Last edited by cob on Sun Sep 27, 2009 12:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
be water my friend
Re: Calling Hawke
The vacuum would be in the boiler rather than the thumper. There's two reasons this could be an issue that I can think of. You'd be mixing thumper juice back into what's going to be your backset for the next run if you are making a sour mash. Also, awhile back somebody posted how they were running their traditional copper pot with a thumper outdoors as a demonstration at a fair or something. It started to rain which cooled the boiler enough to cause a vacuum and it started to cave in the side of his boiler. From the look of your rig the second one won't be a problem. It's not on mine.LWTCS wrote: When I poped the thump lid after the run, I did not note any vacume pressure as such.
There was only 3/4" of liquid in the thump pot after the run. I charged the thumper with 3 or 4 inches.
I imagine some of the liquid could have siphoned back into the boiler as I did see some sucking back through the float.
But I am a little unclear as to why this is an issue?
On a partial related note:
I bought my hydro to help me make a more apples to apples comparison (old unit to new unit). I found the dependancy on trying to evaluate the run by using the numbers to be rather annoying.
I much prefer using my smell and taste.
I'll use the hydro for odds and ends but I recon it'll say in the drawer more often than not.
I also prefer to go by smell and taste. I only use my hydrometer to check my proof after cuts to see where I'm at and then again after it's aged a bit to cut it down to drinking proof.
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Yup. With my old unit, twice through made it right at where I wanted it to be...........or where I got used to it being. 65 to 70%. For my taste that was just fine.Hack wrote:I also prefer to go by smell and taste. I only use my hydrometer to check my proof after cuts to see where I'm at and then again after it's aged a bit to cut it down to drinking proof.
I recon I'll need the hydro to get the likker cut to my liking.
Also, I recon the hydro numbers make it more easy to discuss,,,,,comparisons and so forth
By comparision old unit to new unit:
*12 hours stilling per 40 liters to 5 hours per 40 liters
*65 to 70% after two runs compared to 80 to 83% after one run.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Thanks cob. I like that thingcob wrote:durabla makes stainless check valves from 1/4" up. search "durabla check valve".
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Glad to see its working out for you.
OD
OD
OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS ......
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
A few more thoughts:
I have up graded on three fronts really.
*Boiler size
*Heat input
*Thumper addition
(And formerly the new head)
These three combined are really the reason for such noteable improvements. The addition of any one of these changes would have put me in better position.
How much? Don't know. But I recon some of the gents do.
I was never able to establish baseline reference points as I went from driving,,,,,,,,a k car to a Ferrari over night.
After speaking with olddog, I'm gonna run this thing full blast for an entire run and see how well things go. For my own edification.
I have up graded on three fronts really.
*Boiler size
*Heat input
*Thumper addition
(And formerly the new head)
These three combined are really the reason for such noteable improvements. The addition of any one of these changes would have put me in better position.
How much? Don't know. But I recon some of the gents do.
I was never able to establish baseline reference points as I went from driving,,,,,,,,a k car to a Ferrari over night.
After speaking with olddog, I'm gonna run this thing full blast for an entire run and see how well things go. For my own edification.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
WOW that is the idea I had rolling around in my head for a little while now (thumper on top in line with keg) but was afraid to mention much about it becuase I figured someone would tell me how dumb of an idea it was..... that is a nice set up LWTCS!
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Aw shucks.
Thanks for noticing.
Thanks for noticing.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
are you circulating water on top of the orb/sphere above the thumper? assuming for added reflux
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Yes, Starts out @ 83% gets through heads and bumps to 87% and holds through the body. Ahh,, that was my last run.trial&error wrote:are you circulating water on top of the orb/sphere above the thumper? assuming for added reflux
Certainly not looking for reflux column numbers. Just really clean pot stilled.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Good stuff ..nice shed L.W
off your post below
*12 hours stilling per 40 liters to 5 hours per 40 liters
*65 to 70% after two runs compared to 80 to 83% after one run.
is this pretty average for a pot type still and one with a thumper added
off your post below
*12 hours stilling per 40 liters to 5 hours per 40 liters
*65 to 70% after two runs compared to 80 to 83% after one run.
is this pretty average for a pot type still and one with a thumper added
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
What I was refering to is the comparison to the 8 quart stove top rig i was running before the start of this build.
Your question is not quite as cut and dry as there are a couple different ways to run a thumper.
And differences from one unit to the next may result in a unit that experiences more passive reflux.
But the thumper will definitely add more ABV. My intension was to only run once and get 70% or better.
But then that crazy wildman OD got me all jacked up on copper. And now I'm pulling 95% on a very very rummy (dare I say) vodka.
Sizes and math are words merely taped to the seat of my pants while figuring how to spill some more solder on the bench top.
Triple inline thumpers atop the Humper and a dephlagmator are the latest add ons.
Your question is not quite as cut and dry as there are a couple different ways to run a thumper.
And differences from one unit to the next may result in a unit that experiences more passive reflux.
But the thumper will definitely add more ABV. My intension was to only run once and get 70% or better.
But then that crazy wildman OD got me all jacked up on copper. And now I'm pulling 95% on a very very rummy (dare I say) vodka.
Sizes and math are words merely taped to the seat of my pants while figuring how to spill some more solder on the bench top.
Triple inline thumpers atop the Humper and a dephlagmator are the latest add ons.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Who me,LWTCS wrote:But then that crazy wildman OD got me all jacked up on copper.
See where it got yaLWTCS wrote:And now I'm pulling 95% on a very very rummy (dare I say) vodka.
Give it time , it WILL happen.LWTCS wrote:figuring how to spill some more solder on the bench top
OD
OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS ......
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Nice work LWTCS. Glad pete came along and dug all this stuff up. First time I saw this post I was still trying to understand the basics and everything read like a NASA flight plan. NOW, I UNDERSTAND.
Need I say Inspirational thread. What is the thread for the still head build? I'd like to read up on some of the discussion. Really interesting piece you got there.
Due to recent upgrades, I will soon be capable of running my 15 gallon rig indoors. I must admit I'm a "lightweight" but I really enjoy stillin in 72 degree air conditioned air when the ambient outside air is 101F with 98% humidity. Will tend to encourage a little extra spending to provide some creature comfort.
Was talking thumpers earlier today with a member and I think I may have just found my next project.
Need I say Inspirational thread. What is the thread for the still head build? I'd like to read up on some of the discussion. Really interesting piece you got there.
Due to recent upgrades, I will soon be capable of running my 15 gallon rig indoors. I must admit I'm a "lightweight" but I really enjoy stillin in 72 degree air conditioned air when the ambient outside air is 101F with 98% humidity. Will tend to encourage a little extra spending to provide some creature comfort.
Was talking thumpers earlier today with a member and I think I may have just found my next project.
A little spoon feeding for New and Novice Distillers (by Cranky)
Advice- For newbies, by a newbie
Advice- For newbies, by a newbie
Novice Guide for Cuts (pot still)kook04 wrote: maybe cuts are the biggest learning curve, here.
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Walking ,,howdy again ..i get the Nasa flight plane thing ..gezz ... think im strapped in goin for the hell ride lol ..hope ya had a good day or have ya had it yet lol
LT id be keen for that link too she looks great .over and out
LT id be keen for that link too she looks great .over and out
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
My first stillhead upgrade was helpful nut not worth replicating. Much of those bits have been reclaimed.WalkingWolf wrote:What is the thread for the still head build?
The "Thump Tower Concept" I assume is what your asking about Wolf?
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Wonderful thread! Great pics too.
When I get my still up & runnin I'll likely start by making multiple runs, but I'll keep good notes on how everything performs. I'll probably make one of these inline thumpers and compare the performance.
I like the sound of a simple ball valve on the boiler to relieve any vacuum rather than a check valve or anything to complicate what is otherwise such a simple design. Thanks for sharing this!
When I get my still up & runnin I'll likely start by making multiple runs, but I'll keep good notes on how everything performs. I'll probably make one of these inline thumpers and compare the performance.
I like the sound of a simple ball valve on the boiler to relieve any vacuum rather than a check valve or anything to complicate what is otherwise such a simple design. Thanks for sharing this!
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
Here is a draft of the build plan I did for Larry, it might help others contemplating a build.
OD
OD
OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS ......
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Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
olddog wrote:Here is a draft of the build plan I did for Larry, it might help others contemplating a build.thats beatifuuly simple cheers O.D
OD
Re: in-line thumper... Calling Hawke
I don't take credit for the design, it was Larry's concept, I just made the working drawing with a couple of refinements.
OD
OD
OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS ......