Cleaning run - slow output?

[JohnnyP]

Hello.

Just finished building my first still - a LM offset head 2" stainless steel. 1.2m packed column on a 50L ss keg. Heated with gas. Had it's first cleaning run this evening - 50/50 vinegar and water. All worked well and no leaks but the output flow-rate was much less than i expected. Flat out it couldn't manage a steady stream, only dripping quite fast but not enough to be a constant trickle. Does this seem too slow or am i expecting too much?
(should have measured flow but was distracted, sorry)

Gas burner is like the picture (but only one of em), was running flat out. Not sure how much heat it puts out, was one i had laying around. Is it big enough?

Column is packed pretty tight with copper mesh (from Amphora society) and while i can breath through it there is definitely some restriction. Could this be slowing output?

Is there something else i haven't thought of or should check?

Thanks for your help,
John

[Dnderhead]

before making changes wait until you do a run with wash/alcohol, it will be much different.

[rad14701]

Column is packed pretty tight with copper mesh (from Amphora society) and while i can breath through it there is definitely some restriction. Could this be slowing output

"Tight" is a broad definition... You should be able to breathe through the column without restriction when properly packed... If you have resistance the packing is too "tight"...

[kiwistiller]

I tried my 50l keg on a burner like that and found it too slow. but yes, the booze run will go faster. make sure everything is nice and insulated, that'll help.

[JohnnyP]

Thanks for the help guys.

Sounds like i'll be re-packing my column, but i'll run a wash through first. Got a sugar wash almost ready to go.
...and a new burner as well. Any suggestions on size please? Not quite sure what i'm looking for.

Thanks,
John

[kiwistiller]

if your column isn't flooding I'd leave the mesh alone for now. which country are you in? if we know where you are you can probably get a specific burner recommended.

[JohnnyP]

I'm in Australia.
Recommendation on burner size would be real helpful as people post how mant BTUs or MJ/hr but i don't know what that looks like unless its written on the packaging somewhere.

I don't think column was flooding. Nothing but vapour coming out the top (cleaning run). I've read here that you can hear if the column is flooding; What sort of sound am i listening for?

[kiwistiller]

go to bunnings and grab one of their three ring cast iron burners. they're pretty cheap. I have tried the 2 ring but it was really slow to heat up and a bit shit for stripping.

You would be listening for a gurgling sort of sound for flooding.

[JohnnyP]

Thanks Kiwistiller, exactly what i needed.

[kiwistiller]

Oh also the reg is sold separately. The chances are you already have one that might fit attached to your current one or whatever (check the output rate of the reg before going), and failing that you could get one cheaper from a bbq shop.