RUNNING A BOKA TWIN SLANT PLATE REFLUX COLUMN

[still crazy]

Wrote out a run set of instructions for a member and though I would post here.
Feel free to comment and I will edit with any info I might have missed or be in error.

These instruction are for a twin slate plate design head column
>> using copper packing
>> having a column mounted parrot (optional)

<<< Pack column so that you can breathe thru the tube
<<< mount your column on the boiler and test your water flow thru the condenser
<<< apply heat to boiler and turn on your cooling water < flow can be slow until temp begins to rise
<<< the goal of packing is to slow down the vapor and let it condense as it rises
<<< this allows the water (it will cool first) to drop out and return to the boiler
<<< by doing this your purest alcohol will rise up to your condenser as vapor
<<< the vapor will then condense back to a liquid where it drops down onto your slant plates
<<< your take off valve should be open and your condenser output warm to the touch
<<< arrange your collection jars and using masking tape and a sharpie number the jars for future reference (date and type of wash is good here too}
<<< watch your temp and as the temp rises thru the acetone/methanol range (54C/130F-71C/160F) draw off the distillate and discard (FORESHOTS)
<<< close the take off tube
<<< watch your temp and let column equalize at (78C/172F) your are now refluxing ethanol < our target product
<<< make heat and water flow adjustment as needed
<<< the upper plate will shed the liquid into the lower plate which is acting like a cup
<<< the cup plate overflow will be directed back down the center of the column via the notch in the plate
<<< after allowing the column to reflux for about 15 minutes
<<< slowly open your takeoff valve to the parrot and leave the parrot dump valve open to adjust your drip count
<<< HEADS will come off first and continue thru to HEARTS < you will note subtle temp differences
<<< when you are happy with your drip close the dump valve and insert your alcohol meter into your parrot
<<< allow parrot to fill and take ABV reading < for actual reading you will have to adjust for temp.
<<< fill collection jars with approx 1cup/300ml and number jars for reference
<<< TAILS will start at approx. 174F
<<< continue collecting until you reach 82C (180F)

SHUT her down age open for 1 week min cover containers with cloth tops < I use squares of old sheets (natural fiber) cotton