First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

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oakspring
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First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

Completed my Vinegar cleaning run two days ago. No leaks and really cleaned up the insides.

Corn flake mash.

.........Column Ambient
Time Temp Temp Notes
1115 69.8F 62.0F 2.5 gallon corn flake mash in four gallon boiler with Boka reflux still with copper scrubby packing.

1125 74.1F 62.0F Sounds of boiling started

1130 78.2F 62.0F

1145 170.0F 64.0F WOW temp in column suddenly jumped. First drops of distillate started. Solid rolling boil heard.

1155 172.2F 64.0F Hydrometer in Parrot starting to rise. Using Proof/Trolle Scale Hydrometer.

1158 172.2F 64.0F First product to leave Parrot's beak, Hydrometer reading 105 Proof.

1207 173.8F 64.0F Minor leak in take off needle valve - WHOOPS it ignited!! Quickly got that under control and leak fixed with teflon tape. No damage done.
ETOH take off holding steady at 105 Proof

1210 174.4F 64.0F Just under 200ml collected so fare, proof steady at 105

1215 175.5F 64.0F Steady quick drops to small squirts, proof steady at 105

1220 175.4F 65.0F Proof dropped to 90, 300ml collected in Jar #1, switching to jar #2

1227 177.4F 65.0F Proof dropped to 70, 100ml collected in Jar #2.

1235 187.3F 65.0F Proof dropped again to 60, 200ml collected so far in Jar #2

Stopped run - too soon? I don't know. Of note this experiment is being conducted at just over 5,000 feet in elevation. That will have an effect on boiling point. Dropping it to just around 202-204F.

Ideas, suggestions, advice and wisdom openly welcomed. This is my first run so be gentle! :crazy:

Just starting second run with "low wines" 10% ETOH starting. Will post more when this run is done. THANKS
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

When you run with the valve open and use heat to control your still, and temp rises linearly (proof falls) as you go....that's running your Boka in potstill mode. Sounds like you did a single run of wash, with the valve open (ie., potstill method). Secondly, low-wines (stripped washes combined together) should be around 35-45%..not 10%. If you stripped washes and it came out to 10%...you ran it too long and got back near what you started with. 52% is low for a boka...even on a first run under potstill mode. Should have been more like 80%.

As to running in reflux mode for a LM still like the boka, there are some good/detailed instructions printed in the readme section of the site that Husker put up. It covers running this type of still in both potstill mode and under reflux. But the gist of it is...you make SURE the top of your boka is open to atmosphere (either has holes drilled in the cap if you have one on the top, or that the coil is sitting open at the top). Then, you start with the valve "closed" and bring the pot up to a boil (make sure your condenser is on so the vapor doesn't just come out the top). Lower the heat once it gets up to temp ....and yes..it pretty much does just as you described ..ie., jumps up suddenly. The difference is you let it sit that way, with the valve closed and the temp steady and the condenser on..for a period of time to reflux and equalize before opening the valve and taking off distillate. The faster you take the liquid off...the less reflux there will be, and the more likely temp will rise, proof drop (and visa-versa) — hence, why they call it a LM (liquid management) still — because you are controlling the amount of reflux by the amount of distillate/liquid you take off-vs what you are returning to the pot via refluxing down the column.

Somewhere there is a balance where you take off just enough liquid to maintain the reflux and temp will remain steady. You don't want the temp to rise when doing a reflux run. That's a sure sign you are moving too fast and tails are coming. When you see temp rise, or taste tails...shut the valve and let it equalize again (you'll see the temp drop back down again) then start taking it off again..only slower.

That's the basics to look for when operating a boka. The longer you leave it reflux with the valve closed ..the more flavor it will strip out and the higher proof will be up to the limit of your design. I have a shorter one (24" of packing) and pulled 93% without even trying on the first run of low-wines. Damn near broke my hydrometer bottoming it out. That was after leaving it with valve closed for about an hour. You can also experiment with letting it reflux for shorter amount of time, etc. or doing a combination of ...refluxing it for 15-30mins up front...take off fores slowly, then open the valve up and adjust heat to let it run in potstill mode the rest of the way. Bob's ur Uncle on that.

And above all, please be safe. Don't need any fires, or etc. That leak should have shown up in your vinegar run. But, crap happens..so keep your eyes peeled. Mainly take care that you are open to atmosphere and don't pressurize your still. With the valve closed..there has to be somewhere else that's open to air. We use the condenser to knock the vapor down so it doesn't escape...but having it open at the top..also keeps it from pressurizing. I always keep some paste (flour/water dough) around to slap on anything in case of an emergency during a run. But, also keep a good fire extinguisher at the ready just in case (keep it just "out' of the area you are immediatley working in..as...any fire would prevent you from staying there.)
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

THANKS! I really appreciate the input and advice.

I've done a couple of mashes and ran one through an airstill....that was a waste of time :thumbdown: . That's what I thought of as low wines. I guess not as the hydrometer only showed them sitting at about 10% or 20 proof.

So I built the Boka. It's a short one, as that's what I had to work with. The tower is 2" in diameter and only 23" tall. The plates and thermometer are mid way up. The lower half is loosely packed with a stretched out copper scrubbie. The cooling coil fills the upper half and is a double helix design. At least that part I got right the first time. There is a top plate but it's loosely sitting on the copper tube tower, but as a result of my readings here on this site and just in case I also drilled a 3/8" vent hole through it. I don't need a bomb going off in my face or on my back porch.

That leak was the result of the slip joint expanding during the heating process. Once I tightened it up and covered it with Teflon tape that took care of it. I will however disassemble that joint and doubly make sure it's properly secured before the next run. That was a little too exciting!

Any ways....I was following Husker's instructions on the second run and think that perhaps I was a tad too impatient on the first run. I'm pretty sure I didn't let it reflux long enough the first time. Guess I got a little excited watching those first drops come out. I think I need to work out a table for my temps at my altitude (5,024 ft.). I know it effects all our baking and cooking here. Water boils at a lower temp at this elevation and I would expect the same of alcohol. I might have been cooking everything a little to high in the first run. I seem to get the best take off at around 168F to 172F. Any hotter and everything slows down and the ABV drops drastically.

Also I'm not sure just where to pull the cuts. Depending upon what source I've ready it's anywhere from 100ml to 250ml for Foreshots, then 100ml to 150ml and maybe 200ml before I start to run into the hearts. That first bit is very easy to call as the smell of acetone?/volatiles is very strong, but then my nose gets stupid. I actually like the smell and taste of what I think are the heads (I'm a Scotch/Whiskey kind of guy!!), so when that acrid smell leaves I'm guessing that I'm dealing with the heads. Shortly after that what I believe to be the Hearts start to come along and then suddenly after only a 100-200 ml's the vapor temp jumps and the output drops off as well as the ABV begins to quickly drop. Trying to balance out the temp of the vapor is a challenge and I never seem to recover the quality of the output flow.

I have no idea where the tails are on these runs and kick up the temp and opening the take off fully doesn't really seem to do much. So I'm not quite sure where I'm at, at this point.

After thoughts: The initial fermentation's were based on the Corn Flakes recipe. I actually like the sort of "malt" like flavor of the Heads during the first two runs. I'm not sure if I did the runs correctly for the Hearts and have no idea what or where the heck the Tails are. I might have stopped everything too soon, which is what I suspect, or I may have pushed everything too fast., I'm just not sure. I was expecting more product than the couple of hundred milliliters that I ended up with, but then I could be totally doing these runs incorrectly. I might be pulling off more Foreshots than I need to, being over cautious not to partake of any nasty volatiles. :crazy:

So....am I in the ballpark? Heck, am I even in the stadium here?
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

You'll get there...just takes time. Lets go a over a few things:

The airstill: those things run with continuous heat until you shut them off. You have to know when your run of wash/mash/low-wines is done and pull the plug on it. Otherwise, it will just run all the alcohol out, then start putting water in it...eventually, you'd just end up with what you started with. That's probably how you ended up with only 10%. Your wash was probably close to that when you started. It's a common misconception starting out that 1 gal of mash/low-wines makes 1 gal of booze. Doesn't work like that. The still doesn't "make" alc. The fermentation makes the alc, and the distillation "concentrates" the alc by separating it from the water based mixture based on differing boiling points. So, 4,000ml (1L) of 10% wash...has a potential of 400ml (1,000 x .10) of 100% alc that you can possibly extract. The way to look at it is..it's the "same" amount of alc only concentrated in different volumes. This is also the reason that those tiny volume stills are difficult to do cuts on...(because you actually get so little back and you'd have to collect in very small amounts to even notice transitions.

The next thing I think is to talk about your still. Can you post a pic so we can see what your working with here? Did you follow the basic boka plans? I just want to double check a couple things here...you say it's 24" (2 feet) and your plates are halfway (or 12") and your condenser fits in the top half. I think your build is a little off if that's the case. Your condenser should only be about 6" long or so. And the top plate should only be about 1" below the bottom of the coil. It's ok if your condenser is longer (it's just overkill), BUT, the important part is your top plate should "still" start only 1" below the bottom of it ....which basically means you'd need an even "longer" column/tube to start with — hence the reason most people build them more compact...to allow more room for packing in the tube and avoid excess column height/weight. So, unless your condenser is 12" long, your plates are far to low. If that's the case its easy enough to fix. Just trim the top of the column down till the coil sits at the proper height. Then, you are gonna need a longer tube "below" for more packing. Cut, the pipe several" below the plates/take-off, and add another length of pipe using a copper join to solder the bottom part with your connection on it to your pot, to the top part with plates. Measure twice, cut once, to achieve the proper length you need for packing...which is measured from a couple inches inside the column, up to a 2 or 3 inches below the "bottom" plate.

The packing should be 24-36" with most people opting for the later making a taller column, which makes it easier to squeeze out the last few % between 93-95%. My column is short at 36" and has a 6" condenser, and uses about 24-26" of copper mesh packing rolled up in it and it easily hits 93%. But, I'd have to really work hard to get past that (ie., let it equalize a really long time and drip it off very slowly). So, if you want to build it proper...you need about 40" of pipe between your pot and the bottom plate to accommodate 36" of packing plus leaving room for a couple inches each side....(the plates/coil being above that and requiring even further/more length). If height or weight is a concern, you can make is shorter but it's going to come at the expense of having to work harder (slower) to push it up to azetrope (and may or may not even reach that if you cut too short). I think the absolute min would be about 24-26".....which is what I have. If your column/packing is too short...you'll find it very hard to hold a stable temp in there. The other thing to help with that is also to insulate the column. I use black-foamrubber looking stuff thats actually made for insulating pipes from "cold" but it works fine. It's pre-cut for size and has tape/glue on one side. I put zip-ties around it top and bottom to keep it from coming off.

Cuts: this is something that you'll gain experience with over time. But, you are doing the right thing by using your own senses to detect the various fractions. You may have stopped early....need more info to determine that. What you do is multiply your volume, by the %abv which will give you the total of 100% alc available. That's theoretical number given its not possible to collect 100%, but it's close enough to give us an idea of how much total volume to expect. You also aren't going to be collecting down to "zero" either as the amount of fuel/energy/time it would take to push out the last bit of alc would not warrant what you'd get back. Overall volume will fluctuate based on proof as well.

The higher the proof, the more concentrated the E02 is, the less flavor will be imparted via the various compounds. Sounds like you already notice the heads. You should be "tasting" as well. Watering down higher proof to about 40% or so will usually bring out the off flavors even more. But, you should at least drip it on your finger and taste it as it comes out now and again. Heads are sweet as they are very high concentration of alc, and have a solvent taste to them and often smell of fingernail polish. That fades..both in smell and taste, until it's clean. Then a very "different" taste will start to fade "in" (tails). It's hard to describe, but has been described many ways...wetcardboard smell/taste, wet dog, burned taste, etc. To me it has a "bourbon" like flavor to it early on...and gets rather nasty — particularly at higher proofs. Very rough/bitter and base tasting...before finally fading out as it turns to water. So, a couple points here...one is...you need to taste. You'll taste tails before you smell them. By the time you smell them...it's a little late. And the other is to note that potstill distillation is linear and starts at it's highest abv...and ends lowest. Reflux stills attempt to flatten that curve in the middle...by "holding" higher abv...for longer...before suddenly dropping off right at the end.

A good way to learn about various fractions is to collect everything that comes out in multiple jars. Try to use at least 12-15. Divide your total volume you figured earlier by the number of jars to know how much to collect in each. Then line them up and smell, taste them. Another thing to do is to use a parrot...and float your hydrometer to monitor the abv constantly throughout your run. You'll start to see a correlation between vapor/column temp and abv. As temps go up, proof goes down, and visa-versa. If you'r doing a run on a boka under reflux and suddenly the temp starts to go up...that's a sure sign you are approaching tails. I usually close the valve again at that point and let it equalize again for a while. That will bring the temp back to where it was.

Anyway, other than an equipment check here...sounds like you just need more practice thats all. You'll get there :)
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

Just a follow up on something I missed....you don't need to worry about your temps being "off"/different from sea level. What you are looking for is when it "changes". It should settle after it comes up to boil, etc... After you get the fores off...and are into heads doing your run...you are looking to maintain/hold that temp (whatever it is) and you are watching to see if it "rises". If it does..you are running/output too fast. Slow it down. When you get to tails..it will surely want to rise...and you'll need to close off the valve and let it equalize a bit.

Like I said...if you want to have some fun...just take one wash...and don't worry about being perfect. Close the valve, turn on the water to your condenser...and turn on the heat. When it comes up to a boil..the temp will rise quickly in your column. Lower the heat and reduce the water flow to condenser until it's coming out warm/hot..but NOT letting steam/vapor come out the top. Once the temp settles...open the valve wide open. Watch the temp start going up. Now...close the valve all the way.....watch the temp go back down. Just play with it like that for a while. Watch how the corresponding temps relate to the abv of what's coming off. And note how the taste of the distillate changes some along the way. When you are done...you can flush out your column with water...and put everything you collected (save for the fores) back in and run it again. Won't hurt anything. That way, you can get a LOT of practice using "one" wash/mash.
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

Ok, here's some views of my Boka. I think maybe my tower may be a little bit too short.
This first pic is of the my setup during my vinegar run.
Image
This view should help you to get a better idea of the dimensions. I have the condenser hanging outside to show just how far down it goes
Image
Here's a closer view of the condenser which is about 9" overall with the actual coils concentrated in the last 7"
Image
Here's the lower aspect of the tower. The copper scrubbie packing starts at the bottom of the copper pipe and runs up to the lower plate
Image
Here's a closer view of the upper and lower plates, where the condenser reaches down to and the thermometer is located. All this happens at about the mid point of the copper tube.
Image

I'm wondering if I might be pushing the temperatures a little bit to high. From "Huskers" instructions as I understand it, you want to run the still head around 170F. I'm assuming that is somewhere around one atmosphere or sea level. Ok....the boiling point of water at sea level is 212F...here at around 5,000 ft that is approximately 203F. The boiling point of ethanol at sea level is 173F. So should I be running my still head at temps more around 159F to 161F??? :econfused: Does that sound correct?

Also is that temperature measurement from withing the packing, between the plates (where I have it now) or at the top of the column in the area of the condenser? Or....all of the above? :crazy:

If I'm running a 10% mash...10% +/- ABV of 4 gallons. So if 10% of 1 gallon is 0.8pints, then the absolute most I could possibly expect is 3.6 pints of distillate IF I squeezed out every single drop of alcohol. Hmmmm so realistically what I should expect for a 4 gallon run of 10% ABV is to gather about a half pint of Foreshots, a half pint of Heads, maybe a Pint of Hearts and a Pint or less of Tails. Does that sound right?

Would it be easier to do this all in metric? Temp, volume, etc.?

Oh and BTW, I really appreciate your help on this and hope that I'm not asking too many lame questions. I'm trying to work this out in a step by step recipe/Go-By so I can do this by the numbers, know exactly where I am in the process and produce a reliable product. I tend to be somewhat methodical that way. Hope you don't mind.

P.S. My goal here is to operate this Boka successfully learning on small batches before I build a larger still that I'm gathering up parts and pieces for now. The next build will be a larger Boka based on a 1/4 keg with a 2" column that is over five feet tall. To be heated on a propane turkey burner arrangement. But first I want to get this part down. Eventually I will also build a Pot Still to go with the 1/3 keg, however I'd like to get the bugs worked out of this smaller counter top still and then use it for smaller specialty runs or maybe even essential oils and such down the road, who knows.
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Dnderhead »

whats so hard? wash percent X amount of wash=total alcohol.
then you will be keeping about 1/3 of this.
metric is a bit easier to work with as you dont have to convert,gallons to quarts/pints/ounces.
exsampol.....
4 l of 10% wash= 4x .10=.4l or 400ml at 100% (with out cuts)

if doing in gallions then convert to somthing you can work with. this will depend on how much your working with..
exsampol..
one galion=148 oz X .10= 14.8 oz of totel alcohol.(with out cuts)
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

Thanks for images. That helps a lot. Your coil to plate distance looks a little close...should be about 1" above the top of the top plate. The coil is a little on the long side...normally you could cap the top right at the top of the coils wind...not have excess length inside the tube. But, it's fine. The real issue is the length below the plates/takeoff. You need more height and it's not insulated. That's probably why you are having trouble stabilizing temp.

AS to temp readings.... Your therm placement looks correct...just under the plate. That's where you are measuring vapor temp from. As I said before, with a correctly sized column...your still should stabilize somewhere near the boiling point of E02 (78.5c 172F. at sea level). And yes, you'd need to adjust that for where you are... apply whatever offset you have to those based on your boiling temp of water. But, with that short column, I doubt very seriously you are going to get it stabilize close to there..if at all . However, ultimately its usefullness is more about watching for when that number "changes" once it settles...than exactly what that number turns out to be. My last run on 5 gals low-wines using 36" boka with 24" packing stabilized around 80-81C and ran off 92+% jar after jar for several hours at that temp. I say plus, because my hydrometer was floored/bottomed out in my parrot due to some copper mesh I put in the bottom to protect it from breaking. So, that's as high as I could register it anyway. When the temp started to flash 82C, I shut the valve, let it restabilize on 81C...then started taking product off again..only slightly slower to try and maintain that temp.

The fix for you would be to cut your column between the plates and the connector to the pot, and add a section of pipe that will give you room for more packing — remembering to leave couple inches on either end. Once you get this head sorted..you could always use it on your new keg when you get it.
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

THANKS Usage!! :thumbup:

You've really clarified things for me. I'll lift the first glass to you for your help!

Ok, from everything we've discussed here's what I see that I need to do.
  • First raise the condenser up at least an inch - can do.
    Add an extension below the plates. At least an additional 12" inches to gain 24" total for packing.
    I definitely need to slow down the whole process.
    Sloooooooow down. Allow the reflux to happen at its own pace.
    Calculate temp variables based on altitude.
    Watch the temps closer and learn to balance the reflux.
I do have one more question on the packing. I've got a bunch of those all copper scrubbies, but just how tight do you pack the lower portion? Is one scrubbie opened up and loosely stuffed in there enough, two, three? THANKS!!
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

The packing should be dense and fit firmly, not loose, but should not be so tight that you stuff up the vapor flow and build up any pressure in it. It should still allow air through easily. If you can blow through it easily...that's good enough. You'd need several scrubbies (make sure they are copper or stainless and not coated steel...check it with magnet). Don't put them in long ways...push them up in balls using a stick...so you can tell how far you are setting them. You can leave slight space between them, that's ok. Put them one after the other. To get them out, use a coat hanger ..with a small hooked end...to push up and pull them out one at a time. OR, some people actually thread them together on a long piece of copper wire. Leave a little of the wire at bottom...and you pull the whole thing out. Another option is to by copper sheet mesh packing from brewhaus. It's only about 16 bucks I think and it's enough for a couple of times around. Just measure out 24 inches rolled loosely and cut. (it cuts easy with scissors). Use a stick to help push it up. Don't leave copper mesh hanging out the bottom of your column into the pot. It should end a few inches before that. There are probably some others opinions/posts about various packing methods to optimize things. Might be good to do a search on main forum for other ideas as well.

Yes, your still run under reflux will settle on a temp and equalize all by itself. Just make sure your condenser is on, valve closed and you adjust the heat down after the vapor temp rises, ...adjust condenser flow so that the water comes out warm/hot ...but without any vapor visibly coming out the top. After it settles on a temp (whatever that is) let it sit for an hour. If you notice the temp creeping up...your driving too much heat. After an hour, open the valve and drip off fores. If you take it off too fast...the temp will rise. You can take off faster once you get into hearts...just watch the temp. If it starts to go up...turn off the valve till it goes down, and then open it to slightly less flow than before. It really doesn't take that much fiddling once it settles in. Mostly...when you get towards tails..it will want to rise. You'll taste that happen before you see it. Close off the valve and let it equalize again for 15-30mins. Then take it off again. It will clean it right up up to the point you can't maintain that anymore...and that's solidly in tails. From there, you can just open the valve and run it off. The slower you drip it off...the higher the reflux ratio. The faster you drip it off..the lower the reflux ratio.

To "de-tune" your still for running in potstill mode....you remove the packing/scrubbies and run it from the start with the valve open...then use heat from bottom to control how fast/slow it drips off. You can add or leave some copper packing to fine tune things.

You'll want to make sure and flush your column good from the top with hot/warm water after each use to get rid of tails, etc.. If it gets funky, use citric acid and water.

24" of packing would be minimal. Most people use more than that. A good compromise might be 28-30". Remember to make sure and leave enough room on either side as well. Your packing should not be jammed up against the bottom plate. There should be at least 2-4" there. And you dont' want your packing hanging out the end of your column either. Should be at least 2-4" there as well. So, you have to figure your packing length PLUS these areas when you are deciding how much pipe to add to make it all come out right.
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by rad14701 »

As noted, you will not be able to maintain equilibrium with that short of a column with sparse structured packing... If you want quality spirits at a decent take off rate you need to have over 24" of packed column height, with 36" being optimal... I'd recommend going to the extent of making sure the entire lower column is evenly packed to within approximately one column diameter of the lower slant plate... And it should be packed just tight/loose enough to allow for vapor to flow freely at roughly 25 inches per second without excessive back pressure... Following these guidelines will insure that your column is capable of attaining and maintaining an equilibrium at the proper distillation temperatures and allow proper reflux to provide neutral high purity spirits at or near 95% ABV...
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

Thanks guys! I've made the modifications to the column as Usge suggested, added another foot to the lower half and raised the condenser coil by nearly two inches away from the upper slant plate. From what you both described I need to put more packing into the lower section, I only had one scrubbie pulled apart, stretched out then stuffed into the first section. By the above recommendations not nearly enough packing was in the column. So I'll take care of that tomorrow before the next run. I definitely need to let the system do a full hour of reflux to get things going and then watch how fast I run the take off. I'm sure I just ran things too fast the first time....the impatience of a newbee :shh:

So thanks again and I'll follow up with you all after the next run. THANKS!! :clap:
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by rad14701 »

Just remember, oakspring, that the magic happens in the lower packed column so don't be stingy with that section... Some folks run as much as 4 feet of packing on a 2" column... The more you have, the easier it is to run the still... It's the height and packing combined that allow for the column to maintain a temperature/purity gradient which is what you are striving for...

Good luck with the next run...
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

Results....first run after suggested modifications discussed above (Second run overall).

Modifications completed:

1. Extended lower column by 12", now have 24" available for packing
2. Raised condenser 1.5" above upper plate
3. Increased packing in lower column x 6 copper scrubbies
4. Modified column connector to inverted stainless steel sink drain on boiler (to improve vapor seal)

Second Run:
1. Following "Husker" operational instructions, once vapor temperature reached (71.7C @ 5,050ft elevation) column was equalized and run for one hour.
2, After one hour, began slow take off of Foreshots.
3. 150ml of Foreshots collected. OMG!!! 180 proof!! :esurprised:
4. Column re-equalized and 100ml Heads collected. 170 to 160 proof
5. Re-equalized column for 30 minutes
6. Began taking off Hearts. From 160 proof down to 80 proof and 300 ml collected
7. Re-equalized column for 40 minutes
8. Began taking off Tails with Proof running from 80 proof down to 40 proof for 250ml
9. Increased heat and condenser running full out. Take off valve fully opened. Collected Tails from 40 proof down to 10 proof.
10. Shut down, cool down and saved Dunder.

Right now I'm sitting here sampling the Hearts over ice and diluted to approximately 60 proof......YUMMMMMMMMY!!! :D It has an interesting "malty" bran like nose and flavor, not heavy or overwhelming but smooth and subtle. There's a nice kick and burn to the undiluted spirit. I'm sure with diligent aging in a properly charred cask this batch would be AWESOME!! :D

I can see where a longer column to allow more packing (better Reflux) and insulation would considerably increase the ease of maintaining the distillation balance. Also...to all newbies, Sloooooow down. Let things take their due course. Time is on your side. Did I mention that this is FUN!! And tasty tooooo!!!

FWIW: When I wanted to know what real food was...I grew my own. When i wanted to know what real bread was....I learned to bake my own. When I wanted to know what real coffee was...I learned to roast my own.
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

Oakspring... congrats ...sounds like some improvement there at least.

I think we got your equipment in better order than it was, but I think you might enjoy trying something to confirm it. It appears you are running this with very little alc in the pot to start with (by my calcs you got about a liter of alc back off what looks like a 4 or 5 gal pot. Although you got higher proof (it appears some of the tweaks worked), you are still not holding temp and abv very long...most probably because of the small amount of alc you ran out of it...could be too much heat too (running too fast take off). To see the difference..and to really see what this still can do...try running low-wines next time.

Try this next time....strip several washes/mashes down to low-wines. If you don't have a potstill head to use....just open the valve wide open, turn the condenser up high...and use high(er) heat. Collect all of it...in a single gallon jug. The idea is just to condense everything in your wash to a higher proof, cleaner..low-wines for a subsequent 2nd run. For 5 gals of avg 9 or 10% sugar based wash...you should get back about a gal of low-wines that aggregate would be about 35% or so. Repeat this 4 or 5 times until you have enough low-wines to fill you pot. If your low-wines come out higher proof there will be less of it...but just make sure to keep it 45% or under (that's a safety issue). You can also add any left-over feints (heads/tails) from your last run to this as well. Just watch the proof that it doesn't get too high.

After you have enough to run a full charge on your boka...run the same procedure you did above (equalize, etc). Watch the difference!! It should hold temp for several hours cranking out jar after jar of over 90%. You need to have some alc in there to really test this. Give it a try!! And congrats on getting your still tuned up a bit — one of the big advantages of building your own vs buying something.
oakspring
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by oakspring »

THANKS USGE!!and everyone else that contributed :clap:

I will give your suggestion a run. I agree that the mash was light on alcohol percentage to start with, so now I've got to get to brewing up a couple of more batches to run and collect as low wines. I was keeping an eye on taking off very slowly - a drop a second and less, however as you mentioned there probably wasn't a lot of alcohol to begin with, but I did get something and it was very tasty!! I'll tell you what - those Foreshots will definitely burn your nose hairs off! YEOW! I can clearly tell the Foreshots from the Heads by smell and feel. Kind of surprised me that I really could, but there is a noticeable difference. Now as the distillate moves into Hearts from the Heads, its a little more subtle. To me the "malty" Heads odor fades to a much lighter faint smell and I also noted that the ABV dropped. Of course I could just be confusing the whole process a little bit, but I was able to notice what appeared to be the various stages of distillation. Tails I'm not so sure about other than the temp raises and the ABV significantly drops.

I will pay close attention that I don't exceed the 45% ratio in the low wines as you advise, safety is a major concern and the last thing I need is to burn down my porch! :esurprised:

Hmmmm now which recipe to use?!?!?!?! :wink: "Hon....where's those extra boxes of Corn Flakes?" :ebiggrin:
Usge
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Re: First Boka Run - Am I doing it right?

Post by Usge »

Watering it down will help you taste heads/tails. Hard to taste anything at 180 proof :) (ie., it's very subtle).

Heads have a somewhat sweet taste them that can be rather pleasant late in...as they bleed into hearts. Hearts should be fairly neutral at that point and have little odor. You can probably smell the change between heads/hearts easily. But, to taste/find them, just water down a sample to around 40%...it will jump right out at you if any heads are in there. (hint: certain compounds will decouple from the E02 below 50% and separate..making them easier to detect). Tails tend to be oily (higher alcs). Just rub it between your fingers. Heads/hearts will be "scrunchy"/dry. Tails will be oily/slick.

Good luck! Enjoy! but be safe!
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