Heat input vs. time for spirit run

[peanutaxis]

So I've done plenty of wash runs but now I'm doing my first spirit run. I have a motor speed controller for non-thermostat-cycling. I've noticed this problem with distilling wash also but it seems far more pronounced while doing a spirit run.

To begin with you want to get a lot of heat into the contents of your still just to bring it up to temp, so you put it on full, otherwise it takes forever. But then suddenly the temp will jump. LEAP even! How do people deal with this? Do most have a thermometer in the still contents so they know when they're getting close to the temp that distillate starts coming?

thanks
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[beowoulfe]

No thermometer. I can feel the vapor rising in my column with my hand.

[dakotasnake]

what kinda rig are ya running? on a 5 gal. run its about 3 hrs for me including cleanup and tear down.

[rtalbigr]

It's all part of learning how your still behaves, so experience. For example, I know with a 5 gal charge of low wines it will take roughly 60 minutes to get the temp up. So, I go at full power for 45 minutes and then cut the power way down. Then like beowoulfe I'll start feeling my column so I know what's happening. From there I just adjust my power input by what my discharge is.

Big R

[peanutaxis]

No thermometer. I can feel the vapor rising in my column with my hand.

It's all part of learning how your still behaves, so experience. For example, I know with a 5 gal charge of low wines it will take roughly 60 minutes to get the temp up. So, I go at full power for 45 minutes and then cut the power way down. Then like beowoulfe I'll start feeling my column so I know what's happening. From there I just adjust my power input by what my discharge is.

Big R

Thanks, Yeah the problem I found is that the vapour rises up the column before it heats the column, so how hot it is doesn't help. Like you say, though, I probably just need to get to know my setup, for spirit runs as well as stripping.

[maheel]

is it a reflux still ?

if yes set it to full reflux and just wait till the column heats up and stabilizers

if pot then you often "hear" the boiler come to the boil (mine sort of quietens down) and you know it's just about time

[beowoulfe]

is it a reflux still ?

if yes set it to full reflux and just wait till the column heats up and stabilizers

if pot then you often "hear" the boiler come to the boil (mine sort of quietens down) and you know it's just about time

My first still was a thin walled SS and it made a real racket as it heated up and through the boil. Now I have a HEAVY SS boiler and it is ever so quiet. I have to get really close to it to hear it at all.