My first VM still - run

[kaziel]

Just want to share with you my awesome exp after completing my first ever VM still and my first run, below parts:

Boiler - 30L keg with welded (tig + CO2) 5/4" heating element port,
Heating elements - 1.4kW + 2kw SS,
Controller - up to 5.5kW phase angle, digital 0.5% step 0-100% range,
Column 50mm (2") diameter, 120 (4') high, tri clamp fittings, material 304 SS, welded with tig + argon, whole thing etched, passivized and electro-polished,
Head 45cm (18"), 1" take off, 316 SS ball valve (PTFE seals) 1" to 3/8" 316SS reducer,
Liebig 75cm (30") inner tube 3/8 (1m - 40") jacked 35mm (1.25") 75cm jacked lenght 304 SS,
Reflux condenser 304 SS flexi tube 8-10mm outer diameter, 0.3mm thick,
2 tri clamp PTFE easy gaskets,
Packing SS scrubbers + 25cm (10") of copper SPP,

After doing cleaning run and checking for leaks I've couldn't wait for my WPOSW to finish so I've run 14L of my old wash (sugar+raisins) starting ABV was 10%. My power on run was 1.8kW and my boiler was not insulated (column was insulated pretty good). Fores & heads were extremely nasty after bleeding them i was collecting 100ml every 7min (850ml/h) abv of spirit was 97% @14C! I know you can't go pass 95.6% and 97% is due to my alcometer accuracy but I'm very pleased with outcome.
I've got 3 thermo-ports in column. Had only one installed (30cm below takeoff). I'm planing to move to eARC in a short while after I've finish my valve control. Thermometer in a base of a column is for auto start/stop process (cooling water, power), 3rd thermometer is in take off. I'm also planning on filling my whole column with SS SPP (only got like 1.2L now).