Page 1 of 1

Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 12:18 pm
by Aquafish
Need a little advice: I have a 15.5 gallon boiler with a 5500 watt, 240 watt heating element. I have a LM Boka still. I plan on doing more neutral spirits than any other type spirit. I want to maximize my time spent with handling washes. I plan on using Rad’s all bran and Taters birdwatchers washes. For those who have done these washes what in the maximum amount of wash you can put into a 15.5 gallon boiler without causing foaming problems? I plan on doing strip runs first to save time and energy. If different, what is the maximum amount of low wines, from these washes, can you use for a spirit run :?: I want to fill the boiler to its max. And please I have done lots of reading I'm for advice looking from people who have been there and done that :think: Thanks as always :)

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 12:52 pm
by rad14701
10 - 12 gallons would be the maximum boiler charge for a 15 gallon keg...

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:58 pm
by Aquafish
Not to inure the wrath of RAD :lol: but that is to generic an answer and one that’s prevalent throughout this forum. I’m looking for the experienced person, which I know you are :) , who stretches the limit; someone who knows the limits. A 23% to 35% spread answer isn’t an acceptable answer :econfused: . There must be a difference between running a wash and low wines. I’m the first to admit my limited knowledge but someone must have a better answer :) Thanks again all :)

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:06 pm
by NWSHINE
I ran 13-1/2gal of wash the other day. I also use a 15-1/2gal boiler. It worked ok, but I decided I wouldn't do any more then that. I was running an AG wash. It foamed a little but not enough to be a problem, I didn't get up to my bottom plate...

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:07 pm
by NWSHINE
BTW I'm def not the experienced person you are looking for... : )

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:13 pm
by rad14701
Run what you want... If it pukes, run less next time... Nobody is going to give exacts, like it's alright to run 14.5 gallons in a 15.5 gallon keg, because there are a lot of variables... You can run a bit more low wines than wash because the potential for puking has been mitigated... We generalize because we want there to be a safety margin... Do what works right for "you"...

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:15 pm
by ga flatwoods
Well hell yea we do! Rad dont know he dont have time to run anymore and forgot most of what he used to know when he did run regular. I think I heard it said he forgot more than most on here know!
the answer is only run 76.24842097% of your boiler at any size. =11.81850525 for 15.5 gallons.

Ga Flatwoods

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:34 pm
by NWSHINE
Thanks for the data GA Flatwoods! Very good to know.

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:00 pm
by rad14701
Too funny...!!! :P

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:19 pm
by T-Pee
ga flatwoods wrote:Well hell yea we do! Rad dont know he dont have time to run anymore and forgot most of what he used to know when he did run regular. I think I heard it said he forgot more than most on here know!
the answer is only run 76.24842097% of your boiler at any size. =11.81850525 for 15.5 gallons.

Ga Flatwoods
Jeez. What part of your anatomy did you pull THAT from? Image

tp

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 5:48 pm
by Prairiepiss
Why is it so important to run the maximum amount you can. By the way none of us can give you the exact answer for you and your still and your ferments. Because we don't run your still and your ferments. Even if we did. It would be more then likely ran differently than you would do it.

10 to 13 gallons would be my suggestion.

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 7:07 am
by Aquafish
Thanks NWshine your response was just what I was looking for more would have been useful, you know been there and done that :D I think the other responders stopped any further input. Can't even ask a simple question without someone challenging why you want to doing something, amazing :moresarcasm: If any of the responders actually read my input there would have been no reason for them to respond to begin with :moresarcasm: A small group here just loves to berate novices. Humor and sarcasm has it's place like fore shots and tails :yawn: Anyway thanks for the responses I'm sure you got your points across to everyone.

PS: RAD your wash turned out a nice 95% after my first run. Nice recipe

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 7:32 am
by ga flatwoods
:D =11.81850525 for 15.5 gallons.

I forgot to say + or - a little
Ga Flatwoods

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 8:21 am
by Aquafish
Thanks Ga I though you were off a few decimal points :D By the way I see a lot of Master titles kicking around here are you sure it's for distilling :D Man is the only kind of varmint sets his own trap, baits it, then steps in it. :think: Keep up the good work :D

Re: Maximum Run

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 11:19 am
by Boda Getta
The correct answer is between 11.625 and 12.425 US Gals. The exact answer would vary on your locations altitude, the ambient temperature at your location, the exact BTU of your heat source, the exact ABV (adjusted for temp) of your wash, the exact SG of the wash (adjusted to temp)....... or just use the usual Rule of Thumb of around 3/4 of your pots volume.

BG