Home Distiller

So I've built everything, and about to fire it up with propane for the first time for the cleaning runs.

But before I do, I read the safety posts again and read about certain kegs blowing up. My keg is below. There is a double wall around the bung, but a hole is drilled in the outside wall on that one. Any other double wall stuff on this keg? (I know, a stupid time to consider this. Should have done this up front at keg selection time!!).

Here are the pics. Any experience with this keg? ........

How did the kegs you read about blow up?

The keg is fine. Just avoid designs that could lead to pressure buildup. No boiler should ever have pressure build up.

How do you plan on plugging that hole in the side?

That column design while safe, it is very outdated and generally not recommended. You might want to look at the modifications other people have done here with that type of still to improve its performance, if you have any issues with it.

Double wall basically. Read this ...... http://forum.northernbrewer.com/viewtopic.php?t=44238" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I'm worried there maybe a double wall in mine that I have not identified, around the center fat portion. I'm about to drill some holes.

One hole will suffice, if it is indeed double walled.

Did you look at the pics in your link? That's a totally different type of keg that what you got...

Edit: It didn't blow up because of a double wall design, which it's not. The rolled edge on the bottom skirt was not tapped with a hole. Every keg Ive seen has two factory made holes in the skirt, presumably to keep that from happening. You keg does not have skirts.

bearriver wrote:The keg is fine. Just avoid designs that could lead to pressure buildup. No boiler should ever have pressure build up.

How do you plan on plugging that hole in the side?

That column design while safe, it is very outdated and generally not recommended. You might want to look at the modifications other people have done here with that type of still to improve its performance, if you have any issues with it.

I've got a plug made up that bolts to the side.

Yes I have read about this still design and its effectiveness. This is the second one I have built, the other was for Methanol Recovery in a BioDiesel process. Worked great. Interesting to see how this one works.

So the Keg is OK?

That's one i never heard before, yikes. I'm sure I don't have to tell you not to drill through both walls.

bearriver wrote:One hole will suffice, if it is indeed double walled.

Did you look at the pics in your link? That's a totally different type of keg that what you got...

Edit: It didn't blow up because of a double wall design, which it's not. The rolled edge on the bottom skirt was not tapped with a hole. Every keg Ive seen has two factory made holes in the skirt, presumably to keep that from happening. You keg does not have skirts.

Yes, I know it's different. But mine also has a double wall that I identified. Just worried that there are other sections I missed and should also be drilled.

I've read some posts about certain kegs having the problem you're talking about, but I'll leave it to you to do the research. I think it had something to do with the ones that have skirts(?) on the top and bottom. The skirts/handles have a sealed air pocket that can explode if heated with a gas burner or torch. You would simply need to drill a small hole to create a vent. Your keg is somewhat rare. If I were you, I would do some further research to make sure it's OK.

Posted while a bunch of other people posted.

The problem you are worried about was with some kegs (tradionial sanke keg) having the rolled lip at the base welded and sealed. When heated with gas flame the pressure buildup inside would cause a rupture in the base ring.
Your keg is not that style and if you drill into it all you will end up with is a hole in your keg.

Windy City wrote:The problem you are worried about was with some kegs (tradionial sanke keg) having the rolled lip at the base welded and sealed. When heated with gas flame the pressure buildup inside would cause a rupture in the base ring.
Your keg is not that style and if you drill into it all you will end up with is a hole in your keg.

The area around the bung is double walled and I've drilled one hole and it didn't go thru the other side in this section. My question is, with this keg type are there other double walled sections that would cause the similar skirt problem.

Another thing - I don't think the fat section of your keg is a double wall. It's just made that way to make it easier to roll on a flat surface. I have a Coors keg that's fat in the middle like yours - no double wall.

I would seriously consider making a call to the manufacturer to see if they will identify all the sections that might be sealed off. Maybe a post about this in the safety forum too.

S-Cackalacky wrote:Another thing - I don't think the fat section of your keg is a double wall. It's just made that way to make it easier to roll on a flat surface. I have a Coors keg that's fat in the middle like yours - no double wall.

Thanks! I don't think so either, but am unsure. I may drill a hole to test and plug it??!!

it's a Jacob Ruppert keg, made in New York, with a Firestone stainless bung welded in. 1950's I think.

I know I've seen that type keg here before. Maybe someone else will come along with some more definitive answers. That is, hold off on drilling any holes until this thread has run its course. I personally don't think you have anything to worry about, but won't advise you to use it because well... I'm just that paranoid and would never forgive myself if I told you it was OK and you did blow yourself up. Don't want to be attending a virtual wake.

Lol ... yes. Funny how paranoid you get the closer you get to lighting a flame.

Update: I just drilled holes in the keg to check. The only part that appears to be double walled is the bung piece that was welded in the side, with Firestone markings and patent numbers 2-354-425, 2-381-385 and 2-381-386.

All seems to be OK.

pretty sure it is only double walled around the plug which can only be a problem if you heat it empty but if you have doubts drill a 1/8 hole in that outer plate

The only parts of a double wall on a keg that can blow up are those that receive direct heat from a gas burner... Therefore, no part of the keg other than a rolled and welded bottom ring should be of concern... So, in your case, stop worrying about things blowing up...

rad14701 wrote:The only parts of a double wall on a keg that can blow up are those that receive direct heat from a gas burner... Therefore, no part of the keg other than a rolled and welded bottom ring should be of concern... So, in your case, stop worrying about things blowing up...

Thanks! Did a steam run. Water/Vinegar run. Sac Run. No problems. (Thanks everybody - incredible forum. Doing lots of reading)

I just did a Potato mash run. 18 L. It's amazing the taste difference between the different 300ml/10oz cuts. 11 cuts in total. Cuts 5, 6 and 7 are my favorites. They remind me most of the Luksusowa I so dearly love. My Still requires a lot of adjustments however. Maybe modify the design, but much later.

Freaking incredible hobby!! Glad I found it.

Making another mash right now, with a local starchier potato.

bburton wrote:

rad14701 wrote: Luksusowa

Drank a few bottles of that. Could get it on base for 9$ with no taxes. I remember it being pretty harsh for a vodka. Bout what I would expect for that price range.

You can, and will likely do ALOT better.

I think you are right.