Noob Still Questions - -

[BeerGuy]

Questions - - Probably stupid ones, but I either can't find the answers or I'm too obtuse to absorb the info. :-)

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For a column like this:
2 inch by 40 inches...

1) When packing the column, do I want to pack above the horizontal water pipes? (Copper mesh, if it matters)

2) Do I want to insert the thermometer into the packing?

3) Would a thin layer of fiberglass insulation (pipe wrapping) be sufficient to insulate the tower?

4) 8 Gallon boiler - How much headspace for runs? Is 2 gallons headspace enough for sugar washes? Would I need more for more viscous washes?

5) To use as a pot still, I'd need to remove the packing and only run water thru the condenser... or am I mistaken?

6) Virgin run: I've got a bunch of vodka reclaimed from airlocks and sanitizing purposes, I suppose I should add a failed wine or two (with the vodka) to a couple gallons of water, so I can see the different stages of extraction, as well as clean out any goop from the manufacturing process. Looks clean, but want to be safe. Can I reuse the product from this run for future sanitation purposes or should I ditch it?

Thanks in advance. Great site! I learn more every time I visit. Sometimes you just have to wait for something to "click," then lots more becomes apparent.

[HookLine]

Welcome to the best hobby going. Be prepared for one or two frustrations along the way.

1. Don't run a cooling management column myself, but I can't see any advantage on packing above the horizontal cooling pipes.

2. You can if you want, some do, most stick it somewhere on the top of the column.

3. How thin? An inch thick will work well. Some use a blanket. A lot of people (like me) use plumbing pipe foam insulation, works very well.

4. Plain sugar washes don't generally foam over into the column, but a good general rule of thumb is 15-20% head space, and about 25-30% for fruit, grain or molasses based washes.

5. Remove packing and run water only through the product condenser, yes, although the height of the column itself will add some reflux, depending on how well insulated it is. Some just shut down the reflux condenser and leave the packing in there, though they are in a minority. Depends how strong tasting you like your likker. More packing and reflux = less taste.

6. As a general rule of thumb I would throw the first batch out. Packing mesh should be given a quick wash in hot soapy water and rinsed well before using, as it often comes with a light coating of vegetable oil.

Have fun.

[BeerGuy]

Thanks, HookLine


3) Fiberglass wrap 2 inch by X feet - probably 1/4 inch thick. I was assuming we just wanted to keep air drafts from playing havoc with the column temps. Would I want more (thicker) insulation?

5) Flavor, for sure. I'd probably also want to run without any column insulation, to help minimize the reflux?


Thanks again, hook, I appreciate your input.

[HookLine]

You're welcome.

Correct, insulating the column is to eliminate the cooling effect of breezes and maximise thermal stability, but also to increase overall energy efficiency, which is why some also insulate the boiler. I'd use at least 2 layers of that insulation, enough so you can't feel much heat coming through it when the still has been running for a couple of hours. (Wrap it snuggly but not real tight, don't want to compress it and reduce its effectiveness).

Make sure you don't get any fiberglass in your product.

Removing the insulation will create more reflux from heat leaving the column (reflux = condensing vapour inside the column). Try it both ways to see which result you prefer. It depends on what kind of product you want, and the particular still you have.

Cheers