After several weeks waiting to get my shop wired for 240 I am ready to start running my still on electric power. My set-up: Pot Still mode, 15.5 gal keg boiler, normally run 10 gal charges, 5500 W element ran through a variable controller. My problem: After running this still gas power for about 5 years, I have a very good feel for running the still and have a pretty good feel for what's going with the still. I know the power levels for bringing the still up to heat, when to cut back the power for smooth running, etc. Now I've gone electric I almost feel I'm back to square one years ago when I fired up the gas burner for my first run.
Looking for any advice, suggestions or assistance in making this change and get the feel for the electric set up. I am planning on starting with a water run, then moving on a 6 gal of UJ spirit run and then to a AG 70% corn, 16% wheat malt, 14% barley malt (Makers Mark grain bill) spirit run. I really don't want to mess up this AG run.
Any sage advice greatly appreciated.
BG
Going Electric
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HDNB
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Re: Going Electric
clear the wash or you'll be smoking it.
well cleared... heat at 17amps when it gets close dial back to 14 amps and you will find a sweet spot around 7-8 amps for a spirit run (strippers where you run out of condensor.)
21 amps (full out) only if it's crystal clear.
be really careful with rye. use sebflo...be really careful.
watch the foam on AG when it gets hot you may have to dial down from the 14 A right to 6-7A for a while. not sure if gas does the same but it will produce a thick foam, i often leave the still open so i can watch and stir until its close to a boil.
well cleared... heat at 17amps when it gets close dial back to 14 amps and you will find a sweet spot around 7-8 amps for a spirit run (strippers where you run out of condensor.)
21 amps (full out) only if it's crystal clear.
be really careful with rye. use sebflo...be really careful.
watch the foam on AG when it gets hot you may have to dial down from the 14 A right to 6-7A for a while. not sure if gas does the same but it will produce a thick foam, i often leave the still open so i can watch and stir until its close to a boil.
I finally quit drinking for good.
now i drink for evil.
now i drink for evil.
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Hank Reardon
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Re: Going Electric
For me, I run the boiler up full power until I start to get drops, and turn it back to 14-16 amps. Then I run it based on what I've learned too. Not sure that will translate entirely in your case, but hope it helps you out.
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moosemilk
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Re: Going Electric
Think I'll follow your thread. I have electric set-up. I have for awhile, but haven't run it yet. I enjoy sitting outside running on propane. It's my "relaxing" time. But winter is coming and -30 to -40C just isn't fun to "relax" in. Similar rig . . . 15 gallon keg . . . I have a CCVM column for it, but also have a 7.5gallon keg to use as thumper for pot mode (or without for stripping). I've run it on propane (and for some reason, I just keep going back to my copper pot and copper thumper). But soon, will be joining you on the electric (another month or so it won't be so nice outside). 5500W element as well.
HDNB gave good advice about rye . . . it LOVES to foam. I don't use sebflo, but heat slow and crank back to give it a hot break. Pretty much goes for any AG as i'm sure you know, which would be same on electric. Unlike propane though, like said, clear it WELL. I've done enough research to know that solids will scorch pretty damn easy with electric.
Btw, HDNB, i still have a couple ounces left from what you sent me almost a year ago (yes, I cherish it that much). It just keeps getting better! I took a small taste the other day, and it has a nice fruity note to it, the grain flavor has mellowed out significantly but is still there. Mouthfeel . . . wow . . . creamy, but doesn't "coat". If you don't remember, that was your COB. I set this as a bar to achieve for sure! I think i'll save the last couple ounces to ring in the new year.
HDNB gave good advice about rye . . . it LOVES to foam. I don't use sebflo, but heat slow and crank back to give it a hot break. Pretty much goes for any AG as i'm sure you know, which would be same on electric. Unlike propane though, like said, clear it WELL. I've done enough research to know that solids will scorch pretty damn easy with electric.
Btw, HDNB, i still have a couple ounces left from what you sent me almost a year ago (yes, I cherish it that much). It just keeps getting better! I took a small taste the other day, and it has a nice fruity note to it, the grain flavor has mellowed out significantly but is still there. Mouthfeel . . . wow . . . creamy, but doesn't "coat". If you don't remember, that was your COB. I set this as a bar to achieve for sure! I think i'll save the last couple ounces to ring in the new year.
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Hound Dog
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Re: Going Electric
I went from gas to electric and used ultra low watt density elements. I have never had anything scorch but I do usually clear washes before running them. The hardest thing I had to get used to was the fast heat up time and the quick response to change by moving the dial... 
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HDNB
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Re: Going Electric
when your wallet starts to get thicker from all the money you save on propane, that can be a real pain sit on too!Hound Dog wrote:I went from gas to electric and used ultra low watt density elements. I have never had anything scorch but I do usually clear washes before running them. The hardest thing I had to get used to was the fast heat up time and the quick response to change by moving the dial...
I finally quit drinking for good.
now i drink for evil.
now i drink for evil.
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shadylane
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Re: Going Electric
JMOboda getta wrote:After several weeks waiting to get my shop wired for 240 I am ready to start running my still on electric power. My set-up: Pot Still mode, 15.5 gal keg boiler, normally run 10 gal charges, 5500 W element ran through a variable controller. My problem: After running this still gas power for about 5 years, I have a very good feel for running the still and have a pretty good feel for what's going with the still. I know the power levels for bringing the still up to heat, when to cut back the power for smooth running, etc. Now I've gone electric I almost feel I'm back to square one years ago when I fired up the gas burner for my first run.
Looking for any advice, suggestions or assistance in making this change and get the feel for the electric set up. I am planning on starting with a water run, then moving on a 6 gal of UJ spirit run and then to a AG 70% corn, 16% wheat malt, 14% barley malt (Makers Mark grain bill) spirit run. I really don't want to mess up this AG run.
Any sage advice greatly appreciated.
BG
With a thin sugar wash. electric heat is the cat's meow, you can control the heat to a knat's, ass repeatedly.
But a thick mash will scorch and burn on an electric element.
.