HELP: Can someone tell me where i went wrong?
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 2:13 pm
ok, the $64,000 question is...
why does my distilate taste like (for lack of a better descriptor) detergent?
This was my 4th run with this column and the only one that had any really bad flavor
Now before we even go there, here are a few facts
No I have not “washed” anything, not my boiler not my column nothing...
when i'm finished with my run I always backflush with hot water, and rinse the boiler well, thats it.
And its not my catch containers because I placed my finger under the output tube and it tastes the same.
yes, I am using ss scrubbers. No they were not the pre-soaped kind. And I boiled then rinsed all of them for about 20 min before I packed the column.
The wash I use is based on the econ-o-wash recipe that I found on the main site. With some basic substitutions. All 4 batches that I made used the same ingredients, aside from some minor adjustments in amount, timing, temperature, etc.
the 3 most recent batches have been double runs, by that I mean a stripping run and a spirit run.
Not 100% sure my terminology is correct there.
There are only two real differences that I recall doing differently in this latest run.
1st. I added “kosher” salt and Sodium bicarbonate to the spirit run about ¼ – 1/3 cup of each in about 30 – 35 liters.
In the 2 runs prior (runs 2 and 3 if your keeping track) I only added the salt to the spirit run.
and they both turned out well.
2nd. I changed my sugar source. Was using the 25 lb. Box from GFS. Switched to 5lb bags from aldi's. I dont really think this could have an effect but its the only other thing that I changed.
And as far as column operation goes. Huskers directions pretty well match what I was doing.
Differences being, during the stripping run. I ran at full reflux for 30 min or so then collected some foreshots. Before I cranked open the collection valve.
Hopefully someone can help me fix this mess...
why does my distilate taste like (for lack of a better descriptor) detergent?
This was my 4th run with this column and the only one that had any really bad flavor
Now before we even go there, here are a few facts
No I have not “washed” anything, not my boiler not my column nothing...
when i'm finished with my run I always backflush with hot water, and rinse the boiler well, thats it.
And its not my catch containers because I placed my finger under the output tube and it tastes the same.
yes, I am using ss scrubbers. No they were not the pre-soaped kind. And I boiled then rinsed all of them for about 20 min before I packed the column.
The wash I use is based on the econ-o-wash recipe that I found on the main site. With some basic substitutions. All 4 batches that I made used the same ingredients, aside from some minor adjustments in amount, timing, temperature, etc.
the 3 most recent batches have been double runs, by that I mean a stripping run and a spirit run.
Not 100% sure my terminology is correct there.
There are only two real differences that I recall doing differently in this latest run.
1st. I added “kosher” salt and Sodium bicarbonate to the spirit run about ¼ – 1/3 cup of each in about 30 – 35 liters.
In the 2 runs prior (runs 2 and 3 if your keeping track) I only added the salt to the spirit run.
and they both turned out well.
2nd. I changed my sugar source. Was using the 25 lb. Box from GFS. Switched to 5lb bags from aldi's. I dont really think this could have an effect but its the only other thing that I changed.
And as far as column operation goes. Huskers directions pretty well match what I was doing.
Differences being, during the stripping run. I ran at full reflux for 30 min or so then collected some foreshots. Before I cranked open the collection valve.
Hopefully someone can help me fix this mess...