Running Temp

[Lowlyric]

Ran my first run yesterday and was getting a full steam of alcohol at 100 deg f. Checked my thermometer and it's accurate.150 proof after four shots. I have a column and the gauge is at the top.
From what I've read this should not be possible. And ideas?

[Deplorable]

Throw away your thermometer. You shouldn't be running a still by temperature anyway.
The contents of the boiler will boil at a different temperature depending on the alcohol content of the charge. The temperature of the top of the riser or column can and will be impacted by many variables so a thermometer is of little use up there anyway.
Apply heat (or power) to the boiler to control the rate of output from the end of the condenser.
75% after fore shots means nothing without knowing the abv of the charge, the volume, and the amount of fore shots you took.
On my pot still fores/heads start at around 85% on a spirit run charge of around 22-28% low wines. Im usually into the early hearts when the ABV off the spout reaches 75%
A reflux run with column is a different story. So are you running a packed column or a pot still with a riser?

[Lowlyric]

Column pot still. Started with 12.7 abv. Tossed 10 oz of fours.
7 gal. 2ft riser
I appreciate you input.

[Salt Must Flow]

What kind of still are you using? I know you said, "column pot still", but that isn't clear. Like Deplorable said, what was the % ABV of the boiler charge? What thermometer are you using? I suspect something might be wrong with that thermometer.

I set a digital temp alarm for 100F and it sounds off as vapor begins rising up the base of the riser or column. I do this when I do stripping runs and spirit runs. The vapor's actual temp is always much higher 100F. If I recall correctly, it is usually somewhere around 165F-170F or so, but that actual temp doesn't matter.

[Lowlyric]

It's a bluefin. I had vapor at the 100 f. So am I to just heat it up until it's starts running. At 160 it was pouring out very fast. Keg still.

[Renhoekk]

Something obviously isn’t right, but without seeing your still and how the thermometer is mounted it’s difficult to say what that might be. If you’ve tested your thermometer, then my next thought is that it’s something to do with probe placement

[Lowlyric]

My thoughts as well. Thanks guys.

[Deplorable]

Use your senses, not the thermometer. are you heating with gas or electric?
Listen to the sounds the boiler makes as it's heating up.
Feel the sides of the riser as the boiler starts to get quieter. (its not a column, stop calling it that, you'll confuse people and get the wrong advise. Not to mention chastised.)
As it begins to get close to boiling, and the heat transfers up the riser, lower the heat(power) a little.
When you begin to smell green apple from the condenser turn on your cooling water and prepare for the product to begin flowing.
Quickly reduce power(heat) to get a slow drip from the spout.
Collect about 300ml at that rate, then SLOWLY increase the heat input until you reach a thin, broken stream, then stop fucking with it and just pay attention to the jars and the different smells, tastes, and textures of the output.
Keep collecting in pint jars about 2/3rds full through the entirety of the run. Take notes of what you experienced in each jar. Note what you liked and disliked.

[OlympicMtDoo]

It's a bluefin. I had vapor at the 100 f. So am I to just heat it up until it's starts running. At 160 it was pouring out very fast. Keg still.

I even did a search and can't find anything about a bluefin other than on a tuna what the heck is a bluefin???????????

[Lowlyric]

A cheap unit for sure. It's a name brand on Google. I looked at it and it's only a 1/2 long in a 3" pipe. So I'm ordering one that goes to the opening.

[Dancing4dan]

You don't need the thermometer! Learn to run your still without it. A thermometer is very distracting for new guys. Ask me how I know! There are a few situations where a thermometer can provide confirmation of what is going on inside certain stills, but they can not show you how to rune the still.

[Lowlyric]

Thanks for the advice.. Great explanation of what to look for. Learned a lot on the first run.

[NormandieStill]

Sounds like it might have puked. If so,any readings you took with an alcometer will be falsified by the presence of sugars and impurities in the puke laden distillate.

[elbono]

12.7 ABV wash will boil around 197F and produce vapors at just below 60 ABV.

A mixture of ethanol and water will boil a a temperature according to the ratio.

If you try to control temperature you'll find yourself in a confusing world of pain. I think you made it there.