Is a reflux still the same as a column still?
A POT still simply collects and condenses the alcohol vapors that come off the boiling mash. A REFLUX or PLATED still does multiple distillations in one single pass, by having some packing in a column between the condenser & the pot, and allowing some of the vapor to condense and trickle back down through the packing.
Why do stripping runs?
The first run is what’s called a “stripping run” because its purpose is to strip the water, yeast, and sediment out of your mash before your “spirit run(s)” or primary distillation(s). Distilling this way will ultimately give you a smoother product.
How does a column still work?
How Does a Column Still Work? A column still has partitions, or perforated plates, that set up chambers within the still. The mash enters near the top of the still and immediately starts to sink. The mash, at this point, is still low in alcohol, like a beer or wine.
When should I stop collecting stripping?
Collect until the temperature reaches about 207°F/208°F (97°C/98°C). Turn off your heat source, but continue to run the cooling water until there is no vapor left in the moonshine still.
How long should a stripping run take?
12-14 hours
With our iStills, the stripping run can take anywhere from 12-14 hours and produces alcohol in the range of 50-55% Alcohol By Volume (ABV), depending on the spirit we are distilling.
What controls the reflux in distillation?
Reflux in beverage distillation By controlling the temperature of the condenser, often called a dephlegmator, a reflux still may be used to ensure that higher boiling point components are returned to the flask while lighter elements are passed out to a secondary condenser.
What is the best type of forced reflux still design?
….Probably the most well-known and still most effective forced reflux still designs is the “cooling tube” design. In this design, tubes run directly through the column and cold water is run through them. The reason that this design is so effective is because the cooling lines are in direct contact with the rising vapor.
What size reflux coil do I need for a copper column?
1.5-inch reflux coil for your copper column. It is 10-inches long. 3/16th copper pipe. Single Spiral. Made in the USA. Double Helix copper coil, 3/16ths with a 2-inch copper cap. This has 2 one-quarter-inch brass compression fittings and soldered to the cap.
How do you control the ABV of a reflux column?
Adjusting the reflux temperature can control the ABV, making it increase or decrease. A reflux column can consistently distill a high concentration of alcohol from a mixture that only has 8% or even 1% alcohol. Here are three useful ways that a distiller can monitor ABV progress throughout the run:
What is the best head temperature for a reflux still column?
If, for example, 90°C / 194°F is the optimal head temperature for your reflux still column to collect alcohol, if the temperature increases during the distillation, the distiller can increase the reflux ratio and thereby increase the amount of ABV being sent over to the product condenser.