t500 Mod

[stattonb]

also what i learnt from my time on this forum and what i use for a spirit run is a power controller helps out alot

[Satly_Dog]

I used to run slower, maybe 50 and under. on spirit runs i started in high 30's and slowly increased output temp to compensate for speed. I went for output speed not temp. you want 1l/h or slower in a 2" especially on a single run. you could maybe push for 1.2l/h on a spirit run.

I'd say all my runs have been 1L per Hour or longer
Each 250ml cut takes about 25 to 27min

[Wobblyboot]

I strip 50l in the pot and run low wines thru with ss saddles, have separated the water inlets, much easier to control, gets over 95% every time. And I'd sell it and make or buy the still u want.

[Satly_Dog]

I will correct my comments about the temp hunting on while running the SS Scrubbers.
I didn't have the tap set correctly.
3rd run it has been rock solid for the whole run.

[Kenster]

Salty..i realise you found your temp prob, but if you jam the scrubbers in too tight it stuffs up the reflex, causes temp fluctuations(coz the vapours cant get up the col in the way they are meant to/restrictions...can cause surging as well)

[Satly_Dog]

Salty..i realise you found your temp prob, but if you jam the scrubbers in too tight it stuffs up the reflex, causes temp fluctuations(coz the vapours cant get up the col in the way they are meant to/restrictions...can cause surging as well)

Thanks Kenster, yes that was my concern, that i may have over packed it.
My 3rd run had a much higher ABV, as i poured 2L of 93% feints in, not sure if that aided things, or it was all down to the tap not being constant.

[Satly_Dog]

Anyone know if these so called Stainless Steel pot scrubbers are safe?
http://www.bunnings.com.au/mr-clean-tuf ... s_p4465903



I went in to buy the Sabco SS Scrubber, but Bunnings had none, instead they had these ones i've posted.
They are made by Sabco, well, they have a Sabco label on them, but product of China.

I only ask, as after 3 runs in succession, the smell coming out of the condenser head, where the nut holds it onto the base was horrendous and almost toxic in nature.

Anything to be worried about here?

[WTDist]

should be ok, ive heard of other menmers using those ones but i usually use the 3 pack of the large ones, maybe the ones you said they dont have. those large ones go a long way

[Satly_Dog]

Thanks WTDist, yes, i went to buy the Sabco 3 Pak, wasn't in stock and looks like it had been replaced by these.
I even asked for help, they were also confused as to why the 3 Pak no longer on shelves.

I did try and test one before using it, just by striping some and feeling, cutting with scissors etc to see it wasn't something else that had been coated.

Once i had done 3 runs of the T500, the smell coming out of the condenser, was far worse then anytime i'd used the ceramic saddles.
So i was a bit worried i may have fitted the wrong scrubbers.

[scythe]

So you have any copper in the vapour path to remove sulfides/sulphites?
Could that be the smell?

[Satly_Dog]

So you have any copper in the vapour path to remove sulfides/sulphites?
Could that be the smell?

Yes, i have some Copper Saddles at the top, then ceramic saddles around the coil, then once clear of the coil, the rest of the chamber is packed with the SS Scrubbers :)

It is really not much in the way of Copper Saddles though, would be lucky to be 1/4 Cup if that.
I often thought of just getting some 1/4" copper pipe and chopping into small bits to load into the T500....

[Sam.]

Get one of the scrubbers and let it stay wet for a couple of days and see if it rusts ;-)

[Satly_Dog]

Get one of the scrubbers and let it stay wet for a couple of days and see if it rusts ;-)

I will try that, i was more worried it was some kind of Plastic/SS composite than a lesser steel.

[Meatheadinc]

I used me clean scrubbers in my 2" without problems.
Unless they have changed in the last two years they are great.

[Satly_Dog]

I used to run slower, maybe 50 and under. on spirit runs i started in high 30's and slowly increased output temp to compensate for speed. I went for output speed not temp. you want 1l/h or slower in a 2" especially on a single run. you could maybe push for 1.2l/h on a spirit run. i suggest you combine the whole lot from the 75L your running (low wines you collect) and then do one large spirit run. it will take a while but the product will be 10 fold better and hearts cut more defined and larger

If you want to run lower temps you will need to use teflon tape or a hose clamp to keep those hoses on the old T500. they like to fly off and leak with too much water flow. just another flaw with them

Doing exactly what you suggested WTDist.
It all makes sense now, with 20litres clear 40% in the T500
I can run it slower, 47-48 degrees, as you say, watching the speed more then the temp
As you have rightly said, the poor ol T500 starts to leak if you run it any slower

Power Controller is already ordered (Thanks Broady)

[WTDist]

I uswd teflon tape or as some know it as plumbers tape. wrap it around the water inlets a bit then jam the water hoses in. it will handle the high water flow then. do thermometer probe also as that will leak with too much water too :handgestures-thumbupleft:

A small hose clamp will work too with a bit of plumbers tape but i never needed them