T500 trouble please help

[davesims]

Hi all

I finally finished stripping my 2nd 46 liter FFV wash and added it to the first giving me 20 liters of low wines, i fired up the T500 boiler and column and have run into an issue that i have not seen before after running 15 or so runs.

Fore shot Jar / I got temp up to around 46c fluctuating between 46.1 and 46.2, i started to get a few drops then a drizzle i was taking off the foreshots got to about 100ml and for some reason the temp spiked and alcohol was gushing out, i flicked the needle valve wide open to bring the temp down and bu=y this time i had 500ml in the foreshot container.

Jar 1 /I got the temp stable again at about 42c and to the drop drop drop until about 100ml there abouts and the temp spike again filling the 300ml jar in about 10 seconds, it kept pouring until i opened the valve

Jar 2 / I got the temp stable again at about 43c and again drop drop drop until about the 100ml mark and again the temp spiked filling the jar in about 10 seconds,it kept pouring until i opened the valve

Jar 3/ pretty much the same deal

I have had to stop the run, any help at all would be much appreciated

[Doubleuj]

I'd say either you've had a puke or a saddle is jammed in the top of the column.
Empty out you're column and hit the top hard with the ball of your hand to dislodge any saddles then try a smaller wash

[Woodsy71]

Yep, as DUJ said. Also those needle valves are f#cking sensitive :roll: They have a mind of their own.

While I'm here, I reckon temps in the 40's seem low to be taking product :think: My T500 didn't start dripping until at least 50.

After a lot of trial and error, I've found 54-56 degrees is primo temp for collection :smile:

[davesims]

Thanks heaps guys, will look at that

Taking off in the low 40's after clearing the fores seemed to be the og, if i raised the temp in the past to lw 50's the take off was way to fast,i would have to lower the temp to slow the stream

Is this right?

[Doubleuj]

You weren't patient enough woody, a few more minutes at 40ish and you'll see product.
Dave, yes increase the water flow to slow down the product, with all stills it's about energy in vs cooling water = output amount. (Except a pot, full water to a pot or any pc at all times)

[davesims]

I'd say either you've had a puke or a saddle is jammed in the top of the column.
Empty out you're column and hit the top hard with the ball of your hand to dislodge any saddles then try a smaller wash

Thanks Double, i pulled all the saddles and cleaned them then repacked them loosely and mate had a great run

2x 46 liter FFV stripped into one 20 liter low wine run

figures here

http://i68.tinypic.com/30upbh0.jpg