Should I add more bubbles plates?

[Matt_Pl]

Hi All,

I once read that there was no benefit to adding any more plates to the 4" FSD neutraliser, but when I see other various gin and neutral stills online I've noticed anywhere from 6-12 bubble plates before the gin basket/carter head.

What's everyone's thoughts?

Thanks all

[The Stig]

More plates = cleaner output :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Professor Green]

:text-+1: on what stig said but most folks find that the neutraliser configuration of 5 plates and a 500mm packed section is more than adequate for their neutral needs. We are talking hobby level here. Commercial distilleries would not generally use packed sections; rather, they would substitute the packed section for at least the equivalent number of plates that theoretical plates that a packed section offers.

[the Doctor]

all good information here...I agree that a 500mm packed section ( stainless or copper wool) will give the benefit of a couple of plates at less expense.
Doc

[RC Al]

However much packed section you can fit under your roof, this will give you the most separation and speed

The plates are easier to clean and would give more repeatable results than packing that settles and then moves around every time you take it out to clean it. If you're only running one type of wash, cleaning wouldn't be as bit of deal

[Matt_Pl]

Thanks for the feedback all. I’m attempting to impress the mother in law of all people.

I always run 4 plates and a packed section of 500 mm copper mesh. Although th mesh is dirty af and about 5 years old.

Adding a couple of plates wouldn’t hurt? And yes I’d be back yard brewing outside as my rig would no longer fit under the roof.

Once again many thanks.

Matt

[PeterC]

I do 3 stripping runs with 4 plates discarding foreshots then combine and do a spirit run with 5 plates and packed section. I only have stainless steel scrubbers but I am very happy with the result. The stripping runs means that the packed section stay cleaner. Cheers.

[db1979]

Even if you do strip first, the tails will dirty up the packing somewhat. If you feel inclined, you could strip, then spirit run without packed section, then a second spirit run with plates and packed section. Or you could just do double spirit runs with only the hearts from the first run. That's what I've been doing for my vodkas lately... Two runs through 4 plates each time... Lovely

Or you could just be content with dirtying up your packing and have to clean it periodically.

[YarraRanges]

I always do my gin from a clean neutral. Doing it on a spirit run is just going to limit the amount of flavour profiles you can get for your gin.
If your're doing a rose gin the rose doesn't come across until you're down to about 20% ABV. On a spirit run you'd be down into the worst tails ever at 20% ABV.
Doing it with a clean neutral gives you the best chance of getting a wonderful gin.