Turbo 500 Condensor packing

[Hanbag]

Hi, I recently removed the copper and stainless saddles in the condenser and replaced them with two lots of rolled up copper mesh. The subsequent two runs have only produced 3 to 3.5 litres at 80%, whereas previously, I was getting over 4 litres at 92%. Would making the copper mesh rolls too tight cause this result ?

[Bee jay]

Was just reading a sticky on this look under reflux stills T500 posts its all set out for you!!

[Bee jay]

Hanbag just checked it again in still types right at the top under reflux t500 all shall be revealed :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[baznkez]

Hanbag , it is a reflux still removing the saddles putting in mesh causes it not to reflux as much why the lower proof.

Saddles allow the alcohol through s it is lighter then water , in turn water drops back into boiler

[The Stig]

Hanbag , it is a reflux still removing the saddles putting in mesh causes it not to reflux as much why the lower proof.

Saddles allow the alcohol through s it is lighter then water , in turn water drops back into boiler

I might be completely wrong here but....
I am led to understand that mesh, if packed correctly, will have a higher surface area than saddles.
And the "refluxing" doesnt just push water back down it push's everything back down.

[Rolls912]

My T5 - Cooper made a significant difference. Try slowing down your output, increase water flow or perhaps tighter rolls.

[Arismac]

two runs have only produced 3 to 3.5 litres at 80%, whereas previously, I was getting over 4 litres at 92%. Would making the copper mesh rolls too tight cause this result ?

My figures are exactly the same. I have come to the conclusion that the reduction in total spirit and the reduced AbV is not worth it for the small improvement in quality so I will be returning to copper only saddles above the two rolls of mesh with the next run.

Bearing in mind that there is still the danger of over packing h too may saddles.

[scythe]

Something is not making sense.

Is there still room in your reflux column?
Reflux columns need to be fully packed except for about 50mm below the take off.

One thing i can think of is that the rolls of mesh are not rolled correctly and allowing the vapour to pass easily and not properly reflux or just pushing past if because you are running too fast.

But i think you should also look for leaks as you should get more volume with a lower %ABV not less...
1L of 100% = 2L of 50%

[Arismac]

Scythe, g'day to you. This is just another one of those fascinating conundrums surrounding the T500. You are darned right it does not make sense but I got the same result twice. I was not even brave enough to post here ... "stupid old f**t has finally lost his marbles".

So I am going to go back to two firmly, not over tight, coiled rolls of copper mesh and about 100mm of copper saddles above the rolls. Not quite the best quality but certainly the best results of the different combinations I have tried.

After double stilling that configuration produces a very acceptable quality and best AbV.

Gee life would be boring without the T500 ... :laughing-rolling:

[Hanbag]

Mac mentioned "double distilling" how is the done with a T500 ?

[Arismac]

I run each of two 23lt wash's separately through the T500. Then renew/clean the mesh/saddles and pour the spirit, usually about 8lt, back into the T500. I then top the still up to the MAX level with water and run the still for a third time. I take a second batch of 100ml of heads out on the re-run. This then gives me a very acceptable spirit.

Physical constraints make it very difficult for me to run any other type of still but I find this is a very good compromise. Thanks to Stig.

[Arismac]

As promised. I ran the still today with two rolls of copper mesh with SS saddles above in the reflux zone.

The quality was slightly down but the quantity was up and the AbV was back to 92%. I will be stilling the second fermentor tomorrow and re-stilling both runs on Sunday. But this is looking like the best compromise so far in terms of quantity, quality and AbV.