pot still...?

[clearspirit]

So, just did a 25L sugar wash stripping run with my (plastic replaced) T500 in “pot-still mode” at 100% power (2200W) with the reflux coil bypassed ie only using the product/liebig condenser by diverting the (full-flow) cooling water straight to waste instead of to the (packing removed) reflux column. FYI it took 3 hours, from decant to power off, to produce 8 litres of low-wines - carboy 1 - 5L @ 49.2% and carboy 2 - 3L @ 16.8%

I noticed through the whole operation that even though the wash was boiling vigorously (I could plainly hear it), and the distillate was coming out in a thick pencil lead constant stream, both the cooling water AND distillate were coming out under 50 degrees C.

Does this mean that the condenser was “keeping up” and my still was operating like a 'proper' pot-still?

[howard]

so long as the condenser is knocking everything you throw at it, i don't see a problem.
what puzzles me is that you collected 8l of low wines at an overall abv of 37% from a 25l wash.
i also collect about 40%abv from a 25l wash, but usually only about 6L.
what was the wash, what was the OG and how much sugar did you use?

[B-Man]

As long as there is no steam coming out the end you are fine. But 50° is pretty hot! The Max I have got was 43° on a 38°day. Can you run colder water through it or more water?

[clearspirit]

As long as there is no steam coming out the end you are fine.

Thanks, I also thought that lack of steam was the main indicator.

But 50° is pretty hot! The Max I have got was 43° on a 38°day. Can you run colder water through it or more water?

Nah, tap only at full throttle, and I have lousy pressure in my unit...

Cheers!

:obscene-drinkingcheers:

[The Stig]

T500’s really aren’t capable of running as a pot still .
Even the 5 Star Boka can’t be rein as a good pot still