5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

by **dogbreath vodka** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:13 pm

Well I'm stumped
I've run steampunk at least four times.
Three time with five plates working - the best I can get is 87% ABV when adjusted for temp.

:think: :think:

All I can think of is my plates are not functioning properly .... some how.
Maybe I've got my proportions wrong when building them?

I'm not complaining... glad to be getting that.... just thought it would be higher.

Tried running it faster and of course got lower ABV
Slower and no increase in ABV.

Just not making sense at the moment.

I've got at least a week maybe two before I can run another wash.

Any ideas?

DBV

by **Jonno** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:20 pm

what % was your wash?

by **dogbreath vodka** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:21 pm

10 - 11%

Using an UJ variation

by **satchy** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:21 pm

Is the wash fermenteing all the way any fizz left?

by **dogbreath vodka** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:23 pm

The wash is normally not run until it is below 1000 and dry to taste

By pouring the wash into the keg boiler most of the fizz is gone...
Does it having CO2 make a difference?

DBV

by **Linno** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:28 pm

gday DBV

I would be first checking the alcometer (if u always use the same one) as it sounds like you have already done most of the right troubleshooting while its running. i run 4 plates and consistently get 93% and then down from there so i rekn there is definitly room for improvement from 87..

cheers

by **dogbreath vodka** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:56 pm

Bingo!!

Thanks Linno
Tried it on commercial booze, of which there is very little in this house. :roll:

Daughter's boyfriend left a bottle of Bundy (ugh) here.
Alcometer reads 25% at 26 degrees

Was given a bottle of Mt Gay white rum
Alcometer reads 29% at 26 degrees

So it would appear I need a new one.

Thanks Guys
:handgestures-thumbupleft: :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I thought Steampunk was a bit of a let down there for awhile
Glad I was wrong. :D

And I have to make some adjustments to my stocks of 65% in the near future :oops:

Tomorrow new alcometer

DBV

by **MacStill** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 6:22 pm

Linno wrote:gday DBV

I would be first checking the alcometer (if u always use the same one) as it sounds like you have already done most of the right troubleshooting while its running. i run 4 plates and consistently get 93% and then down from there so i rekn there is definitly room for improvement from 87..

cheers

Great catch Linno :D

5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

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Re: 5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

Re: 5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

Re: 5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

Re: 5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

Re: 5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

Re: 5 plate bubbler low ABV why?

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