18 gal keg

[wil]

Hi peeps got myself an 18 gal tooheys keg today.paid a $100 for it which is a bit more than I wanted to pay but I want to get set up to do back to back runs with just a bit bigger wash capacity. which leads me into a question for those who use an 18gallon keg for a boiler.

How many litres of say a Rum or BWKO can you safely fill & distill without the dreded puke ? the rule of thumb @ 2/3rds of 80L would be aprox 54ltrs does that sound about right or can you put closer to 60L & add some cooking oil & still be safe? & how would you set it up?
I would really appreciate some input as to best set up options.

I thought I would go similar to dogbreath vodka's design but a 4" ferule to the 4" neturaliser a 4" SG fill port 2" ferule & triclamp to facilitate a drain,2x 2" ferules placed parallel & low in one end for 1x2400 w & 1x 3600w elements on a voltage regulator thingy on a cradle with wheels? not sure what to do about the original keg opening theres only one in the top think I might just get a 2" cap,seal & triclamp.
cheers
Wil :handgestures-thumbupleft:



here a pic

18gal.jpg

[warramungas]

I only use a 30 liter boiler but the only one I've had trouble with froth is a rum wash. 20 liters but when I opened the lid later I could see the froth made it into the bottom of the column. Everything else I've run I fill with a few liters to spare to the bottom of the column. Froth doesn't seem too big an issue on a well cleared and completed wash.

[dogbreath vodka]

Usually only go to about 70 ltrs.
Personal preference really.

Have had weird things happen when I accidentally filled almost to the top once.
All boilers seem to work better with a little head room.....

:D :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[wil]

Thank's for the replies Warramungas & dogsbreath vodka :handgestures-thumbupleft: . 70 litres sounds good.

I went for the 18 gal which apparently = 78 to 80Ltrs to get that bit more product for the effort & to set it up for the occasional back to back runs as well as

being economical.
cheers
Wil

[dogbreath vodka]

The set up I use includes a 300lt fermenter that holds up to 260ltrs of wash approx.

Using the 18gal keg and a 6" column
This set up will process the 260ltrs in a long weekend.

Friday night - one strip run
Sat - two strip runs
Sunday - distilling run.

It means you don't distill often.
The only drawback is if you want to experiment - you get a lot of product that maybe you don't want or don't like.

So keep a smaller boiler as well for changes in your wash that you are experimenting with.

The advantage is you can do low abv washes for a cleaner product.

:D :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[WTDist]

DBV do you strip flavour washes and then do a spirit run?

[dogbreath vodka]

I'm probably not the guy to comment on flavoured washes, only doing neutrals.

Except a rum I did a couple of months ago.
That was with two plates and the carter head.

It came out strong in flavour.
Wiifm described it as "bold" --- I think he was being kind. :laughing-rolling:
Might turn into a nice rum with some oaking, only time will tell. :D

[res]

Nice score Wil. :handgestures-thumbupleft: I reckon that's not a bad price for 18gal in decent condition, there rare as rocking horse poo these days.
As to head space the more the merrier, my research suggests the commercial lads are closer to 50/50.

[wil]

Guy's thanks heaps for the replies.Yeah Res I thought I had one weeks ago for $40 but the guy denied getting an email from me arranging pick up which I know I sent as I had a copy sent to myself so I recon someone offered him more & so I was guzzumped!! BUGGER anyway Ive got this one & Im sure it will be awesome when up & running.cant wait to have a boiler I can empty & refill without having to pull the who;le thing apart.
cheers
WIl

[ekul]

I usually put 60L of wash in mine and 70L of low wines. I scored my 18 gal keg for $5 :) :)

I always put a bit of butter in there

[wil]

Thank's ekul good score on the 18 Gal keg way in front there man :handgestures-thumbupleft: :handgestures-thumbupleft:
cheers
Wil