Carter head discussion
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 2:06 am
I'm curious to hear about the different configurations people are running their Carter heads in, and how there using them. :-B
Some possibilities that come to mind are:
1. -Pot still, might include a reflux condenser for easy basket changes.
2. -Above some plates.
3. -Below some plates.
I did my a sacrificial run a couple of nights ago using option 2. Collection speed was good and I believe I even gained a point or two in ABV% However there was quite a lot of reflux accumulating in the collection sight glass. Not sure what's considered a normal amount. I believe Mac has stated this option in not optimal for anything smaller than a 6 inch still, I'm guessing because of the amount of reflux build up? :whistle:
This brings up a interesting question I hadn't previously considered; Draining this product is a bit of a worry, in my case we're talking boiling hot alcohol at 93 odd %. Not the kind of thing I'd be happy doing if I ran gas or had any open flames around. Do people have any clever solutions here?
I also wondered if anyone just let it fill right up to presumably start flowing back to the boiler or plates?
I thought whatever configuration is best in the end a bit of insulation couldn't go astray so I'm going to trim up some of my insulation off cuts from the boiler and mashing vessels to that end.
I love hear any discussion on these points or any other general storys of Mr Carter. :D
Cheers lads.
Some possibilities that come to mind are:
1. -Pot still, might include a reflux condenser for easy basket changes.
2. -Above some plates.
3. -Below some plates.
I did my a sacrificial run a couple of nights ago using option 2. Collection speed was good and I believe I even gained a point or two in ABV% However there was quite a lot of reflux accumulating in the collection sight glass. Not sure what's considered a normal amount. I believe Mac has stated this option in not optimal for anything smaller than a 6 inch still, I'm guessing because of the amount of reflux build up? :whistle:
This brings up a interesting question I hadn't previously considered; Draining this product is a bit of a worry, in my case we're talking boiling hot alcohol at 93 odd %. Not the kind of thing I'd be happy doing if I ran gas or had any open flames around. Do people have any clever solutions here?
I also wondered if anyone just let it fill right up to presumably start flowing back to the boiler or plates?
I thought whatever configuration is best in the end a bit of insulation couldn't go astray so I'm going to trim up some of my insulation off cuts from the boiler and mashing vessels to that end.
I love hear any discussion on these points or any other general storys of Mr Carter. :D
Cheers lads.