Running a T500, the Proper Way - Discussion Thread

[globalmark]

Hi Guys

been reading all this info - as just bought a T500 upgrade from airstill ..
However not much mention on a complete run through from start to finish - lots bits and pieces
the original post running a T500 the proper way is great .

But no mention of a stripping Run first ?? - whats the format here - just run it all first bin the fores 150ml keep everything ,
Then a spirit run dilute to 40% and then rerun with cuts every 200ml after discard the fores again - (as on main page)

What sort of quantities each part - approx I know done by smell and taste but love to know approx what each is ??

Heads -
Hearts -
Tails -
dunder - to dump (good for compost in garden)

Thanks so much for this info i had a lovely chart on the airstill (getting best from airstill) (added pic of chart ) found someone posted here ) so nice to have that sort of info for T500 to start with -
all the best MARK

[The Stig]

Nobody talks about stripping runs with a T500 because you can’t really do it without killing it

[globalmark]

Hi stig

Sorry what does that mean - dont do a stripping run with a T500 as will damage it ???
or do you mean cant mess it up as simple ?
Thanks

[The Stig]

The T500 has a plastic cap on top, run the still too hot (IE a stripping run or pot still mode) and you will warp that cap and it'll never seal again without a lot of messing around.
Turn the still upside down and fill it with water and see if it leaks out the plastic top cap

[globalmark]

Hi

yes it does leak out that cap as when cleaned it i filled with water and citric acid and drain out slowly - so does this mean No stripping run with the T500 or just means have to keep temp lower - or shall i strip with my little airstil (but was trying to avoid that as 4litres at a time and 2 washs to do so thats a pain ..
can i adapt or change the plastic part for copper or stainless .
whats your suggestion as i did see a updated post from stillspirits saying can do stripping run but i dont trust there paperwork

thanks Mark

[globalmark]

Maybe a stripping run is the wrong word - just distill twice then ?? and water down between ..

[Sjp770]

I ran my new T500 the other day for the first time and got near the 2hr mark with no drips coming out, once I slowed the flow of the still spirits water controller it started coming out immediately. From there I could find tune it to the correct drip drip dribble. But my question is if the cooling is so efficient (cold ground water maybe?) How long should you let it reflux in the column and is there any advantage once it comes to temp? Do people install temp probes in the main body to see when it hits boiling / vapour temps to know when to start the extraction?
- Simon

[NevH]

Thanks WJ great post,

I put down a WBAB wash today. I have the same T500 still as you and will be making the same Mod's you suggested. I was thinking of running a stripping run first then a spirit run. Is this a good idea? And if so should I run my condenser with no packing?

Cheer nev

[NevH]

Thanks WJ great post,

I put down a WBAB wash today. I have the same T500 still as you and will be making the same Mod's you suggested. I was thinking of running a stripping run first then a spirit run. Is this a good idea? And if so should I run my condenser with no packing?

Cheer nev

:-B :violence-smack:
Woops didn't realize there was so many pages on this subject, I'll keep reading

[Professor Green]

Hey Nev,

many of us strip our washes before doing spirt runs; it's a very good strategy. Strip a couple of washes then combine the resulting low wines and put them through a single spirit run. You'll end up up with much better results than running the wash directly.

I would not recommend trying to strip with the T500 column though, it has plastic parts that will most certainly fail due to excessive heat and leave you still unusable.

[The Stig]

Double what Mr Green said

[NevH]

Hey Nev,

many of us strip our washes before doing spirt runs; it's a very good strategy. Strip a couple of washes then combine the resulting low wines and put them through a single spirit run. You'll end up up with much better results than running the wash directly.

I would not recommend trying to strip with the T500 column though, it has plastic parts that will most certainly fail due to excessive heat and leave you still unusable.

Thanks for that Mr Green and the Stig,
started by cleaning my column, tipped it upside down water passed through the plastic at the top. I think damage has already been done. Noticed some other threads on mods. thanks for the feedback I'll keep reading.
Nev