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De-tuning a reflux

PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:41 pm
by GBarb
Hi guys,

Although I’m not there yet, I would like to get my head around this detuning of a reflux still business.

I have a still spirits super reflux still, is it as simple as just removing the packing rings?

Is there anything else I need to do or look out for when operating?

Re: De-tuning a reflux

PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 4:34 pm
by Doubleuj
Got a pic?
Is it the little 5L job or a 25L boiler? Some reflux stills have plastic parts that will melt/ deform and leak if you remove the packing.

Re: De-tuning a reflux

PostPosted: Tue Jan 30, 2018 11:22 am
by skurvy84
Hey mate, there is a couple of threads i found when using search and sorted by posts but thats not everyones cup of tea.

If you checkout this thread http://www.nzhomedistiller.org.nz/?q=co ... p-cm-still

(I'm sure theres a copy on here hut i can't find it) it will explain it but essentially your correct, take your packing out, remove the water flow from the columns cooling "jacket" so that it only runs through your condenser.

I've been doing this to strip tpw and ffv and just last night stripped my first cfw.

Re: De-tuning a reflux

PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 4:00 pm
by Stevejb
This may be an odd idea (it probably is) but......

If a relux still running at 2000 watts has a reflux ratio of 8 and the power is reduced to say 500 watts, the relux ratio would drop to say 2. I am just pulling these numbers out of the air here.. If the power is gradually reduced further eventually there would be no reflux. Would this then operate as if it was a pot still?

I look forward to your comments..

Re: De-tuning a reflux

PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 4:14 pm
by Fishleg
I think the less power you put in the more reflux you get.

If anything you would want to run it harder.

Re: De-tuning a reflux

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 6:08 am
by warramungas
Less power the less reflux you get as there is not as much returned to the boiler from the rc back down the column.
Why if you don't run enough power on a plated still your plates can dry up or your strength can drop if your take off rate is too much.
You could reduce the power to 500 watts but then its going to take all day to do a run.

If its the still I think it is just leave the rc water off and run whatever power gives best results for you. Slower the better with a pot still.