Hello all,
I have been spending the past week or so converting my old nixon-stone into a VM still and finally ran it a couple times this week. I don't seem to be getting the output %ABV that many see from their VM still, and also had a terrible time today getting a decent flow rate on the takeoff. I would appreciate some thoughts on what I may be doing wrong. Here are some specifics on my setup and an overview of my run for background.
Still configuration:
2" column, approximately 5' tall (column is insulated up to reflux input line and packed with about 4' of copper scubbers.) I have a 10" double helix coil condenser at an angle coming off the column from a 2" Tee. The product takeoff comes off the Tee and a 2" 90 degree elbow, then goes into a reducer to a 1" ball valve, then on to another 90 degree and into a liebig product condenser (about 3' long 1/2" pipe inside 1" pipe.) then into my parrot.
I start off getting to equilibrium and letting is stabilize for an hour or so, then I draw off the foreshots. I close the valve and let it equalize again and then pull off the heads. It is here when it really seems to slow down. I have increased the gas heat quite a bit and am not loosing vapor from the top condenser, but my flow is terrible, probably around 500 ml every two hours. I tried opening the valve all the way, halfway, etc, but I am just not getting a good flow. The abv is coming out at 90% also during heads and through much of hearts.
Any ideas on what may be wrong with the flow and low abv%?
Thanks,
Technofaux