Questions on 5 Star Distilling 2" Boka

[Bodgy]

Just wondering a couple of things about this still.

Can you do a stripping run with it at all?

How long would it take approximately to do a 20l TPW mash spirit run?

How much water flow is required when it is in operation?

Thanks.

[Bodgy]

Sorry I meant a tomato paste wash, I dunno why I wrote mash there.

I'm just trying to get an idea of how much water I'm gonna be using here really, and how much time I'm gonna need to allocate for the running of the still. I will be using a 25L mangrove jack boiler and I'm trying to plan out a recirculating water system for it.

[Carol]

Hi Bodgy
I have a FSD Boka and pot. I use the pot for the stripping run so can't advise on using it to strip TPW. I assume that you would take out the packing and run it flat out but Andrew could advise on that.
I run my boka with a submersible pump in the swimming pool so can't tell you how much water it will use.

For a TPW spirit run ( for me that is low wines from 3 TPW stripping runs) I allow about 7 hours.

Cheers
Carol

[Bodgy]

Thanks Carol, I have read your thread thanks for the info it was a help and was one of the reasons I went with the 5 star over the offerings in my local shop.

I'm thinking about getting the boka later down the track but I have already spent close to $1500 so I think I need to produce something to show the missus before I go blowing any more cash just yet haha.

I think I'll just take a suck it and see approach to the cooling loop. I will start out with a wheely bin full and see how the temperature goes. I'll keep some ice ready to deal with temp spikes in the coolant. If the ice is too much of a pain I will add in a radiator and fan and I'm hoping that will be enough to deal with the temperature load.

When you started out with the still what was your cleaning method? I have two buckets of TPW on the go now maybe about 17L each. I was thinking give it a good scrub, then vinagar run of 10L 50/50 mix, then sacrifice one of the 17l batches to the vodka gods, then I can run my first drinkable batch. Sound about right?

[Bodgy]

Sorry I meant thinking about the getting the pot, I have purchased the boka. Man... Just too much new terminology for my brain right now.

[Carol]

Hi Bodgy

I used TPW wash to clean the still and kept the resulting distillate in case I need to do it again.

I am really happy with my boka (and pot). What does your wife like to drink?

Cheers
Carol

[The Stig]

I recommend giving the copper a soak in citric acid for 24 hours then a good rinse with fresh water.
Then do a sac run

[Sam.]

You might get away with recirculating with a wheelie bin of water, depends where your located and the start water temp.

Most use a 1000L IBC or like you said a radiator cooling loop :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Also it is customary to drop by the welcome centre and introduce yourself ;-)

[Bodgy]

Well we both drink dark spirits mostly, tends to be rums lately but I like a nice quality scotch and the missus doesn't mind a bourbon. We will be starting out with neutrals and essense but I'll see how dedicated I get.

So for the citric acid I just buy the powdered stuff at woollies? What strength should I mix that at if that's the stiff to use?

[The Stig]

So for the citric acid I just buy the powdered stuff at woollies? What strength should I mix that at if that's the stiff to use?

Correct, and I mix half the tub in about 5lts water (warm)