New Still & Boiler Question

[Citris]

Hi guys. First off, a big thank you to MacStill for my new pit still, looks great. Now I just wanted to ask a question about tge boiler setting. My boiler is a 30L one with 2x 1000w heating elements, with the ability to use one or both. Currently (with my ild smaller still) I use both (2000w) to get the temperature to about 50-60c, then I dial it back to 1 (1000w) for a sow and easy stream.

My Question, should I keep doing this? Or just use the full power till the end?

And a second question, I read for stripping runs you go down to 20% ABV. What ABV do you go too on a spirit run?

Thanx again guys. All been a great help.

[Kimbo]

Hi Citris,
on a stripping run, I would go full power all the way to the end.
for a spirit run, i would see how it performs, you may only need 1000w or you may need 2000w.
i would also collect down to 20% on a spirit run and after cuts,keep it as feints ;-)

[caveman]

+1 what kimbo said
ya want to run the stripping run with as much power as ya got i throw 4800w at mine :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Citris]

Sweet, so I'm guessing, running at higher temps doesn't evaporate to quick and loose alcohol, it just stripes it faster? so as long as your still can condense the amount, it should be OK? Just trying to wrap my head around it, this will be my first Stripping and Spirit run, as apposed to just pouring it in and doing 1 run. 8-)

Looking forward to trying wood chips :D

[Kimbo]

Sweet, so I'm guessing, running at higher temps doesn't evaporate to quick and loose alcoholNo, it just stripes it faster?Yes so as long as your still can condense the amount, it should be OK? YesJust trying to wrap my head around it, this will be my first Stripping and Spirit run, as apposed to just pouring it in and doing 1 run. 8-)

Looking forward to trying wood chips :D

[Citris]

Woo... Now I just need to get a new holesaw to expand the hole in my lid, and ill be ready :-D Turns out they made the lids stronger then they use to :angry-banghead: .

[Citris]

Just started first runs now, If I take the 150ml off each stripping run, should I still take more off the spirit run? another 150ml?

[Heffers]

Just started first runs now, If I take the 150ml off each stripping run, should I still take more off the spirit run? another 150ml?

I do just to err on the side of caution however there are some that keep everything from the stripping runs and then ditch the foreshots when doing the spirit run.

The reason for this is that when doing the spirit run, you will let your column equilize (run on full reflux) for a period of time (15-45 mins depending on equipment and personal preference) which draws all of the nasties to the top of the column to be taken off first.

Cheers, Heffers