cracker wrote:Hi Doubleuj, After seeing your post on running a t500 the proper way i gave it a try.Kept the copper saddles in and replaced ss saddles with ss scrubbers putting in 7.
Followed the 25l tpw run and first drips at 38 degrees got rid of 200ml fores and started collecting at between 43 deg to 50 deg, the whole process took 1.45hrs from 1st drop till switching off ending up with 4.75l @50%. Have I F#%ked up in some way because using the ss saddles the process takes around 3hrs at 52deg - 57deg and get approx 2.8l @ 94%. Cheers cracker :?
Ok, so after a couple of pm's and even a phone call we've figured out the problem :handgestures-thumbupleft:
Thought I'd post up what we worked out for others to possibly learn from.
Turns out Cracker had a puke.
The first three or so jars came out fine, crystal clear and then bam, pissing/ surging tpw coloured output :handgestures-thumbdown:
the three problems I saw were: (as mentioned Cracker, just posting this for others to learn, not having a go at you)
1. Possible blockage in the "Lyne" arm cross over pipe between the column and pc (this could explain the surging)
If a copper saddle gets lodged in the small pipe that connects the pc to the column you can get a build up of refluxed product that is restricted and can't escape. Once the build up reaches a certain amount it will push past the blockage in a surge.
Solution: empty the column of ss and copper.
Hold the column in one hand up near the top
Firmly strike the columns just below the plastic piece to try to dislodge any remaining copper saddles :handgestures-thumbupleft:
2. Overpacked column, as Zak suggested , over packing might have been an issue also.
Solution: remove all packing and re pack loosely.
One point to note here is the type of stainless scrubbers, make sure they're actually stainless, some cheap brands will say stainless but are far from it. If you're concerned, chuck one in a glass of water overnight.
3. The third problem is the puke itself
Cracker assured me he didn't over fill the boiler so that's not the problem, but for others, don't go past the max line.
Now I've never had or read of anyone getting a puke on a t500 with a tpw so if I'm not wrong then your an individual cracker :laughing-rolling:
My suggestions were to add some olive oil to the boiler, along with re packing the column.
Perhaps it could have been an un finished ferment too :think:
Anyhow, glad I could help you mate, hope the next run goes smoothly