So you want to get into distilling and are looking at what you need. Or maybe you want to upgrade from that 25L boiler. Well here are a few things to help you on your way. All of this info is on the forum and there are more details about each step scattered around the place. This is the basics to get you started. If you need more info, using the forum search function will very likely give you the answers.
SOURCING A KEGHere at Aussie Distiller we do not condone theft or stealing kegs. There are plenty if ways to get legitimate, decommissioned kegs for $60-$70. You can start in the classifieds section of this forum and even chuck a wanted add up. Gumtree and eBay also have plenty of kegs that come up for sale. Failing that, kegking will usually have some.
REMOVING THE SPEARThere is plenty of information on the Internet on how to remove a keg spear, including this very forum. You can start here:
viewtopic.php?f=41&t=2083Google and YouTube will also have heaps of info.
Two points to remember!
1. Remove the pressure from the keg BEFORE you attempt to remove the circlip/spear, drill or alter the keg in any way. The pressure in these make them very dangerous.
2. Keep you head out of the way when relieving the pressure and also when removing the spear. No one wants to cop warm beer or worse, a lump of steel to the face.
HEATINGThe two most common ways of heating your boiler and the wash contained are gas and electric. The electric vs gas is a long debate so I won't go into it. There is heaps of info here:
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3562GasA two ring burner will get the job done. These can be found at places like Bunnings and BCF, they will also pop up at garage sales and on eBay/gumtree if you want to chase a bargain.
A three ring burner will allow for shorter heat up times and faster stripping runs. For even more heat you can upgrade the standard gas bottle regulator to a medium pressure adjustable regulator.
Advantages: cheap and easy setup.
Disadvantages: open flame around flammable liquids and gases.
ElectricThere are two types of elements commonly used.
Weldless, are exactly as the name states. You simply drill a 32mm hole in the side of your keg and fit the element. Then get a electrician to wire it up.
Or
Threaded elements, these require you to weld in a 1" bsp bung onto the keg, to screw the element into. The plus side of these is you have more choice of element size, they seal better and are easier to remove or replace if necessary. It will also require an electrician to wire it up.
Five Star Distilling in the commercial section of this forum sell both types of elements. They also have very stylish guards to protect the wiring.
There is another well known company that sell weldless elements, and there is well documented evidence of them failing. Personally I would prefer not to have an element melt while I am distilling. Don't let me stop you from going down that road if you want but, the poor man always pays twice and I would not recommend you asking for help here if things go bad.
A hole can easily be drilled in your keg using a bi-metal holesaw and a cordless or power drill. Take it nice and slow and use plenty of cutting lubricant, WD40 works well. I advise using a center punch for the pilot drill (the one in the middle of your holesaw) as it will want to slide around if you don't. Do not let the hole saw or the metal your cutting through get hot. If stainless gets hot, it work hardens and then your really going to have a hard time. The holes in my keg took about 30 seconds each. Once the hole is drilled, take the burrs off with a file so you don't cut yourself.
One 2400W element will be enough to sufficiently boil 40L of wash. A 2400W element can be plugged into a standard household power point. To reduce heat up times, you can fit two elements or higher power elements ie. 3600W. If you decide to go for two elements you will need to run them off separate power circuits. If you want to go to a 3600W element you will need a 15A power point installed by an electrician.
DO NOT try to do electrical work if your not qualified. Not only for the obvious fact that electricity can seriously hurt or kill you, but overloading a power circuit can melt cables and cause fire. Not what you want when you have flammable hooch around.
Advantages: No open flame, no need to fill gas bottles.
Disadvantages: Possible more costly setup, need an electrician to wire it up, may also need to get/build a voltage controller.
Once you have this sorted your boiler is ready to go. You can load your wash in, attach your still and start collecting. However there are some extras you can add to make your distilling a bit easier.