I did my first sprirt run today using Kiwi's tutorial (i've put the output into a bottle and marked it not for drinking like 5Star said). I used the 23L TPW that i started two weeks and got about 2.1Litres out of it (thats when the temperature started to rise, i didn't collect anything after that).
When the column stabilized, the temp sat at a constant 79.1 for the whole run until the tails started. (I know the temp is out, it showed a bit over 101 when i was just running water through it).
With the valve full open and the heat right up it maxed out at 800ml/min. Think i might need to change something to get a higher output rate, i'm using a 3 ring gas burner so i think there's plenty of heat, maybe too much restriction in the ball valve (its not a full bore) or the column packing is too tight? I've been told to put a scrubber under the reflux coil to direct more vapour to the output, i'll try this next time and see how it changes the output rate.
As for strength of spirit, well a picture will suffice here :D
IMG_20111203_110447_s.jpg
Story to add:
I started up the boiler and sat there watching it for about 40mins listening and watching and waiting for something to happen, the temp was rising about 1degree per min and i could hear it boiling. Had the cooling running and thought it would be safe to go inside and get a snack. Came back out 5 mins later.... vapour streaming out the top of the column!!! :shock: :o :shock: .... oh shit, its gunna blow, where's the gas bottle.. where's the fire extinguisher.. wheres water the hose....!!!! quick check the cooling system... just steam coming out the output... turn the water up... vapour stops... phewwww ... :doh: :doh:
Lesson learnt... be on the safe side and start with a higher water flow and stay and watch!
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