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Showing results for tags 'still design'.
Found 4 results
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Hello All, I'm seeking a small still for R&D; it would need to be capable of generating neutral spirits. I have tooled around with the Turbo 500 packed column (https://stillspirits.com/products/turbo-500-still); their literature states upper limits of 186 proof, which I was able to reach (188-189, in fact). I wasn't able to get to 190 proof, which I'll need for compliance. I've contemplated fitting the Turbo 500 with a 2" TC adapter and adding a different or taller plated or packed column. However, I'm not sure of the Turbo's heat output (1600 W) being sufficient. So, my questions for the community: Are there columns I could fit on the Turbo 500 that could generate >190 proof spirits with its existing heat output? or Are there other small stills that could get me >190 proof? Some other considerations: The wash would be free from solids, so direct heating elements are fine I don't have access to steam Cost and space are considerations - I'm looking for something less than 15 gallon capacity. Thanks in advance!
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I have seen two designs on the return line from the column(s) (whisky column, vodka column or gin basket or quite commonly these drain into a common line) back to the pot. In one of the designs the return enters the pot above the liquid line in the vapor zone. I have heard by the people that promoted this design that it has to be that way or the still becomes vapor locked and floods if the return is under the liquid line and to never fill the still above the return line entrance point. On the other end I have heard that if the return line is above the liquid line vapor will enter the return line and "fight" the returning liquid. Interested in operating and engineering opinions, pros and cons with both designs.
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Hi all, I'm probably going to order a column with 3-4 plates from Still dragon. Planning to heat the pot/ kettle directly with an electrical element. I'm going to go for a low watt density element. I have the option of a stainless covered element. The pot is around 207 litres (55 gallons) stainless steel. I will mash and lauter in another vessel to make a clear wash. Does anyone foresee any difficulty with heating directly in terms of scorching or smearing? A lot of people swear by agitation to avoid smearing. If agitation is vital could anyone recommend a supplier of an agitator that I can install on the kettle? I can power it pneumatically or electrically. Thanks in advance for any help or advice. Pádraic
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First off, I am new on this site, however I have watched these threads and perused manufacturers sites for years as I have developed my business plan: My post title is the preface to my questions: 1. Why does it seem that all of the sudden there is an influx of Chinese made boilers and other still equipment on the market. If you look on Alibaba you can find hundreds of resellers and manufacturers with the exact products that some of the garage shop distillery design and fabrication houses in the US are selling these days. 2. Who is using these items commercially? are they producing award winning product? OR are they just a way for enterprising individuals to import a substandard, low quality product from China and sell it to starry eyed entrepreneurs or hobbyists looking for an inexpensive way to go commercial? I mean no disrespect to the people who are trying to make a living and have a legitimate product capable of producing high quality spirits, but that said: I live in Portland, Oregon, travel to Southern CA every month and have toured 30+ distilleries in the last 3 years and not a single one of these successful award winning distilleries has one of these designs. I see primarily Holstien and Carl, and a few customs that are almost identical clones to the Carl and Holstien stills. these are very high quality and expensive units, but the results seam to speak for themselves. Anyhow, I in the process of ordering my equipment, I have quotes and package pricing from both Carl and Kothe (Holstien) and am leaning that direction, however it isn't too late to prove to me that these other items are decent and worth a look. There is one member on this forum that is selling a 60 gallon still package for roughly $35-$40K that is based on one of these Chinese boilers and the supporting accessories that would be worth a look if there were some end users that have excellent results to boast about. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts
