CODistiller Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 My last couple stripping runs have essentially stalled around 40% abv. It is really weird, I will have a great run until about that point and then the spirit just starts to lightly spit off the still... Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebstauffer Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Tell us about your still. As the kettle contents drifts more toward water the BP will increase. If you're unable to progressively add more heat to the pot to meet the demand of boiling the contents that which you describe coudl occur. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattabv Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 sounds like a heat issue for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteB Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Add one more vote for not enough heat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CODistiller Posted February 19, 2016 Author Share Posted February 19, 2016 Thanks for the responses. I have tried hitting the still with full steam without much luck. Possibly my boiler is not running at full capacity... It is just odd that this started happening with the last couple batches, and I have never had this problem before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteB Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 If it is an electric boiler check if one of the elements has burnt out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebstauffer Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I have tried hitting the still with full steam without much luck. That's certainly not what I expected you to say! I would guess one of two things. If you're running a plated column perhaps your turndown ratio is too high by overcooling the dephlegmator. Otherwise, I'd look to your boiler: make sure it isn't flooding or dry firing (more accurately not firing if the LWCO has activated). Check that all valves are open (I would imagine you'd get horrible water hammer if they weren't) and that your condensate return pump (fickle bastards that they are) is working correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsaks Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Any fouling deposits built up on your steam coils/jacket ? They'll reduce the heat transfer, which becomes more critical in the later stage when the BP rises due to increased water percentage. Thanks for the responses. I have tried hitting the still with full steam without much luck. Possibly my boiler is not running at full capacity... It is just odd that this started happening with the last couple batches, and I have never had this problem before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpiritedConsultant Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I don't really have much to add to the previous comments. My first instinct would also be a lack of firepower. Pictures and specs of your system would be helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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