8 replies to this topic

[Matt t]

Hello,

I own a fab shop in Georgia.  I was recently approached by Ivy Mountain to build them a still.  I did not have any prior knowledge on still building, but after doing some research (talked with old moonshiners), this is what we came up with (pics attached).  It is operational and producing around 30 gallons per hour averaging 110-120 proof.  With the heater box, they have about 15 minutes of down time between batches.  I found this to be an enjoyable and informative project.  If anyone in this area needs any help building a still, I would be glad to offer my services.

Attached Files

•  still.jpg   113.05K   436 downloads
•  still1.jpg   115.64K   464 downloads
•  still2.jpg   103.48K   418 downloads
•  still5.jpg   128.59K   336 downloads

[PeteB]

Hello Matt, that looks a very interesting setup, quite a big output for its size, and a short downtime.

Can you please describe the different parts and how it  works?

[Matt t]

The stainless tank to the far left is the condenser, it has 120 foot of .75" copper tubing in a spiral configuration.  The finished product comes out at 56 degrees F.  The stainless tank mounted horizontally is the heater box, it has a 15 gallon rectangular heat exchanger inside.  The mash is pumped into it with a pneumatic pump, as the still runs steam travels through the heat exchanger preheating the mash for the next run to about 150 degrees F.  Once the mash in the still is done, one would empty the still, open the valve on the heater box to fill the still with preheated mash.  The boiler injects stem into the mash via 2" copper tube with 38 holes in it.  The steam travels out the still into the thumper barrel which is filled with 10 gallons of backings, then into the dry barrel, out of the dry barrel into the heater box where it exits into the condenser.  An older gentleman runs the still by himself, it is just a matter of opening and closing valves.

On a different note I was thinking about visiting Tasmania, I would like to chat with you about that.

[bradocaster]

is that steam jacketed?

[bradocaster]

sorry i posted before i refreshed. thanks

[Jedd Haas]

What was the cost of this still?

[PeteB]

Thanks for the explanation Matt. I figured most of it out from the photos except the steam injection, and the dry barrel which I have not heard of before.
Preheating the mash as you cool the vapour is a great for energy reuse, and saving time.

Matt t, on 20 January 2012 - 09:27 AM, said:

On a different note I was thinking about visiting Tasmania, I would like to chat with you about that.

Would love to see you down here in Tasmania. Email me  pbignell@belgrovedistillery.com.au

Could catch up before then if you are going to the ADI Conference in Kentucky.

[Raj404]

Hey I am in north Geogia I would love to check you out please provides contact info

[Matt t]

I can be reached at 706-244-5153.  Matt