Thatch

Guys, this discussion has gone on for a long time on multiple threads. If you're still discussing rather than saying "dam the torpedoes" you will find that there are few of the components left for you to purchase to do any formula. The World Health Organization has given a simple formula to follow. The formula has been acknowledged by the TTB and we are being told we will not be taxed on the spirits used in this sanitizer. The Cleveland Clinic is known the world over, they are using the WHO formula. I'm in this to try to save lives and do a good thing. Isn't it time to stop talking and start doing? My 2 cents worth.

I let it spin for 10 minutes at the "checkout" and it never loaded. The link seems to be correct.

Let us know what you find out. It appears that 10% methanol gets you to a denatured level. Given that Methanol is part of the heads and foreshots, are we already producing denatured ethanol but re-introducing our foreshots and heads? It also appears that acetone is another denaturing agent. Denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) is ethanol (CAS 64-17-5) that has been treated to make it unfit for human consumption. The main additive is typically methanol (10 percent), but isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol), methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetone, or other substances may also be used. How do you determine what level of methanol and acetone you have in heads and foreshots? If we add back in our heads and foreshots do we have a denatured product that can be used as a sanitizer for wipe downs?

https://www.curbellplastics.com/Research-Solutions/Technical-Resources/Technical-Resources/Chemical-Resistance-Chart

https://www.dalkita.com/portfolio/ Distilleries are their specialty, very knowledgeable about all building and fire codes concerning distilleries.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Sunday afternoon that the state government will issue an order closing all bars and restaurants in Ohio beginning at 9pm ET.

I agree, which is why I apologized for hijacking the thread. We are very fortunate in that we pay 5.2 cents per kwh for electricity in our area.

Since you asked, we do it because we feel good supporting Ohio family farms. We want to craft our own and frankly GNS seems to me like cheating. From an economic stand point making craft spirits makes no sense at all, there are a lot more profitable ways to make a living. But, I get a real good feeling when people tour our place, taste our hooch and favor us by purchasing a bottle or two. Sorry if I hijacked the thread.

Ditto, well said.

You got it. You can also have as much as you want in bottles of 1.3 gallons or less so long as it is not more than 50% ABV. If what you have in bottles is above 50% ABV it counts toward your MAQ.

You appear to say that wooden barrels do not count toward the MAQ, is that what you have said?

Thanks for the Missouri history lesson. What it has to do with the OP question, I'm not sure. In any event, North Carolina's building codes are based on the IBC and IBC MAQ would apply. So, if the OP searches on the term MAQ on this forum that should get him pointed in the right direction.

The answer is, it depends. You should search on MAQ (maximum allowable quantity) on this forum. Your question in not a North Carolina issue, the same building codes apply throughout the USA.

I came across this company while reading an article in Distiller Magazine. I don't know anything about them other than they seem to offer all the services you need. http://americanspiritsltd.com/services/distilled-spirits-foundations/

MALT WHISKY³ Whisky produced at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent malted barley and stored at not more than 62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers

This is likely what he will need to do to get a building and occupancy permit.

It has to be low, keep in mind that ethanol vapor is heavier than air. The only way to detect that you have a problem is to get the sensor low but not so low that you'll drown it in a washdown.

We have ours mounted on a pillar at eye level but the sensor is somewhere between 6 to 12 inches from the floor. We are within a few feet of our stills with the sensor.

Stills built in the US are not likely to be ATEX compliant just as stills built in Europe are not likely to comply with US specifications. ATEX is a uniquely European Union directive for protection against explosive atmospheres. No. It’s not harmonized with NFPA combustible dust standards and not considered by OSHA an acceptable certification for electrical equipment used in hazardous locations.

Silk's post is on the mark. You have asked several questions over the last couple of weeks that your architect should be on top of. I would recommend that you search on the term "code review" on this forum and read all the posts. This should be helpful to you and your architect is making sure you are aware of all code issues.

You have to check with the manufacturer of the specific tubing. Generally the answer is yes, but there may be other tubings to consider that are better. The link below is put out by the US department of energy. https://www.bnl.gov/esh/shsd/PDF/Compressed_gas/Chem_Comp_Tubing_Material.pdf

Yes, stainless, wooden barrels, tanks, poly totes, it all counts as long as the percentage is 16% or higher. The only thing that does not count is spirits in bottles not exceeding 1.3 gallons so long as those spirits do not exceed 100 proof. By the building code there is no "one or the other", the code is clear. What your AHJ allows you to do is what is unclear.

Okay, than you should find a way to tell your AHJ very nicely that he might be incorrect. In your situation the 16% is the main point that you need to have him understand. Not being familiar with distilling he might think that your fermenters are full of high proof ethanol. Keep in mind that he is the boss. If he does not want to research this himself, you will likely need a written opinion for a consultant such as Scott Moore of Dalkita. You will likely have to pay for his written opinion. This is a link to the section of the Dalkita website that discusses MAQ. https://www.dalkita.com/maqs-maximum-allowable-quantities/

I believe that your AHJ is incorrect. There is no MAQ if the ABV is less than 16%. You will be classified as H-3 is you exceed 120 gallon of Ethanol that is in excess of 16% ABV. What ABV are you achieving in your fermenters?

Don't think so. That's what the folks at http://www.americansinglemaltwhiskey.org/ are trying to make happen.