Thatch

20 hours ago, Longleaf Distilling said:

IBC totes

Since IBC totes can be metal or plastic and you did not mention the material your totes are made of, you should read the article at this link if they are plastic.

https://www.dalkita.com/prohibition-on-flammable-liquids-in-plastic-totes/

You will be classified as either F-1 or H-3 depending on the amount of spirits in storage.  Read those requirement in the International Building Code.   There will be a code change after the first of the year that might allow you to be F-1/S-1 regardless of volume stored. 

On this forum search and the term AHJ (authotity having jurisdication) and "code review"  These will answer many of your questions.  Whatever questions you have after that let us know.

2 hours ago, Workpress said:

the act of distilling any amount that is the classification? (would our 1L lab still count also?)

Yes, the act of distilling any amount would be F1.  Not sure where the sarcasm comes in but the code states Beverages over 16% alcohol content.  You will find this quote in 306.2 of the link I sent.

1 hour ago, Workpress said:

Does anyone know where I may find the exact specifications that give volumes and size requirements that are hard facts used in the classification of a distillery as F1 "High hazard industrial occupancy."

What you wrote does not make sense to me.  F-1 is Moderate Hazard and it is one of the places a distillery can be classified.  The link take you to the International Building Code.  Go to section 306.2 and you will see "Beverages; over 16 percent alcohol content".  The only other place you could be classified is Group H which is High Hazard.

Can you explain your issue with the classification so that we might be able to answer the real question.  If you complain too much you might find yourself classified as Group H.  BTW, your Authority Having Juridiction truly is the Lord and Master of his realm and he has applied the lowest possible classification that fits a distillery.  You don't want to upset your AHJ.

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1/chapter-3-occupancy-classification-and-use#IBC2021P1_Ch03_Sec307

1 hour ago, Pour Decisions said:

Does anyone know the difference between these two types? Do I make this determination during formula filing or does the TTB Formula Specialist make it based on the formula?

Keep in mind that DSS is only for spirits that do not meet the criteria for any other category.  If your only adding TTB approved flavoring and sugar and are above 60 proof you are a Flavored Vodka.  My guess is any Vodka that is a DSS does not meet the below criteria.

FLAVORED VODKA¹ · Vodka flavored with natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of sugar, bottled at not less than 30% alcohol by volume (60 proof) · The name of the predominant flavor shall appear as part of the class and type designation, e.g., “Orange Flavored Vodka” · Wine may be added but if the addition exceeds 2½% by volume of the finished product, the classes and/or types and percentages (by volume) of wine must be stated as part of the class and type designation

16 hours ago, Mash said:

Your Image contains a virus. My software won't allow it. Just FYI.

Opens fine under Windows 11.  This type image needs at least Windows 10 18.09 or later.  For the OP, you're better off only posting .jpg files.

10 hours ago, rolling Oak Farms said:

rollingoakfarms@gmail.com

Done

6 hours ago, Aislin H said:

Which Mobiltherm are you using? There seems to be quite a few options

MobilTherm 43.  We have also used G35 heat transfer oil from Lotos.  https://lotosoil.pl/upload/oil/import/12624_olej grzewczy G35_ENG.doc.pdf

We use Mobiltherm.  You might want to search on Heat Transfer Oil on this forum, there are several posts regarding glycol.  

We use pallet racks which we are able to buy used.  The 2 uprights were $100ea and the 12' beams were $50 each.  

53 minutes ago, daveflintstone said:

One does not bump a 14 y.o. post.

I understand what a troll is very well.  BTW who says you can bring an old topic back to life, you?

On 10/3/2022 at 11:50 AM, Galapadoc said:

It was less about asking questions and more about sharing experiences. A lot of sweet potato vodkas have appeared on the market in recent years. I think I've covered all the bases but I won't know if I have any questions until I start running into problems in a few months.

Hey @Galapadoc, your question was a good one.  Don't worry about @daveflintstone, he's our resident troll.  I'm not sure what @SlickFloss meant, he is usually very helpful.  Don't let one troll keep you from asking questions or in this case resurrecting a 14 YO post.

2 minutes ago, Shaun.B said:

Hey all, after chatting with a few other distilleries, starting proof point has come up a few times and curious what others would think or recommend.

After a distillate, are you proofing down to a starting point of say 120, 100 or 80, if you're not getting around in a timely manor to flavor / bottle?  Say if you need to keep in a tote for a bit.

 

And secondly, if using a simple syrup as part of your flavoring, are you just using syrup to bring it down from 80 to 40 proof (1:1 ratio)? Or is it a mix of syrup / RO.  

 

Most is personal preference, just curious what others opinions are, thanks all.

Shaun,

You haven't said anything about what you are trying to make.  

Totes are not for storage, they are for transport.

A 50/50 blend of SS and anything might make your teeth fall out.

There are certainly some products that would use SS and a flavoring to make something unique.  From past experience the ratio might be something like 6% flavor, 6% SS and add that to 80 proof vodka.  This will bring down the proof but that is not the goal IMHO, it is the result of something you found that appealed to your taste buds.

51 minutes ago, Pour Decisions said:

I was able to get it calibrated to Ethanol after all

Did RKI come out with a new test kit?  We were advised to purchase the butane test kit for periodic testing when we bought ours a couple of years ago.

31 minutes ago, blackheart2 said:

Show it to a local corrugated box manufacturer.  They can make them, easy.

Thanks, that's what we did.  Waiting for delivery at this point

This still according to the manufacturer will work with any wash other than an all malt wash.  Unfortunately we are a malt house as well as a distillery.

If you are interested PM me.  The still is in the 44212 zip code.  The video shows it in operation with a sugar wash at the manufacturers facility.  $6000.00 including a controller that will turn off the still and wash pump if the temperature exceeds 214 degrees 

Butane

There are several posts on this subject.  Just search on Butane.

Since there are no new available, does this work for you?

WHISKY DISTILLED FROM BOURBON MASH¹ Whisky produced in the U.S. at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent corn and stored in used oak containers

Where can I source a box insert as shown.  We need 1000.  The dimensions are 11 x 11 x 7.  Thanks

I talked to a guy who collects oil from various outlets that change oil in automobiles about recycling the heat transfer oil from our Baine Marie.  He suggested putting it on Craigslist to be used in an oil burning stove.  Anyone know if this is a good or bad idea?

The oil I am trying to recycle is Lotus G35.  The specs are here.  https://www.lotos.pl/en/859/p,913,c,577/for_business/industrial_lubes/multi-_purpose_oils/heating_oil_g_35#tab-1

Do you have an Architect doing your design?  If so, it is his job to guide you.  The problem you have with zero input is a change in AHJ.  You would likely not be grandfather in for any code violations.  Either a Master Electrician or Architect should be able to lead you down the correct path. Bonding and Grounding are not an option, this is National Code.

This is really a question for you local building department.  They have the final say as to what is okay and what isn't.  This is a very good article on the OSHA and NFPA requirement.  https://www.grainger.com/know-how/safety/emergency-response/fire-protection/kh-safety-bonding-grounding-255-qt

They are stainless and we have tested both their ability to pour and resistance to ethanol.   They come slightly disassembled as shown in the second picture.  We've been using them for over a year and the gasket is still in new condition.  They do not break like the plastic ones when you try to take them off.  $2.00 each plus shipping from 44212.  Minimum order 150.  PM me if interested.  

Thanks to everyone that has responded.  I should have titled the topic "Sales Calls Expectations".  

Here's the real question.  How many in-person contacts should we expect our salesman to make each week?

He would be calling on high end bars and restaurants and talking to the bar manager, GM or owner.

2 hours ago, Dungeons said:

F3 building classification is possible

What is the benefit of an F3 classification vs F-1/S-1?