Charles Brungardt

I did some research and found that a FloJet pump would be a good starter pump. I bought a FloJet Double Diaphram Polypropylene body Kalrez 6190 diaphram with Vitron Extreme check valve seals. 

What is the best tubing to hook up to it for mixing the ethanol and water?

Someone told me that some hoses can make the liquid cloudy. Not wanting that.

Hey do you happen to have a Corking machine, bottle sparger,  Stainless tubs, transfer pump, and/ or a water system?

Thank you @SCLabGuy for all the information. That is extremely helpful! It is a lot cheaper to do it that way.

We are a non distilling producer for now. We receive alcohol at 192 proof in 270 gallon totes. I know I have to gauge it upon receipt. Do I need a mass flow meter for that or can I use the receipt from the supplier to prove that I have 270 gallons? I saw another way to measure it by weight. Is there a way where I don't need extra equipment?

What density meter do you recommend? It's hard to find one that cheap that is TTB approved.

Why do you need a 105-125 proof hydrometer?

The density meter satisfies the need of a hydrometer and a thermometer right? I think it does but I'm just checking.

Is there a checklist of everything we would need somewhere?

Thank you,

Charles

Thank you  @Kindred Spirits

How long does a reference cert last? Can it last 60 months?

22 hours ago, Charles Brungardt said:

Here is the workhorse glass thermometer: Digi-Sense Precision Liquid-In-Glass Thermometer; 30 to 124F, 76mm Immersion, Organic Liquid Fill from Cole-Parmer (coleparmer.com)

Is this an ok thermometer? 

I am trying to get a good reference thermometer for gauging.

The thermometer I was going to order is backordered until November. The vendor offered another option available, but I am not sure if it will work.

My plan is to use a digital reference thermometer and calibrate a "work horse" glass thermometer.

This is the thermometer I wanted: ThermoWorks Reference Thermometer

This is the recommended thermometer: Splash-Proof Reference Thermapen Thermometer | ThermoWorks

Here is the workhorse glass thermometer: Digi-Sense Precision Liquid-In-Glass Thermometer; 30 to 124F, 76mm Immersion, Organic Liquid Fill from Cole-Parmer (coleparmer.com)

Are there any other recommendations that y'all have?

How long does a reference thermometer last for with TTB standards? I can get it certified for 60 months at a local place.

All help is appreciated!

Charles

Could y'all give me some recommendations for a good RO water system for Vodka please?

I have looked at Cullingan and Pure Aqua.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Charles

Hello,

We are a new vodka distillery and we're trying to get all of our equipment.

One option we've found is the Xpressfill bottle filler, another option is CRU, And CDA-USA.

How are the CDA-USA machines for filling and lableling? 

We are thinking of going with the Xpressfill  bottle filler but looking at other options.

Thank you,

Charles

@JailBreak

Awesome thank you!

On 5/12/2022 at 9:36 AM, JailBreak said:

You will also need a hydrometer for the alcohol over 190 proof, whether you're making it or sourcing it. This is usually a 185-206 proof hydrometer. 

Other hydrometers are useful in case big mistakes happen.

As for the thermometer, you can use either digital or glass as long as it reads accurately to the 0.1 degree.

Thank you @JailBreak 

How come you need the 185-206 proof hydrometer? Is it because you have to gauge it before you dilute? Or If you receive it when you source it?

What thermometer do you use?

Sorry if the questions are obvious. I'm a newbie.

I appreciate your help!

Brungardt

On 12/13/2021 at 1:49 PM, JailBreak said:

1.A set of TTB certified alcohol hydrometers that cover all your bases

4. A TTB certified digital thermometer

Hello,

We are a new Vodka distillery. We only need one hydrometer that is in the range of 75-95 proof right? 

Also for the thermometer, It can be digital and does not have to be glass?

Thank you,

Brungardt

Is "Bill's book" you are referring to The Art of Distilling?

The Art of Distilling, Revised and Expanded: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Whiskey, Vodka, Gin and other Potent Potables: Owens, Bill, Dikty, Alan, Faulkner, Andrew: 9781631595547: Books - Amazon

Thank you guys for the help. I really appreciate it!

We are a new distillery for Vodka.

We are planning on doing a case of 6 750 mL bottles. I have gone to Total wine and saw that the box has two bar code on them. One is the same as the one on the bottle the other is different. I assume it is a bar code for the case. Some only have one.

First question is what is the second one for and do you have to have two? I talked with the people at total wine and they said when they scan in the bottles they scan the bottle code and will scan for each bottle.

Second, I see most 750mLs are in cases of six. Is that the standard? Can it be more or less, and is one preferable over the other?

Thank you,

Trey

On 1/3/2022 at 12:45 PM, captnKB said:

You are correct in that the Anton Paar Snaps are not TTB approved, but they will save you a ton of money on labor. The snap 41 works well enough for quick readings for nearly all distillery work except for final proof and gauging for packaging. 

Im out west of Fort Worth. If yall need some guidance drop me a line and I could come out and set yall up with operating procedures to get your moving with confidence. Distillerynow@gmail.com

Cheers,

--Kris 

That would be awesome KB. I just might do that.

Thank you!

CB

Hey @captnKB,

Yeah you're not kidding. There is a bunch of regulations. I guess it just takes time and practice to get a system going and to get it down. Too bad there isn't a easy guide.

I saw the one you're talking about. The Snap 41 and 51. Is that just for quick checks? From what I've found, it isn't TTB approved. 

We are in Plano. What about you?

Thanks,

CB

We are a new vodka distillery just starting out. I'm trying to find out everything that we need to function and so we don't get dinged by the TTB and TABC.

Is there a comprehensive list of everything we need anywhere? Or do I just have to go through all the laws and regulations to find that out?

I know I need a hydrometer and a thermometer that is NIST certified or have a one point calibration. People also say its a good idea to have workhorse sets and just use the certified ones as references. How do you keep a log for the records? Do you just have a notebook and write down the numbers or is there certain requirements?

Some people also say there needs to be a lab, and some people send there stuff out to consultants. What are some consultants for that?

Is there anything else that's really important that I need to know?

Any help is greatly appreciated!