cmat Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 Hello everyone, I've never posted before but have learned a lot from this site. I hope this is the right place to ask. I have an idea for a new product and wanted to get some professional's opinions on it before I decide whether or not to pursue production or a patent. The device would measure the components of the vapor as it passes through before the condenser and display it digitally as percentage of water, ethanol, higher alcohols, esters, etc. It could be added in line to existing stills or be put into new stills as an additional option. I feel like it could be a valuable thing to be able to see instantaneous changes in the vapor caused by adjusting the heat input, dephlegmator, or possibly dozens of other variables. It might also make cuts more precise, or maybe make for a more consistent product. How do you all feel about it? Would you buy something that showed exact composition of the vapor at that instant? Would you like to see still manufacturers offer it as an option? How much money would the option be worth? I appreciate any time and thought put into any responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisan Still Design Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 think its a great idea, this sort of thing has been discussed ad nauseum, but no one has come up with a cost effective solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silk City Distillers Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 Like a gas chromatograph? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmat Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 Similar to, but I was thinking about a way to use a infrared spectroscopy system that can easily be used in-line on a still. I have a few ideas, but wanted to use a few different sources to get a better idea if it is worth sourcing parts to make a prototype. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salishseaorganicliqueurs Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 I would be interested in it if it doesn't cost two arms, a leg, and an IBC tote worth of gold like most things I've seen like this. I would also be very interested in some form of densitometer that could be hooked up right to the parrot spout of the still instead of using a hydrometer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natrat Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Yup, infrared spec is a good idea. It should be installable using either 1.5" triclamps or a 1" NPT fitting. I'll buy one. No such thing as not enough data. I'd love to have something other than temps to see what's going on with the vapor in my still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmat Posted April 4, 2014 Author Share Posted April 4, 2014 I was thinking an NPT fitting would be the way to go also. I have something that would work, it's just that the ability to quickly measure all of the compounds I'd like is most likely going fairly expensive, probably about $10- 15,000. I'd like a much cheaper one, we'll see where it goes. Thanks for the input, guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mendodistilling Posted April 5, 2014 Share Posted April 5, 2014 The next question is how you would utilize that data, if it was in the condenser you would have a long time in correcting it, if it were in the dephlegmator it could be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dehner Distillery Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Just an idea, It would not be instant but you could measure the resistance of the liquid that has just been condensed. You could use micro ohms, or something of that sort. Like a digital hydrometer. What do you think? It would be super cheap to make. Take care! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmat Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 I hadn't thought of using the resistance of the liquid, it would be interesting to see how many differents kinds of compounds could be read that way. I wanted to use a probe that will shine infrared radiation through a very small area of the vapor as it passed between the emitter and an IR sensor. The sensor would measure how much of the radiation was absorbed and at what wavelength. A program would display percentages by volume or mass of all the components in the vapor. It's been an interesting thing to research so far, and I think it may have potential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dehner Distillery Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Is that even safe? I'm just saying, anything that has radiation in it I get scared. Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salishseaorganicliqueurs Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 IR radiation is pretty much harmless. It's just light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmat Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 Yep, the same radiation as visible light, just longer wavelengths. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natrat Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Is that even safe? I'm just saying, anything that has radiation in it I get scared. Take care. Try googling "electromagnetic spectrum." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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