Something bad in alcohol

[twojaythomo]

Ok after doing many cleans with my reflux that I built I thought I would give it a test as stated in another thread I found there was something still toxic in the still somewhere. As Mac did mention I was a bit stupid to use seconds pipe from a scrap yard but as I had already invested in it I decided I have to try and get to the bottom of this so I have decided to start pulling it apart to inspect the pipe.

I have started with the PC and may have found something, a white powder like film, is it the application of too much flux that as dried out what do you guys think. I had this soaking in stright vinegar and still didn't come out. As I could not see these parts I was unaware of this.

[Blackened]

Looks to me like oxidation or a mineral build-up.

Going by the design of your PC, it appears to allow a small amount of liquid product to pool around those inner pipes before making it's way out. Given that you've done some cleaning runs, might I suggest that the cleaning fluid pooled here and remained for a period of time? Perhaps leading to the oxidation? And if it wasn't dismantled and rinsed this section may develop a build-up.

HTH :smile:

[Yummyrum]

Curious why you thought there was something toxic still in it ? .What is the test you say was mentioned elsewhere

[Blackened]

towards the end of page one

http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6765&p=118173#p118173

[whiskeyshiner]

Just my personal opinion cut your losses and chuck it. I never understand using second hand pipe from scrappies sure its cheap but would you buy secondhand pipe to fix you plumbing at home? If I dont know where its been it doesnt go on my still. Not a fan of how using second hand pipe has popped up in a few build threads like its normal or a good idea. Not having a go at you though mate just seems to be a trend lately. Its an honest mistake I reckon cut your losses you have a lot more piece of mind if its new pipe :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Sam.]

Using second hand pipe is in the same basket as using brass in my opinion. If you are comfortable with it and know the risks then no probs :handgestures-thumbupleft:

But when you read things like this, might make you think again........... :whistle:

[mattcoffs]

What about cleaning it up properly with a wire wheel?

[whiskeyshiner]

I have had whitish oxidation on my pipe but it was near the tin solder on the outside also i find vinegar if you soak it to long it darkens again with a black tinge it isnt as good as citric so maybe give that a go but yeah errr on the side of caution obviously because your unsure of what pipes been used for. Did you rinse it after each solder. Although cleaning with an acid sounds good in theory alot of the shit like flux is already acid it creates a build up of oxidisation. So rinse with water then you could neutralise with bicarb. Then finally resoak in citric :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[MacStill]

I read the title of this post and was ready to say fuck off, then I read the rest and withdrew that comment :laughing-rolling:

[bt1]

In six odd builds never seen this. Normal copper patena is a dark grey/ brown in colour after several runs.

The fact that it appeared after a single run is a bit concerning. It seems solder related ... what solder brand and type and flux was used?

Is there anything odd about the wash.. like your water pH or wash type?

cheers
bt1