Running a T500, the Proper Way - Discussion Thread

[Sam.]

Continued from original thread here

Great post :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[rumdidlydum]

Great stuff wj :music-deathmetal:

[tassiespirit]

Thank you, I have a T500 boiler but am looking at making a pot column for it. Your explanation helped a lot.

Tas

[davesims]

Fantastic post

Is there any chance of making a slight addition, Using the column with a voltage controller?

[Doubleuj]

Thanks guys, I've been working on this for a while.
I'd like this to remain a simple explanation for people, who like me, went and bought a t500 with out doing the proper research and then found this forum looking for answers.
I think things like pot stills and voltage controllers should have thier own thread.

[Professor Green]

Great stuff Doubleuj.

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

[brisvalleymoonshiner]

yep been in the same boat as you hindsight is a wonderful thing
its not a bad rig to start with just do what you have explained and yes its not a bad product in fact a 100% better than what you get when you run it the still spirits way
well put together cheers

[cracker]

Hi Doubleuj, After seeing your post on running a t500 the proper way i gave it a try.Kept the copper saddles in and replaced ss saddles with ss scrubbers putting in 7.
Followed the 25l tpw run and first drips at 38 degrees got rid of 200ml fores and started collecting at between 43 deg to 50 deg, the whole process took 1.45hrs from 1st drop till switching off ending up with 4.75l @50%. Have I F#%ked up in some way because using the ss saddles the process takes around 3hrs at 52deg - 57deg and get approx 2.8l @ 94%. Cheers cracker :?

[Zak Griffin]

First issue is that plastic collection jug, second is that've fact that you're not making cuts.

I also suspect you haven't packed your column properly.

[Doubleuj]

First issue is that plastic collection jug, second is that've fact that you're not making cuts.

I also suspect you haven't packed your column properly.

:text-+1:
You shouldn't be collecting less than 89-94% :think:
The temps sound good, the take off sounds good but that abv.
You definitely don't want your column packed too tight. Try taking it all out and repacking with 5 or so.

[cracker]

zac, in doubleuj thread he puts in 5 and says dont over stuff them, I actually put in 8 so more needed. And i did make cuts but with it coming out quick I took what i thought was hearts then placed the rest in the jug

[Doubleuj]

Can you clarify please, did you replace: still spirits(ss) ceramic saddles with stainless steel (ss) scourers?
Or did you somehow have ss (stainless steel) saddles?

[prawnz]

2.8l @ 94%. Cheers cracker :?

Taking a bit of a risk here as I dont use a T500 ,but its my understanding that TPW only gives up a max of 500ml per kg of sugar so that should be a total of 2.5lt max all up ?

Could be wrong , I remember I was wrong once before a few years ago 8-}

[Pugdog1]

Can you clarify please, did you replace: still spirits(ss) ceramic saddles with stainless steel (ss) scourers?
Or did you somehow have ss (stainless steel) saddles?

I have ss saddles

[Doubleuj]

Hi Doubleuj, After seeing your post on running a t500 the proper way i gave it a try.Kept the copper saddles in and replaced ss saddles with ss scrubbers putting in 7.
Followed the 25l tpw run and first drips at 38 degrees got rid of 200ml fores and started collecting at between 43 deg to 50 deg, the whole process took 1.45hrs from 1st drop till switching off ending up with 4.75l @50%. Have I F#%ked up in some way because using the ss saddles the process takes around 3hrs at 52deg - 57deg and get approx 2.8l @ 94%. Cheers cracker :?

Ok, so after a couple of pm's and even a phone call we've figured out the problem :handgestures-thumbupleft:
Thought I'd post up what we worked out for others to possibly learn from.
Turns out Cracker had a puke.
The first three or so jars came out fine, crystal clear and then bam, pissing/ surging tpw coloured output :handgestures-thumbdown:
the three problems I saw were: (as mentioned Cracker, just posting this for others to learn, not having a go at you)


1. Possible blockage in the "Lyne" arm cross over pipe between the column and pc (this could explain the surging)
If a copper saddle gets lodged in the small pipe that connects the pc to the column you can get a build up of refluxed product that is restricted and can't escape. Once the build up reaches a certain amount it will push past the blockage in a surge.
Solution: empty the column of ss and copper.
Hold the column in one hand up near the top
Firmly strike the columns just below the plastic piece to try to dislodge any remaining copper saddles :handgestures-thumbupleft:


2. Overpacked column, as Zak suggested , over packing might have been an issue also.
Solution: remove all packing and re pack loosely.
One point to note here is the type of stainless scrubbers, make sure they're actually stainless, some cheap brands will say stainless but are far from it. If you're concerned, chuck one in a glass of water overnight.

3. The third problem is the puke itself
Cracker assured me he didn't over fill the boiler so that's not the problem, but for others, don't go past the max line.
Now I've never had or read of anyone getting a puke on a t500 with a tpw so if I'm not wrong then your an individual cracker :laughing-rolling:
My suggestions were to add some olive oil to the boiler, along with re packing the column.
Perhaps it could have been an un finished ferment too :think:
Anyhow, glad I could help you mate, hope the next run goes smoothly

[fourexes]

I'll put my hand up for having puking issues with TPW earlier in the game. Turned out to be column packing, I added an extra pack of copper saddles and didnt remove enough ceramic ones. I have since seen the stainless saddles but I think I would just go with the tried and proven scrubbers if I ever decide to dust off the T500 condensor again. The ceramic ones seem to hang on to bad tastes and smells even after boiling.

On a relative side note: I recently had a batch of macs rum puke on me on the last of 4 identical runs through my pot/T500 boiler. I am aware im pushing the friendship of power input (2200watt flat out no controller) but going back through my paperwork shows the only difference was I forgot the olive oil in the boiler. The oil is quite effective.

[Bobsyauncle]

Can you clarify please, did you replace: still spirits(ss) ceramic saddles with stainless steel (ss) scourers?
Or did you somehow have ss (stainless steel) saddles?

Hey WJ/UUJ,

What brand ss scrubber did you use/recommend?

[Doubleuj]

Can you clarify please, did you replace: still spirits(ss) ceramic saddles with stainless steel (ss) scourers?
Or did you somehow have ss (stainless steel) saddles?

Hey WJ/UUJ,

What brand ss scrubber did you use/recommend?

These are the ones i used :handgestures-thumbupleft:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/mr-clean-tuffmates-pot-and-pan-scrubs_p4465903

[Bobsyauncle]

Cheers bud

[Peanut]

I have just recently purchased one of these stills and am now looking at making the changes you suggest. Mine has stainless and copper saddles, is it worth changing to the stainless scrubbers or am I better off leaving the scrubbers in? Is it worth adding extra copper ones?

Thanks for your help.