How much Vinegar for bigger Boiler?

CothermanDistilling

If I have a 380L, and I can put 20 gal in it to cover the elements, is a gallon of vinegar enough, 2 gallons?

TheMechWarrior

My 2 cents: You only need enough to allow you to collect the about 2L or roughly half a gallon vinegar condensate. I normally use four times as much as you've suggested, but I may be using more than I need ie the ratio I use is 1 gallon of vinegar plus 5 gallons of water. I run in full reflux initially and then turn off the RC and collect roughly half a gallon and stop. I like to collect as though it were a spirit run, so I can see the change in the jars. You will see this change in your jars on the sacrificial run as well.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Mech.

CothermanDistilling

stupid question, does vinegar distill off evenly in the water or is it like ethanol... I read that the boiling point is slightly higher, which is the reverse of ethanol.. I think I will chuck 2 gallons in and giver her a rip...

TheMechWarrior

Reverse is right mate, you'll be running her pretty hot. Boiling point is 118 to 119 °C or 244 to 246 °F.

She'll get a steam clean at the same time :D