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Hey, everybody! Quick question to ponder (and any help is appreciated):
We've been running a 18-plate Crystal Dragon with 100 gallon kettle for our vodka production. We've had this setup since August of last year and have been able to consistently hit 95.625% ABV on each of our 100% wheat low wine runs. However, the past two days, for some reason, we're struggling to even hit 95% ABV.
Here's our basic rundown:
This typically gets us to 95.5% ABV by the time we hit hearts (about an hour into distillation).
However, these past two runs, we've done the exact same thing we've always done. The temperature of the kettle is the same, amount of water and temp of dephleg is the same. The only thing that's changed is the proof is struggling to get over 94.5 and there's a slight cloudiness in the final distillate.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Comments
I'd leak check your both of your heat exchangers
StillDragon North America - Your StillDragon® Distributor for North America
Hey, Smaug! For clarity's sake, we're not really running heat exchangers per-se, but do have the dephlegmator and condenser. Is that what you're referring to? Thank you!
Yes that is what he means. It could be possible there is a small leak that is diluting the product.
StillDragon Australia & New Zealand - Your StillDragon® Distributor for Australia & New Zealand
Thanks, punkin! We'll take a look!
Some more perspective: After exiting reflux it will hold steady at 190.5 for about half an hour. After that, with nothing being tweaked, the proof starts creeping downwards. Another sign of a leaking dephlegmator?
Ordinarily I would say no.
But best to confirm so that you can eliminate one of the variables.
StillDragon North America - Your StillDragon® Distributor for North America
Checking for a leak in the dephlegmator or product condenser is easy.
Turn flow to both condensers on and up as much as you can, while the still is off.
Wait for puddles. You'll either see drips into the kettle, or drips out the PC. No need to pressure test or disconnect anything to do this.
If possible do this with room temperature water, and not cold water, so you don't risk forming condensation and going on a wild goose chase for a leak that doesn't exist.
Are your hydrometer and thermometer accurate? It’s winter now, proof is lower.
SOLVED - We did end up having a leak in our condenser. Thanks for everyone's feedback!
I would monitor the temperature of the take-off vapor (defleg vapor outlet). It should be repeatable, and rock-steady during hearts.
I'm more like I am now than I was before.
Also - Sincere shoutout to StillDragon. Once we let them know our condenser was leaking they shipped a new one out immediately.
Thank you for the kind words @BoozeMonger.
Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience.
We do pressure check all of or condensers before they leave the floor. But we don't test them under any kind of temp swings.
StillDragon North America - Your StillDragon® Distributor for North America
smaug you just became our hero . integrity in the world of business you are a rare beast my hat is off to you sir . tim and kim
Thanx for the kind words @hudsonbaydistiller .
StillDragon North America - Your StillDragon® Distributor for North America