StillSmart

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2017-03-17T12:53:11+00:00

Thanks chap. Nice idea about the freezer. If only I had room but in the meantime I better go find containers before I scoot off to the ferry!

Statistics: Posted by Klunk — Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:53 pm

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2017-03-17T07:42:24+00:00

Klunk wrote:
So glad I came across this post as i'm experiencing exactly what Thunderbird descriped in the original post. Can I assume that the bungee cord thing was dismissed because it does not allow the Airstill to lift its lid a little to burp?

The other problem I have is that I have to leave home for about 10 days tomorrow. I was thinking of racking my slightly active wash off this evening and perhaps look at picking this up when I return. Will it be OK to do that and "here comes the really daft question", do I put lid back on tight or allow a little air to get to it.

tin hat on

Treat wash like wine - keep all the air out. Fill bottles to the top and stopper. You can use pop bottles and squeeze the air out before tighening up.

PS get a freezer - it will change your life !

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Fri Mar 17, 2017 7:42 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2017-03-17T07:39:36+00:00

RumJohn wrote:
I have never seen an Airstill. Are they a pressurized system? I would doubt it.

No and nor do they need to be....

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Fri Mar 17, 2017 7:39 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2017-03-16T22:42:17+00:00

It does NOT need to burp!
Put the lid on and proceed as normal
HTH.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Thu Mar 16, 2017 10:42 pm

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2017-03-16T12:50:53+00:00

So glad I came across this post as i'm experiencing exactly what Thunderbird descriped in the original post. Can I assume that the bungee cord thing was dismissed because it does not allow the Airstill to lift its lid a little to burp?

The other problem I have is that I have to leave home for about 10 days tomorrow. I was thinking of racking my slightly active wash off this evening and perhaps look at picking this up when I return. Will it be OK to do that and "here comes the really daft question", do I put lid back on tight or allow a little air to get to it.

tin hat on

Statistics: Posted by Klunk — Thu Mar 16, 2017 12:50 pm

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-12-18T01:04:58+00:00

I have never seen an Airstill. Are they a pressurized system? I would doubt it.

Statistics: Posted by RumJohn — Sun Dec 18, 2016 1:04 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-16T07:28:17+00:00

I re-read the thread and see lots of bungee cord references but no parachutes.

You guys are wierd

Hotlips for the win

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Wed Nov 16, 2016 7:28 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-16T06:44:29+00:00

LOL.... nor can I now !!

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Wed Nov 16, 2016 6:44 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-16T00:02:04+00:00

I now cannot shake the image of an airstill lid parachuting back down to Earth, after being blown sky high.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Wed Nov 16, 2016 12:02 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-15T02:33:47+00:00

Mash wrote:
I do think missile is a bit strong - they burp and fart.

Sounds like when my son was a babby and I never let him aim his escape valves at my face

I suggested bungee cords here one time and was corrected, so I settled for running the airstill with top about 3 inches under a very sturdy shelf, but have never had a problem with the lid at all so far.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Tue Nov 15, 2016 2:33 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-13T09:18:07+00:00

When I used mine I never had a problem. Good advice about the seal Mash..

Statistics: Posted by Icefever — Sun Nov 13, 2016 9:18 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-13T07:12:08+00:00

Curmudgeon wrote:
Short version is with an airstill have it below a shelf so the lid can pop but go nowhere far and with "proper" still have lid well clamped on, loads of headroom and ideally a vent/valve/cork that can release but be contained without becoming a bullet or other missile.

I do think missile is a bit strong - they burp and fart. Sometimes get a 2-3 foot spray going but I have never heard of the lid actually leaving. I don't think there is enough energy to do that.

Copper in the bottom (some of which should be flat) & a good seal, and everything should be okay.

SIMPLE TEST. If you can pick up the empty boiler by the lid . The seal is okay. If the boiler drops off the seal is due for replacement IMO.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sun Nov 13, 2016 7:12 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-12T22:29:04+00:00

Thanks for the info chaps.

Statistics: Posted by Thunderbird — Sat Nov 12, 2016 10:29 pm

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-12T00:11:18+00:00

Hey, argue with that Robert geezer, it keeps him on his toes!
Your points regarding an air still are valid.
And your workarounds good.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sat Nov 12, 2016 12:11 am

Re: Possible secondary fermentation?

2016-11-10T03:39:04+00:00

I am too smart to disagree with Robert in general, but will make an exception for degassing for small stills including an airstill

I've never had an explosion and am quite happy to keep it that way. Theory involves all sorts of have bits in the wash to avoid surge boils etc, pressure comes out the ethanol outlet etc, but bottom line is nothing holds the lid on.

I have distilled before a wash has completely finished so has had fizz still in it. Short version is with an airstill have it below a shelf so the lid can pop but go nowhere far and with "proper" still have lid well clamped on, loads of headroom and ideally a vent/valve/cork that can release but be contained without becoming a bullet or other missile.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Thu Nov 10, 2016 3:39 am