Temp on my t500 run dropped to 49 degrees is that still safe

[Starlitpawz]

Hi all i am still new to this , i am having trouble controlling the temp on my t500 i dare say after doing some reading, it is a problem with the reflux but my main question is on my run i was adjust my water flow and the output water temp drop to about 47-49 degrees i normally run it at about 58- 62 , with methanol in mind i know the boiling temp in side the boiler would still be above 70 degrees so the production would be ver unlikely but just still wondering if theres was any chance with the temp dropping to 49 .. Or does it just mean ur alcohol out slows right down?? Any words of wisdom would be great ^_^

[Capt-Cudellez]

The temps you run at wont affect the mixture that comes out, it will (as I think you already suspected) just changes the rate of the take off.

Cooler temps = more reflux = slower take off but cleaner product
Higher temps = less reflux = faster take off.

That is the trade off, some folks want to run fast at the expense of cleaner product, others want to take off purer product that wont need filtering.

You'll find what works best for you.

[Starlitpawz]

Thanks for the response cpt.. And words of wisdom just the first time i did a brew someone decided to take a shower half way through the run and i didnt know, and when i checked it , it was running at about 78 degrees and in my haste to drop it it went to about 45 .. So i threw it out .. I wasnt sure if the cooling (temp) in the column could effect the vapours and wash mix .. Even with massive variants like that, it would still be safe ??

[Capt-Cudellez]

Most of the lower boiling point alcohols that are present in every wash (bottle of wine or beer that you drink) Will come off in the very first output off the still. You can smell things like Ethyl acetate (nail polish remover) in this portion.

If the temp gets away from you mid run - you will drag tails into the product you are collecting - this portion will not smell or taste as good but again this is in every fermented beverage you've drank.

If you drink the stuff at the start of the run, it will give you a sore head, if the drink the stuff at the end of the run, it can give you an upset stomach.
But wont be any worse for you than drinking cheap spirits from the shops.
Read up on making cuts.

If in doubt, water down and re-distill. Also collecting in smaller containers like jars, means if you mess something up you only ruin a small portion (which you can add in with the next distillation), rather than the whole run.

[Superslim007]

Totally agree with Cap Cudellez the product inside the boiler boils at its boiling temp which is the lowest boiling temp of whatever is in the pot, you have water, ethanol and 1 or 2 other things, the alcohol boils around 78 degrees and water at 100 so while there is alcohol in the water the pot will boil at 78, once the alcohol boils out the temp will rise to the next liquid boiling temp.
Your water is cooling the vapours that have boiled out and in no way affect the boiling temps of the contents

[Starlitpawz]

Thanks guys for all your help ^_^ much appericated.. Ok u guys have given me another if u add water and distill 2 or 3 more times (if u have done it properly) will that purify it futher or just waste ur time?? And cleaning ur copper saddles can u just use the citric acid u buy at the supermarket in the spice isle or is it something u should buy from a home brew shop ?? If so what kind of ratios ?? ^_^

[Superslim007]

Yes if you take your spirit and mix with water back down to about 20% and distil it again and again the more times you do it, many well known vodkas are triple distilled some more

Yes you can just use ordinary lemon juice in a bottle from the supermarket, no ratio just neat and leave them soaking over night - maybe give them a stir up when you walk past

[John51]

Here's how I dealt with the 'taking a shower' problem:

The usual pressure control valves are made for 15mm copper pipe and although they can be permanently plumbed in, I went for for portable using 2 x 15mm > 8mm reducers.

If you want to go this route and have trouble finding a short piece of 8mm pipe, rather than buy a whole roll, PM me and I'll mail you 2 short stubs of 8mm that will do the job.