smartstill

[pi55ed]

Right guys im going to clear my container tomorrow.....

And wondered about using turboclear..... do i give the whole container a stir to de-gas it stirring all the yeast up too?????

Or do i just stir the top etc

[quietman]

There's no need to go stiring up the bottom but dont worry about disturbing it as it will settle again. I find the best thing for de-gasing is a plastic whisk nicked from my wifes utensil draw shhhhhhhhhhh. I'm not sure if there are any implications about using a metal one but I just steralise and whisk it to death until it stops fizzing. I usually let it settle and repeat a few times over the course of a day. LISTEN TO ME, I SOUND LIKE A PROPER EXPERT AND I'VE ONLY DONE 2 BATCHES. You'll soon be proper pi55ed.
Regards, Q

[Jimmy]

Ha, I started this site after I'd only done two - just goes to show, it's not rocket science once you get stuck in!

[pi55ed]

I think i will use both parts of the turbo clear give a decent stir till it clears then when i want 4 lites for the still i will whisk it before stilling it.

Obviously sterilised container

[quietman]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, De-Gas before adding turbo clear, then when clear rack off from the sediment, then take your 4 litres. Dont stir after you add the turbo clear.
Regards, Q

[pi55ed]

what i meant was.... stir the wash for a while, then add turboclear until cleared....then siphon all into another container leaving all the yeast/sediment in original container.

When i take 4 litres at a time, i will whisk it before distilling it..

So i will have all my cleared wash in a new sterilised container, then obviously throw the other sediment away, and start another batch

[quietman]

you got it pheeeew.
LOL
Just a thought too, If you have any smaller containers such as glass demijohns with airlocks for example it will reduce the amount of air getting to your wash. As you take 4 litres from a large container the airspace increases above it.
Regards, Q

[quietman]

I forgot to say, I store my wash in 1.5 litre Lambrini bottles that I got from freecycle.
Regards, Q

[pi55ed]

yep i use 5 litre plasic water bottles from tescos i could do that i suppose, i also have a beer pressure barrel with tap on..

Also for the plastic bottles you can buy spare lids with rubber grommet bungs attached on ebay keep the original lids for storing spirit, and the grommet lids i use for airlocks on the bottle if i make wine...

i Throw in a couple of sterilizing tablets before making wine, its also distilled water so can thin my spirit down with it too........

Problem solved

[pi55ed]

How do you guys clean your table stills..... mine came with a packet of cleaner originally which i used, i dont know where to buy any more....

Or is there a cheap way of cleaning them???

[pi55ed]

Switched the heat off from my tomato based brew 12 hours ago..... and opened the container just now, the brew is very clear and see through, nothing left on top,and quite a good pleasant smell similar to turbo brew actually, like a strong wine, i gave a stir and added part 1 of the turboklar, will add part 2 in an hour or more from now..

I will leave for 2 or 3 days sealed then aquire some sterile 5 ltr bottles, i will add just under 4 litres to each plastic bottle, and give them a good shake in the bottle to release some gas before distilling,,...... wish me luck on my first attempt....

[HangOver]

oh bugger are you supposed to keep the wash airtight after using the turboclear?

no wonder mine hasnt cleared one bit
As for cleaning the still I havent even used mine but as a rule of thumb diluted vinegar is always good for cleaning scale etc, like i said havent tried it though

[pi55ed]

I am keeping the lid on mine and the airlock to keep it sterile hopefull i have done it right, more gas may escape i dont know, i will run a 4 litre tester in a couple of days..... as i said mine was quite clearer than i thought it would be, plus i put turboklar in too so hopefully it will clear more too....

[Jimmy]

Go on fella, it'll be great! It's a good idea to keep the brew covered as you don't want nasty bits of dust and insects getting into it, but it doesn't have to be completely airtight - the reason for the sterile conditions is to avoid contaminating the yeast but once that has died it's not so important. If it was stronger it would need keeping airtight as it evaporates, but at that strength it's less important depending on how warm it is and how long you intend to keep it. I leave mine in the bucket with the lid on but no bubbler attached, never had any problems.
The TurboKlar should be done in 24 - 36 hours - HangOver, did you add the first part, leave an hour and then add the second? What it actually does is glue all the yeast together with the first sachet, then the second makes them fall to the bottom so it is important to follow the instructions and not stir it after they've glued together. If the worst comes to the worst, you can leave it to clear naturally or else take out 4 litres and put it in the fridge each time, that should settle it too and you can siphon off.

[quietman]

Dont worry too much about how long you leave it, if it looks clear then it's clear and ready to go. You could give your still a run by distilling some water ready for dilluting.
You're nearly there :-)
Regards, Q