Air Still distillation breakdown

[zaphodalive]

I've just done my first spirit run using the method as in the diagram, could someone advise approximate measurements for cuts on the heads run? It says to smell and taste your 100ml samples, but I'm not sure I could tell the difference between good stuff and bad stuff.

If someone could tell me initial volume to toss out and volume to keep after that it would be helpful.

[chill]

If you have only done one spirit run, then you don't have enough for a heads run. I have done a lot of heads runs and you really, really can't do it by volume. Heads makes your tongue burn. If a sample makes your tongue burn, it is not good.

For a head runs of 2L of heads and 2L of water, I will discard the first 250ml, keep the next 500ml for future head run, and then start collecting in small jars and start tasting. Don't be greedy, you can recycle it. Wait for the taste to clear before collecting hearts. You can collect down pretty far before it gets into a disagreeable , sort of tails taste.

[carees82]

I've just run a spirit run and my air still pot boiled over and soaking half my kitchen. This is my 3rd sprit run and this is the first time this has happened. I didn't use the ceramic saddles or distillers condition as these instructions said not to. Is this why it's boiled over? I didn't use either the last time and didn't have a problem. Any suggestions on why this has happened? It's left me quite nervous to use it again

[Easydrinker]

This sounds like a surge boil over to me.
Basically a massive bubble has formed.
Ceramic saddles or copper off cuts or coins,even gravel would have prevented it.
You don't need conditioner for a spirit run,but boil pieces are always a good idea,especially if you use copper,I am convinced it makes a taste difference.
If you are nervous about running it,maybe try in the sink or shower?
Anyway a warm welcome to you.

Robert

[chill]

Robert is bang on. I've had this happen to me and something rough in the boiler prevents it.

[Mash]

+1 bang on.

I prefer copper coins, about half a tumbler.

The surge it caused by the stationary liquid absorbing to much energy and then releasing it suddenly. Bubbling causes movement, so stops the accumulation in the first place.

[Icefever]

I've just run a spirit run and my air still pot boiled over and soaking half my kitchen. Any suggestions on why this has happened? It's left me quite nervous to use it again

First welcome to the forum... Take a look in the Airstill section for running an Airstill...ED, Chuck & Mash have given you the answer to your problem...add some copper rings, coins, that should stop any surge boil in the future.

[Mash]

This sounds like a surge boil over to me.
Basically a massive bubble has formed.
Ceramic saddles or copper off cuts or coins,even gravel would have prevented it.
You don't need conditioner for a spirit run,but boil pieces are always a good idea,especially if you use copper,I am convinced it makes a taste difference.
If you are nervous about running it,maybe try in the sink or shower?
Anyway a warm welcome to you.

Robert

Just to build on what Robert said.
Copper makes a beneficial taste difference.
I don't use conditioner - ever - in any distillation.

[Easydrinker]

I never used conditioner in the air still,or now in my silly still.
I have always, from day two, used boil pieces, these days copper off cuts.
I used to run the air still on the draining board in the kitchen, damage limitation intention, it never miss-behaved.
I used to run the silly still in the shower. that never miss-behaved also, but has a clamped on lid.

A couple of days ago it decided to throw a puke, and if you have seen a pic of the still, it is quite a puke, to reach exit velocity!

A puke being different from a surge boil, and probably prevented by conditioner.

Once in awhile you have to forgive the old girl from going off on one....

It is probably your fault anyway....

Robert.

[Mash]

We all need to remember sometimes that we are BOILING FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.

Needs a bit of care.

[Easydrinker]

The liquids in the still aren't very flammable at all, it is what comes from the condenser that may ignite.
Stop panicking.

Robert.

[chill]

Well, that entirely depends on how much you dilute them! I personally have run some pretty high ABV things. I am better now.

[Mash]

No panic. Just facts.

The air still is probably the safest form of still, for lots of reasons. However that shouldn't lead to complacency or to ignorance to what is going on inside.

Particularly when it can sometimes be a stepping stone to bigger things.

[Easydrinker]

Well, that entirely depends on how much you dilute them! I personally have run some pretty high ABV things. I am better now.

LOL,we all have done that,just 'cos you have to give it a go.
You do come to realise that diluted washes serve you better.

Robert

[donald]

How would this change with a different strength wash? I have a ~12% red wine, but I don't know how to go about it. If it were 14% I would try using this guide for it but I don't know what adjustments to make for 12%. How does this change the amounts/proportions to collect, considering I'm not experienced to taste/smell it?

And considering it's wine and not a sugar wash, would a 50mL fore still be fine? I assume there'd be more heads, but I'm not concerned with making a neutral I just want it to be safe and palatable, even mixing quality is fine.
Also, would the fact that it is backsweetened (not dry) matter? What about that it has preservatives (sorbate/sulphites) added to it?

In this case it's a red wine I have but I'm also curious about the question of how different strength washes in general effect what to collect, even if they're sugar washes. I haven't seen anything on the topic in the beginner guides posted.