reflux still advised mods

by **foRUM warrior** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 3:08 am

ok so i have just bought someones old setup. It all needs a clean but what mods would you advise ?
So far i have:-

1-Replace packing with copper scrubbers

2-fill the reflux chamber with rasher rings
Any thing else i might wanna look at?

by **marc83** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 6:20 am

What kind is it??pic would be nice.Just give it a once over and use it.Go from there.

by **foRUM warrior** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 4:01 pm

ooops forgot to put make down etc
its a 28lt Double chamber Essencia Express still with all lines & digital thermometer

Pic shamlessly taken from homebru.com.au

(sorry if the image dosnt work)

by **marc83** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 4:50 pm

I use one of these.Yeah just give the column a good clean.before you use,and new packing.
This should be a good start.

http://www.essencia.co.nz/Downloads/Exp ... ctions.pdf
Pretty easy step by step instructions.

by **foRUM warrior** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 5:04 pm

Thanks marc

just a quick question though, what do you use for packing? as i carnt seem to find any on the net

by **marc83** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 6:38 pm

Essencia column packing.look like your usual copper scrubbers.Go to www.essencia.co.nz and go to the downloads section.Have a look at The Essencia System,gives you a rundown over the whole process.

I havent tried normal supermarket stainless scrubbers,maybe someone else here can chime in and confirm.

The Guy i bought mine from used to use them,just replaced them more often i think.
You tightly pack the cooling jacket part of the column with two scrubbers,and then loosely pack one beneath it.I think theres a pis in that download section.

by **Opus 27** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 11:10 pm

I use an SS Super Reflux and my column is packed with three stainless steel pan scrubbers in place of the ceramic saddles supplied with the still. I also tried rashig rings but the pan srubbers give best results and a consistent 92-94% ABV.

I also control the power to my still as most of these type of stills have far to powerfull heating elements making it difficult to get a good reflux going.
Opus 27

by **foRUM warrior** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 11:39 pm

hey Marc, i have most/all of the down loads printed now

i just need to find a uk supplier now.
hey opus, i have actually ordered some rascing rings as i read about them in annother thread .... doh in any case could i put them in the bottom as boil enhancers?

by **marc83** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 1:00 am

PM Ellie-claire,she may stock or know who stocks essencia.

Would you need "boil enhancers" with an exposed element?Is the element exposed in your SS Stil Opus?

by **foRUM warrior** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 1:18 am

marc i am only going on what i have in my smartstill

but if i dont need them all the better

by **marc83** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 3:23 am

Oh yeah ok.Well i have never used them or needed them.Should be fine.You will be stoked at the end result from it.

by **foRUM warrior** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 5:07 am

i can not wait lol

well pm\'s sent i hope ellie can sort me out

by **Ellie-Claire** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 9:20 pm

You don\'t need boil enhancers in the reflux still. and in the SmartStill distillers conditioner is easier to use - you don\'t end up pouring them down the sink!
I\'ve replied to your request foRUM warrior. I hope to have Essentia products soon but any Essentia stills and parts won\'t be available in the UK. If there is a demand I may consider contacting them with a veiw to importing but I don\'t see an advantage with their stills over the Still Spirits reflux stills.

by **Opus 27** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 11:08 pm

Essencia V SS Reflux. The heads a prettier colour on the Essencia!!!!
Opus 27

by **marc83** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 11:58 pm

HAHA,yep,thats about it!