Pot stilling with a detuned LM still

[StillWaters]

If I detune my LM reflux still by removing the scrubbers, could I pot still a reasonable all-grain malt whisky? Could I also use it for stripping rune? Column is 1m tall and 40mm diameter. Thanks, SW

[scarecrow]

You don't have to remove the packing to run it in potstill mode. Just don't provide any cooling water to the reflux condenser.
Once the internals heat up, the vapour will by-pass the scrubbies like they weren't even there.

Are you going to do a strip run or a single spirit run?

One advantage reflux stills have over pot stills is the ability to compress foreshots and heads (and tails if you have a plated column).
What I do is compress the foreshots with a very slow drip (1-3 drips per second), then increase collection speed to a very fast drip (just before it produces a solid stream).
After heads are gone, turn off the reflux condenser and letterrip till you get to the tails.
You will find your hearts content will be much higher than a straight pot still run.

scarecrow

[Myles]

Scarecrow is absolutely correct. The only real problem with stripping with any version of reflux column, is that the product condenser is often not big enough. It should have been designed to cope with the power levels to be expected on a normal spirit run.

And off course there is the issue of the atmospheric vent on the reflux condenser. With the coolant switched off this is a possible route for vapour to get to atmosphere - dependent on the design of the reflux condenser.

The 2 reasons above are why it is often easier to remove the entire reflux condenser from the column and substitute an alternative head. You don't need to do anything about the packing - once it has heated up it does not function at all.

[StillWaters]

Thanks Guys. I got really brave and bought some copper bits which should, if I get it right, end up being my first home-built pot still and Liebig. Gone for 2" pot with 500mm column and a 700mm Liebig, 1/2" inside 3/4". Will use the same T-500 type boiler with 1385w element and just screw on the 2" Boka or 2" pot head as necessary. Need to get a wriggle on as the peated malt wash is all but fermented out :0) Cheers, SW

[YHB]

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