AirStill Explosion

[BadDesign]

Hi,

I have been using my AirStill for many months without issue, however yesterday I had an explosion.


I was on a spirit run (30%), I was about 200ml into the heads, I looked at the still and saw the head rise a little and then drop down, I took a step towards it to turn it off when the head blow of and half the contents covering my kitchen.

I use copper and oil in the stripping runs but nothing in the spirit run, any ideas on the cause?

the seal looks ok but the still had been running all day.

output was low/slow when it blow, i have since cleaned the tubes in the head wondering if there was a blockage.

is there any down side to adding copper to the spirit run?

any thoughts greatly appreciated, i have to say it has got me very worried, i have kids and luckly there were not about but it could have been bad.

[Pyro]

It's a bit frighting when that happens, I think you have worked it out your self, I always have copper or ceramics in the still regardless of what I am running.

When I didn't know any better I used to put a luggage strap round the still, it worked, but I was always a bit concerned.

[Mash]

Always Always Always Always copper.
..and test the seal. When its cold & empty you should be able to lift the whole unit by just the fan. If it falls apart you need a new seal (about £5)

Don't overfill it.
Don't strap the lid on (or gaffer tap)
DOn't store it with the lid on (upside down is better cos the seal rests)

Copper pipe ends AND flat bits will stop this happening.

Search these for more detail. The issue is superheating bit like a microwave. Think about how a milk-saver works to stop milk boiling over.

[hampk]

+1 what Mash said.

I replace the seal on mine every couple of years just to be on the safe side.

Cheers

Hampk

[BlackMountains]

I use ceramic saddles on mine. One big thing is not to move it when in operation , if there is superheating especially if there are no saddles, there is a real risk of bursting up and this is what probably happened to yours

[Mash]

Can I suggest you replace them with copper.

[BadDesign]

thanks everyone.

at some point I must have stopped using copper as well has oil in the spirit run.

I will use copper always.

I am thinking of upgrading to a t500, what's the difference between the steal and copper and will I notice, are there any other options?