StillSmart

I've not long upgraded to the Essencia filter and, whilst I'm pleased with the results (and reduction in mess and hassle), I was wondering if the replacement interval for the carbon filter has to be adhered to, or do folks reckon it'll be OK to eke out an extra couple of batches without a noticeable drop in quality?

Cheers,

H

I always used the carbon cartridge for just 50lt and then strip in down and replace the carbon inside - simples and a hell of a lot cheaper too

AM

You're not wrong. £22 for a filter vs £7 for a large packet of Carbon? I know what I'll be doing!

Cheers,

H

at least four fills from one bag of carbon depending on brand. Just make sure the carbon size is 0.4mm - 0.85mm and is granular not powder.

Quids in.

AM

Thanks for the heads-up, mate. I'll make sure to get the right stuff.

Cheers

H

Just for info, if the essencia filter uses the tiny carbon extruded looking pellets (like the bags of carbon pellets from Still Spirits), then you can follow the instructions in Gerts Carbon Filtration mini-ebook.

His instructions basically say to remove the carbon charge from the filter (I have a Still Spirits Z filter but I seem to recall his instructions allude to using a straight pipe home made version) so if you have to remove any caps and screens/gauze and then wash it through with water you just need to have something to catch it in, a cloth, sieve or similar.

His method then suggests putting it into a large jug or bowl, and pouring boiling water onto it. Mixing it around with s spoon or something for a short while, then carefully pouring the water off the carbon so as not to lose it but get rid of most/all the water. Then repeat the process. It takes 5 or 6 times of this before you no longer smell any spirit or other higher alcohols in the steam, just the steam sort of smell.

Then the carbon can be drained of all water and spread on a shallow baking tray and dried out in the oven switched onto its lowest setting. It takes an hour or so too dry.

Then it can be re-used in the filter. I did this the first time and also added a new bag of carbon so that there's always enough to top the filter right up and any spare is kept in reserve to mix in with freshly washed carbon.

You always lose a little bit but this method seems to work well and it makes the two bags worth of carbon last a hell of a long time.

I've also read on the yahoo new distillers and distillers mailing lists that you can just boil, well gently simmer it until any spirit smell is evaporated away. I'm gonna try that next time I clean my Z filter.

And yes, I also do this about every 50l of distillate or so......

Saves me a fortune!

Thanks for the advice. I must say, I find the essencia filter so much less bother than the z filter I used to use. I'll definitely try your tips for getting as much use as possible out of the carbon.

Cheers

H