Wine bottle filter

[NobbyNobbs]

After trying the filters that came with the airstill and coming to the conclusion that they are as much use as a chocolate fireguard... just like everybody tells you here, but there's nothing like first hand experience to knock the point home I was tempted by the essencia but not wanting to drop £80 just yet I decided to have a go at the wine bottle filter here

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1131

I built it this weekend and have to say I'm delighted with the results, the improvement is massive. One question though, How long will activated carbon last before it needs to be either binned or washed?

[Easydrinker]

Don't take this as Gospel,I am happy for someone of greater experience to come back with a better answer.......
The carbon element of the Essencia claims to be good for 45 litres,why should yours fail sooner?

But when you have the cash to spare,it will be £80 well spent.
The double filter system of the Essencia,does do a good job.
HTH
Robert

[chill]

i find it deteriorates slowly over time. I change it when I notice the taste getting to be too far from what I want. The first five or so litres that I run through result in a noticeably cleaner unflavoured spirit. After that it seems to stop removing the sweetness as well. I use a similar filter (large, chemically resistant funnel) with 2 cups of activated carbon. I think I change it about every five washes, how much ever spirit that ends up being. I change it when I notice the taste getting to be too far from what I want.

Chuck

[Icefever]

One question though, How long will activated carbon last before it needs to be either binned or washed?

I've read somewhere, but can't find it, that you can clean the carbon by putting it into an oven at a set temp for some time. Someone on here may know how to do it, I'll see if I can come across it I'll stick it on here.

[YHB]

I am working away from my home computer and have limited options on this connection so I cannot post a link.

But if you google "activated_book1.pdf" you should be able to track the file down which has some good reading on carbon and how to reprocess it. It also has some bad advice about building a plastic filter, stick with the glass wine bottle.

[Icefever]

Well done YHB...that's where I've read it....link here Nobby...page 20 mate.

[NobbyNobbs]

Cheers guys. I had read about washing your carbon somewhere before too. Reading the pdf it talks about using steam to recycle the carbon. I have a steamer and have half a mind to experiment... whats the worst that could happen

[Easydrinker]

...whats the worst that could happen ....
Steamy Windows?
Robert.

For the record,Tina Turner had no input on this response.

[Icefever]

Cheers guys. I had read about washing your carbon somewhere before too. Reading the pdf it talks about using steam to recycle the carbon. I have a steamer and have half a mind to experiment... whats the worst that could happen

Go for it, see what happens...could be a win win...let us know if you do.

...whats the worst that could happen ....
Steamy Windows? Robert.
For the record,Tina Turner had no input on this response.

Tina Turner....

[Mr Four Square]

I came across this product. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3nWAvWbI50. It follows the same principle as the bottle filter; gravity feed spirits through carbon. The big funnel is a way to polish up several litres at a time. Can anyone see a problem with using copper for the pipe and funnel? I know it is neccessary for the stripping process but maybe copper would taint the final product?

[Easydrinker]

I may be speaking through the wrong orifice,but IMHO you cannae put your distillate in contact with too much copper.
Just my tuppence-worth.
Robert.

[Boozoid]

Chaps,

I have bought some Aloctec Karbon 0.4 - 1.4mm to make a wine bottle filter.

Do I need to wash the carbon/ process it somehow... or can I just throw some in the wine bottle and pour my neutral on top?

regards,

[chill]

See the link in IceFever's post on Feb 11.

[Boozoid]

Yep, I had a read thru the above mentioned pamphlet.

I was wondering if for the money... Alcotec had already performed some of the carbon rinse cleaning post manufacture.

It kinda makes sense if they wash it so its safe for use and perform at its best.

[chill]

Grab a handful and let it run through your fingers. Is it dusty? Is your hand black? If so, it needs to be prepped.

Chuck