StillSmart

Hi Guys,

I've just been cleaning my boiler and the heating element was covered in a bright yellow powder!





The last run I did was a junkahol run with a half spent wash I had previously used for a spirit run before I decided to chop up my boka and modify it, any ideas what it is anyone?

The yellow colour would prompt me to think Sulphur or Sulphides.

Is the deposit loose or solid on the element?

Either way, I'd have to ask if you get your wash actually clear before stripping. There are people who think this is unnecessary but the as the old says goes, "If a job's worth doing it's worth doing well". The reality is that cloudy wash has solids suspended in it, including yeast cells, and these solids can get burnt onto the surface of the element, damaging the element and creating off tastes in your distillate.

Check if the discolouration is confined to the upper surface and if it is then the cause is suspended solids in the wash settling and burning on the element.

If you already run clear wash then I'm afraid I have nothing useful offer but other may be able to help you.

AM

Yep, that sure looks like a Sulphur compound. Do you have a lot in your water locally?

Don't think the water is high in sulphur, never had any trouble before, however this wash was sitting in the boiler for about 10 days!

It was originally a 30% low wine for spirit run, and half way through said run I had trouble controlling my boka, the temp increased and the output slowed right down and I was in the middle of my hearts collection.

I've since modified my boka with a VM take off, which took about a week, I left this wash in the boiler to use the rest of it as a junkahol run, maybe there was a high ish level of sulphur and it was caused by it over time and two boils.

I've just stripped a grain wash and it's fine this time

The fact that it's in the boiler means it was probably in the wash/low wines. Sorry I've nothing helpful to offer. Maybe some of the more scientific types over on HD might be able to shed some light on the cause

I hate pointing anyone over there but sometimes they do serve a purpose and some are downright nice guys just be careful how you ask the question and do a bit of searching first 'cause that's the first thing they'll throw at you.

Some of our Aussie cousins are quite knowledgable in the chemical field too so you could try on Modern Distiller - I'm assuming they are still there despite the implosion last year all over one guy who wanted to rattle someone else's cage. Anyway, the guys left there are sound distillers and will help if they can.

Please post back if you get to the bottom of the mystery

AM

My understanding of this hobby increased vastly once I stopped visiting HD.

I know exactly what you mean but there are some guys there who will respond well to a personal approach and help solving a problem

They are a different species - sure enough

AM

I've actually had very helpful dealings with tater, who generally comes across as one of the crankiest critters ever....
And Uncle Jessie....always a gentleman.