Distilling With The Pure Distilling Reflux Condenser - Distilling 101

In this video we show you how to assemble and operate the Pure Distilling Reflux Condenser.
If you have any questions or require more information feel free to visit our website or send us an email:
www.puredistilling.com.au
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View The Pure Distilling Distillery Kit (complete starter kit) here -
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If you wish to find a local home brew store near you that stocks our equipment, simply follow the link below and enter your post code or suburb.
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[@Leadership_matters]

Still waiting on the filtering video

[@davidbremner6164]

I just got a digiboil to heat my spargewater, was wondering about getting the reflux distill thingy (I have only been looking and learning for 20min). Just watched the kegland video and then yours and heard you are in tassie - I am in hobart :-)

[@PureDistilling]

Hi David Thanks for the interest, always nice to see fellow Tasmanians getting on board! We have some wonderful resellers down in Hobart, if you have any questions/need further info feel free to shoot us an email

[@eazyrider6122]

I pack my column with 100% copper scrubber mesh and 100% copper tubing ive cut up into saddles. I believe it helps alot. But lately ive had temp issues after turning the collection tap open at 77-78 degC it climbs to 82 and does not settle back down it stays there for maybe 40 -mins - 1 hr i get approx 1.5 - 2 liters and its upto 83 and keeps climbing. This never happened all my previous 12 + runs with all the same method. I had to keep my condenser going and turn off my boiler for a good 30mins +for the temp to come down then start over, i did this 3 times to claim approx 2.5 litres, usually with everything the same i used to get 4.5 litres. I do recycle and reclaim my water but it doesn't even run long enough to warm up my huge drum. That was never an issue before?, amy water flow tbrough my condenser is at full flow using a pond pump and when i remove the return line full flow?. I never used the wash conditioner never have and using the Classic 8 turbo yeast 20 ABV never had and issue before? No evidence of foaming in my scrubbers etc. Ive put a high flow tap on mine and opened up the hole a very slight amount in the brass ferral that comes after the collection tap?. My other runs was all fine with all the mods ive done. I did have a slight drop in alcohol % after making the ferrule hole but only approx 2 % i collect at approx 88-87% now. That does not bother me i wish all the fittings was not brass though. My tap is stainless but the ferrule and the olive fittings are both brass at the product end as well. I removed my spout and added a coil type spout i made to contact more of the product on the way to the jar. . Im thinking about getting a mate with a CNC machine to do copper fittings for me.i dont understand why they wasn't made from copper in the first place?. I

[@PureDistilling]

Hi, there is a lot going on here, I think all the following are contributing to your issues The original stainless mesh in the condenser was packed to ensure a certain density along the column, tighter higher up getting less dense further down the column. This is done to ensure the reflux action is occurring correctly, remember this is a liquid cooled column, the liquid going down the column cools the steam coming up. Repacking with the copper saddles and mesh has disrupted that reflux action. At the same time you have opened the aperture in the brass ferrule which is allowing more liquid to escape the system, this again this is effecting the reflux action, you have less liquid going back down the column as you have increased the production rate and reduced the reflux ratio (how often a ethanol particle would go up and down the column before escaping out the production tube). This now means there is a greater % of steam getting higher up the column a lot earlier, hence your temperature is rising a lot earlier. The only way to get this working again as designed would be a two part process, if this has started since drilling out the tap and small hole in the ferrule I would buy another tap and see how it goes, if temp still rises early you will need to repack the stainless mesh. The remaining question as to why brass and not copper is that copper degrades very quickly, and copper fittings would have a very short life, have a look at the copper mesh in the column, it will be showing clear signs of corrosion already. Let us know how you go, the Mesh Repacking instructions are available on our website and a short video is available here on our KZbin channel. If you are looking to involve more copper contact into your product, have a look at some copper extensions. We have some available in 100mm & 500mm. Alembic copper domes also work very well, which we also have available. puredistilling.com.au/products/kits_and_boilers/alembic-copper-dome/ puredistilling.com.au/products/condenser-parts-and-bespoke-items/spirit-maker-100mm-copper-extension-500mm/ Hope this helps - Connor

[@Bigted3737]

Can I use a pump of some description so I can save on water usage? Eg I have a large swimming pool and would like to use the water from there and have it go back into the pool. Cheers

[@PureDistilling]

Hi, your local home brew shop will have a pump similar to this which would work fine in a swimming pool puredistilling.com.au/products/stirrers-pumps-and-bottles/pump-submersible-3500l-hr/ - It is important that we don't sit it at the bottom of the pool, otherwise there will be too much head pressure for the pump to handle. If you're using salt water/chlorine we could imagine there may be some problems down the road in regards to copper degradation/breakdown - however, this is still unproven. Hope this helps - Connor

[@shinybits]

I like that thermometer, where can I get one? Haven't seen it in my local brew shop.

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Udo, This is one of ours, it's called 'Distilling Thermometer with Alarm' puredistilling.com.au/products/measures/thermometer-distilling-with-alarm/ Your local brew shop will be able to order it in for you if they stock our products. If not try nearby retailers, or even one of our retailers with an online shop. Check the 'Where To Buy' section on our website - puredistilling.com.au/where-to-buy/

[@stuartmarra3918]

Do you have a video after making the wash. How do you test it and do you filter the wash before placing it in the still.

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Stuart, We have a video coming soon on this step. The wash doesn't need to be filtered before placing it into the still. You can test the wash with our hydrometer. The hydrometer reading should ideally sit below or near 0.990.

[@brick7971]

Just out of curiosity could you start the water at the start if you don't have an alarm thermometer?

[@PureDistilling]

Hello, all of our Condensers come with the alarm thermometer shown in this video. You will need a thermometer to dictate when to switch between slow mode/fast mode at the start & end of a run

[@mrtt_awakeandreadytofight]

Hello guys please go easy on me i really like this still can i use it just for water ie distilled water. Looks so much better quality then what currently is available ie chinese cheap.!?!?

[@PureDistilling]

Hello, yes our Condenser can distill water!

[@GeoffLawson-l1l]

How do i get a modified tap. My original one is black and when shut off doesn't allow any head to pass thru

[@modnitram]

They sell a new one

[@smacit1398]

great video

[@thejollyfrog640]

I have the old version of the Spirit Maker...bought about 12-15 years ago. It has not been used for about 12-15 years. I pulled out 2 of the packing pieces and they were clean...so was the inside of the column. (I always rinsed the column after use) Do I need to do a special wash or can I just use it for my next run?

[@PureDistilling]

As long as the unit is still clean, just a regular rinse will be fine! Cheers Connor

[@FrankiesFire]

Do you have a video on filtering your spirit?

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Frankie - this video covers the filtering process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/api5nINpj5x3n9U&t - Connor

[@FrankiesFire]

@@PureDistillingthank you so much, will check it out. Thanks for your video, it’s helped me to make an informed decision on my next purchase 😊

[@benherring363]

Would the ambient temperature (30-35 degrees in Darwin) affect the amount of product that comes out? I’m only getting 2.5l @ 95%. Great purity, just not much. I have done a few washes; 1 with 9kg of dextrose, a few with 8 kg of white sugar. Fermented for about 10 days. Clearing isn’t an issue. It still takes about 45-an hour to get to temp. 2-3 hours on fast mode, another hour on slow, then it boils out. Kit is brand new, so shouldn’t be any issues there. I had a t500 when I was living on the on the coast and was getting 4.5l @ 95%. Are you able to assist?

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Ben During warmer months in warmer climates, we recommend only using 6kg sugar/7kg dextrose per wash. This is because sugar makes heat, and when a lot of sugar (8kg) is coupled with an active yeast, an excess amount of heat is generated. When a wash runs at such a high temp, it will struggle to 100% ferment, and some of the yeast will die - which will result in a reduced output of spirit during the distillation run. When using 6kg sugar/7kg dextrose, we should still expect around 3-3.5L of 9#% spirit, and you will notice the ambient temperature will sit much lower. Unfortunately living in such a beautiful climate has it's drawbacks - we can't produce as much alcohol during summer! Luckily we don't have to worry about that just yet down here in Tassie. Let us know how you go with your next wash, if you have any further questions please let us know - Connor

[@blkop8369]

​@PureDistilling will itmake a difference if the wash is either kept indoors or under temp control in a fridge?

[@PureDistilling]

@@blkop8369 If you have the luxury to use a temp control fridge - do it! This a great system for the summer. Be sure to keep the wash between 20-24 degrees and you're good to go. - Connor

[@blkop8369]

Hi, I've got a 35litre version but can only get around 2-3 litres max. I THINK I might be running it too hot even though I turn the second element off, (leave it running on the 1900W element). It continues boiling at 94degc on the bottoms while the overheads read around 78C. Am I running it too hot or could it be passing the lid seal? Please help 🙏🏽 edit** just saw your reply to another distiller in Darwin. I'll try doing the wash indoors in a cooler temp and see how I go!

[@PureDistilling]

Hi There Thanks for getting in touch, sounds like the boiler you're using isn't ours as we only provide a 30L Boiler. It is running at a good temp as 78C is the boiling point of ethanol, it could even be worth running both elements at once to maintain a good head of steam. Let us know how you go with the next batch, if you're in a warm climate such as Darwin we recommend running a 6kg sugar wash/7kg dextrose during summer. Sugar generates heat, if adding large amounts of sugar in you will notice that your wash will overheat very quickly! - Connor

[@istvanfulop]

So do you run the whole time on the 1700w element?

[@PureDistilling]

Hi, yes that is correct! During the heat up process we leave both elements on which allows us to reach rolling boil temps quickly. As soon as we have achieved a rolling boil, we switch off the smaller 500w element and leave the 1700w element on to maintain a good head of steam. - Connor

[@beauharrison1009]

I have alcohol leaking out the top of my condenser, is this because I have both elements on and it's too hot? It stops when I turn the 900w off and leave the 1400 on

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Beau We find that 1400w is too weak to maintain a steady rolling boil, try leaving both elements on. It seems like your wash is foaming up the top of the condenser. This happens when either distilling conditioner isn't used, or the wash hasn't finished fermenting 100%. How much alcohol (litres) were you distilling when it leaked? - Connor

[@sproket168]

What's the run time on what you've just done

[@PureDistilling]

Depending on amount of sugar in wash, 6 kg wash will be total 3.5 hours, 8kg wash will be total 4.5 hours, includes 45 minutes to come to a boil.

[@pistnbroke2]

My instructions tell me to turn the water on at 50 degrees. Is there any benefit to turning the water on at the lower temp?

[@andyj986]

I turn mine on at about 45 degrees. Once it gets to 50 the temp climbs pretty quickly, often it’s at 77-83 within 10 seconds. So I start mine at 45 just so it doesn’t take as long for the temp to drop back down to 77. Having said that I sometimes turn the water on while I’m waiting for it heat up, my water circulates so I’m not wasting water so I don’t mind turning it on that early as I’ve walked away waiting for it to get to temp and I’ve forgotten about it.

[@PureDistilling]

Sorry for the late reply, this one slipped through the system. as soon as the temp rises on the thermometer it means the wash has come to the boil and steam is making its way up the column. Turning the water on at 10 degrees above room temp gives you a few extra minutes to make sure the water is on, if turning it on at 50 degrees you may only have 1-2 minutes before it reaches operating temp, miss it and steam will start coming out of the top, losing you alcohol. Hope that helps Cheers Andrew

[@stewartstevenson6280]

Hi I always purdge my condenser first then turn on the water at 42 and have never had a problem I get between 4.2 and 4.5 and on the odd occasion up to 4.8 lts .I have just tried this yeast kit of yours and I'm not impressed at the amount of odour that is coming from my wash

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Stewart, if you are right there you wont have a problem, we recommend a little bit lower so people have a bit extra time to turn the water on, and to ensure water flow when the unit comes up to temp. Unusual that the wash is smelly, our yeast is generally regarded as far less smelly than the competition, what temp are you fermenting at? Cheers Andrew

[@stewartstevenson6280]

@@PureDistilling it's at 25c

[@PureDistilling]

@@stewartstevenson6280 Should be fine, cant see why would be smelly. Let me know how it distils

[@stewartstevenson6280]

@@PureDistilling hi after adding my clearing agent I had the clearest wash to date thou my yeald was average so I think I will stick to my usual yeast with less odours and less cleaning up of all the charcoal

[@jenmatthews1427]

Hi sometimes when collecting heads at the start I have drips from hole near red slow/fast valve, would my water ratio too slow cause this?

[@jenmatthews1427]

Ps this video more information and easier to understand

[@PureDistilling]

Glad you like the new video, it has all our current recommendations. Not sure about the drips when in slow mode, does it happen when you go to slow mode at the end of the run as well?

[@josiekent2154]

What happens when you miss the 80 dec after 4 1/2 litres

[@josiekent2154]

The temp was at 77/78 when I checked it.

[@PureDistilling]

@@josiekent2154 Hi Josie, assuming that we have missed the opportunity to turn the condenser to 'slow mode'? If so don't panic, you will still have a quality ethanol base ready for filtering. You may have a slightly lower ABV% reading, as towards the end of the run most of the ethanol has exited the system, meaning more water is present in the boiler. Cheers - Connor

[@josiekent2154]

@@PureDistilling Gidday Connor I missed turning to slow. Boiled the wash and had wash bubbling out of the top of the top of the distill I’ll filter it twice and put more essence in Cheers

[@joelcanogaming6612]

i usually have two 30l washes fermenting,can i run one 30l wash then empty and run again or do i have to wash between runs?

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Joel, thanks for getting in touch, yes we would recommend giving everything a rinse & clean in between the two runs. This will ensure that your boiler & condenser aren't carrying any yeast or sugar residue from the wash that could tarnish the quality of your next run - Connor

[@Anders750]

If you place the sealing on the inside, it have to seal against the thread. And that is difficult. if you place it on the outside it seals against two flat surfaces. That is generally a success. 🙂

[@satmuts]

4L at 95% ABV ? that's so great . i would never get this with T500 never can we use Copper Saddles with this reflux condenser ?

[@PureDistilling]

There is enough copper in the 500mm condenser body and in the output tube, so no need for the saddles. The mesh inside the tower has been packed at a certain density to maintain a good reflux ratio, so we dont want to substitute it with anything else. Hope that helps and thanks for the interest Cheers Andrew

[@Azt3k9]

My mate has a t500 and he pulls 95% every time. I've seen it with my own eyes many times. He doesn't do anything what this guy does. Just sugar and turbo yeast and water.

[@stormymcdougall2034]

Wheres the old video go.

[@PureDistilling]

Hi Stormy, we have updated the old videos sorry as we have changed some of the recommendations, the new one will steer you right. Cheers Andrew

[@ChristopherDeaves]

Can you yell me why my still takes 5.5 hr and i only get 3.5lt of spirit

[@PureDistilling]

Hi There, sorry to hear you're having issues with your run. We'll get to the bottom of this for you, could you please answer the below queries so we can troubleshoot your issue: - How much sugar/dextrose are we using? - How long are we leaving the wash to ferment for before adding clear? - How long does the run take in 'fast' mode before switching the tap to 'slow' mode? (As shown in this video) - Connor

[@ChristopherDeaves]

@PureDistilling 8kg suger at least 10 day's before adding the clear I have one of the first stills with the single element

[@PureDistilling]

@@ChristopherDeaves Apologies for the late reply, sounds like there could be an issue with your boiler. How long does the system usually take to reach the 78 degrees?

[@ChristopherDeaves]

@@PureDistilling roughly about 1hr some times a little more

[@PureDistilling]

Boiler might be getting a little tired, but the time taken for a run is too long, should be coming out at a steady trickle, if its only a slow drip there is a blockage in the output tube, probably in the tap assembly. Is there a difference in flow between fast and slow mode? If yes, then the small hole on the back of the brass breather fitting behind the tap is blocked. Carefully remove the compression fitting and poke a hole through the small hole to clear. Remove the whole product arm and blow through to remove the blockage piece. Attach the pipe with the compression fitting carefully, do not turn the brass fitting, the breather hole must point up. Let us know how you go@@ChristopherDeaves

[@JohnnyGhawi]

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