I work in an ethanol plant, we make 199 proof. You won't be able to achieve that without extreme dehydration equipment, but you seem to be on the right track. The closer you get to 190 proof, the more technical it becomes. Is there an option on your still to run a reflux line back into the column? If so, you'll need more steam, but you will produce higher concentrations of alcohol. Also, 30psi steam should be all you need for distillation. You may want to play around with the temperature-depending on the column, more or less temperature may yield you higher proof. Once you start your own fermentation process, the % alcohol you produce also plays a key role. pm me if you have any questions. We make a little more than you (around 1,000,000 gallons a day) but the process is pretty much the same! Good luck!

 

Uh........you don't need any pressure for distillation so I'm confused. The pressure gauge on the boiler and pressure I was referring to is for production of steam power/generating electric, which is a different project all together. Yes, the closer to 172 degrees (at sea level) you hold the boiler and column the purer the ethanol content. I had the boiler on the hot side, 190 degrees, which adds more water to the column, the column because of my lack of cooling in my 10 gallon container I spoke of, would fluctuate between 170 and 186 degrees. Between the two, the boiler and column, I'm sure is why I ended up with less than perfect ethanol content. I'm happy for my first run and getting the percentage I did. I'm sure running through an industrial/computerized facility makes the process pretty brainless.

 

very cool. how do you find time for all the projects you mentioned, work, and family? i guess you don't sleep?

 

Wow!

 

I've got good guys at the shop. I usually cut out of the shop around 3:30. We don't work at the shop on weekends. There's plenty of time for things you like, the key is eliminating things you don't like, I'm glad I finally learned that a year or so ago.

 

Sounds like you have your priorities straight. We only get one life here. Make the best of it.

 

Definitely have to be pretty rural to get away with this. Cool as hell nonetheless.

 

wow crazy.. you sure know how to use your resources lol.

 

There's no way to live other than rural, you couldn't pay me to live within 100 yards of another house, I'm not rural enough as a matter of fact and my closest neighbor is my own mother I sold my old house to, she's further than that from me.

I try to keep my priorities straight. The last few years straightened me out. I use to be here way to much, I've done my share of 18 hour work days but what's it for? This is how I look at things now, in 40 years none of this car stuff is going to matter and will all be forgotten. IF I treat my wife and kids right though, in 40 years they might still love me enough to change my diapers! Spending time doing this stuff at home is what I enjoy the most. Speaking of that, I have to pack my pack tonight for a winter/tent camping trip my son wants to go on tomorrow night.

 

Gearing up for the next run. Today I spent a few hours with Rick cleaning up and organizing the barn. Re-plumbed the still. I've got the dual pass radiator and Spal fan ready to go. The cooling water in the tower will now pass through the radiator to help regulate it better. Also wired in another 12v outlet and ground 232 pounds of corn to turn into mash.

 

Yo I want 5 gallons bro Everything looks awsome. I hope those panals work out ok! You need an old Sinclar gas pump like week seen on RT66 at that station

 

RT 20 Buschur Station
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1579&bih=666

 

That's an awesome picture Jeff, I love that stuff.

 

Awesome post

 

My step dad, Rick built an RO system, I ordered the membrane for it today, we are going to try and get the water out of the ethanol with it.