Good Evening Readers,
Today I got to try my latest creation, a computer controlled reflux still. It is too cool! It has a temperature sensor that controls a fan to adjust the amount of refluxing.
It is SO much more efficient than my old pot still!! I am gladly going to have to rewrite my “Ethanol – Is it worth it?” page. My math was correct but the tech was all wrong.
Using a 5% mash I was able to produce flammable, 180+ proof ethanol with no redistilling. Granted, the proof tapered off as the run continued, but it was MUCH higher than my old typical 50 proof initial concentration.
I did get the sizing of a few heat transfer surfaces wrong so I’m not ready to post pictures and definitive performance numbers just yet. It’s coming.
I have a renewed sense of optimism that my UMaine students will be able to build a net energy positive cattail ethanol system this fall.
Stay Tuned,
Stephen