I've just brought one of these Alcoengine pot still tops. I have a single 2000 watt element boiler that come with a Alcoengine reflux stack. I'm planning to try using a product I ordered on Ebay to control element output to see if I can run this pot still slower. Its a 2000W/220-240V Power Voltage Output Controller - Maximum 2000W power capacity 10-100% Adjustable output power supply Digital Display of output power voltage
@@tedbullpit6164 There was a 4000w version I come across when I found the 2000w unit I picked up, if your element is over the rated 2000w, I'd go for the 4000w. Seemed to do the job. I started off almost full power at the start to get it warming up, when temps got near 40c I started turning it down, by the time it started coming out, I was running it just over half power trying to maintain a "slow" dribble.
Hi dan. I just ordered the Alcoengine, lid and quick disconnects from your online store. You seem to be using a nicer metal quick disconnect. Where can i get this? I have heard the plastic connectors leak. Thank you, Steve
I was wondering about the water flow. I'm living in a hot country. I've seen that they advise 8l/min, but that's for the reflux model. I guess I must monitor the temp of the condenser output, should be around 25°C ?
Monitor your cooling outflow temperature. I advise keeping that temperature below 50C by increasing the cooling water flow rate as needed. If you find keeping the outflow below 50C to be impossible then try using frozen water bottles to keep your cooling water temperature low.
That is an excellent question and the subject of a future video. But here is the short version: When the BrewZilla achieves a set temperature then the elements turn off and the entire distillation process collapses. When the liquid temperature falls below the set point the heating resumes and begins building steam at which point the elements turn off again and, once again, the distillation process collapses. If the machine stops applying heat the entire process stops, barely starts again before stopping over and over and over again. Instead, we use wattage to limit the amount of heat energy applied to the liquid while ensuring the distillation does not collapse by setting the temperature control to maximum. Thanks for watching and keep an eye out for the video detailing exactly what we have talked about here.
@@FYBS I was just about to ask you the question as it pertains to setting the temperature. I do not have a Brewzilla, but I have a Digiboil and they are kind of the same with some differences. Anyway when I run my still I don't get any action until that temperature hits 190 on the boiler and then I set my temp to 195 and it will run for a while at 500W and then it will stop. That then starts the process of starting and stopping. It never dawned on me to just set the temp to maximum.
Not sure the water flow is correct as the kegland site states a minimum of 8L per min after the outlet of the condenser. You do not have to do this as I have run mine basically like what is shown in this video with waterflow with okay results, but I am getting a stronger pump so I can get as close to the 8L as possible because that was what they tested it at and recommended. I just want to see if it makes a difference, because I am currently running mine basically like this video.
Thanks for the comment! The temperature of the cooling water makes all the difference in the world. Australia is famous in the beer brewing community for having higher temperature ground water than most of us in North America which is why 'hot cubes' are used to cool wart/wash overnight down under but not-so-much around here. If your cooling water is 50F/10C then you can use far less water to to knock down the vapor in your still than if your ground water is 85F/30C. That being said, if you are using a pump then run full volume regardless of your water temperature. But consider refreshing your reserve of cooling liquid if it rises above 125F/50C. Either way, you should be able to lay your hand on the part of the still that contains the cooling coil while the still is in operation. If the still is too hot to touch at the coil, you smell vapor, or you can see steam then quickly reevaluate your cooling setup. It sounds like you have everything under control with your setup and will be even better when you get your new pump. If we can help you with supplies or equipment let us know at www.fybs.us. Thanks again for the comment, Lt. Dan.
The 'spirit' of the setup is the same. The V4 buttons are in different places. We are working on a video geared specifically for distilling with the Brewzilla V4.
Short, to point and very informative. Answered basic questions I have but couldn't find the answers elsewhere. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
I've just brought one of these Alcoengine pot still tops. I have a single 2000 watt element boiler that come with a Alcoengine reflux stack. I'm planning to try using a product I ordered on Ebay to control element output to see if I can run this pot still slower.
Its a 2000W/220-240V Power Voltage Output Controller -
Maximum 2000W power capacity
10-100% Adjustable output power supply
Digital Display of output power voltage
Tried earlier like you said,worked great
I'm doing the same thing with a 2200 watt element in a 30L boiler what did you come up with do you have a link
@@tedbullpit6164 There was a 4000w version I come across when I found the 2000w unit I picked up, if your element is over the rated 2000w, I'd go for the 4000w. Seemed to do the job. I started off almost full power at the start to get it warming up, when temps got near 40c I started turning it down, by the time it started coming out, I was running it just over half power trying to maintain a "slow" dribble.
Excellent video, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Hi dan. I just ordered the Alcoengine, lid and quick disconnects from your online store. You seem to be using a nicer metal quick disconnect. Where can i get this? I have heard the plastic connectors leak.
Thank you,
Steve
I saw your order. Thanks a bunch for shopping at iMadeBeer.com!
I’ll hit you up tomorrow and we can work out the plumbing for the cooling system.
I was wondering about the water flow. I'm living in a hot country.
I've seen that they advise 8l/min, but that's for the reflux model.
I guess I must monitor the temp of the condenser output, should be around 25°C ?
Monitor your cooling outflow temperature. I advise keeping that temperature below 50C by increasing the cooling water flow rate as needed. If you find keeping the outflow below 50C to be impossible then try using frozen water bottles to keep your cooling water temperature low.
@@FYBS thanks a lot.
@@danielbarbieri8199 thanks for watching and thanks for reaching out.
Follow-up question: Do you know if the T-500 Condensing Tower fits the Alcoengine lid too?
The T-500 does fit in the same lid as the Alcoengine.
@@FYBS oh shoot, that’s really great! Thank you.
@@jameshwren You are welcome! We can have a T-500 in your hands in a hurry. imadebeer.com/still-spirits-turbo-500-condenser/
any particular reason why you don't use the temperature controls on the brewzilla? seems like an easy way to control what is evaporating and when
That is an excellent question and the subject of a future video. But here is the short version: When the BrewZilla achieves a set temperature then the elements turn off and the entire distillation process collapses. When the liquid temperature falls below the set point the heating resumes and begins building steam at which point the elements turn off again and, once again, the distillation process collapses. If the machine stops applying heat the entire process stops, barely starts again before stopping over and over and over again. Instead, we use wattage to limit the amount of heat energy applied to the liquid while ensuring the distillation does not collapse by setting the temperature control to maximum. Thanks for watching and keep an eye out for the video detailing exactly what we have talked about here.
@@FYBS makes sense, I'll keep an eye out for that video!
@@FYBS I was just about to ask you the question as it pertains to setting the temperature. I do not have a Brewzilla, but I have a Digiboil and they are kind of the same with some differences. Anyway when I run my still I don't get any action until that temperature hits 190 on the boiler and then I set my temp to 195 and it will run for a while at 500W and then it will stop. That then starts the process of starting and stopping. It never dawned on me to just set the temp to maximum.
Gotta figure out how to distill mead think that'll be awesome hope I can do this someday
Distilling Mead, or making Brandy if you prefer, is super duper easy. Or so we're told by our friends in New Zealand where it's legal...
Not sure the water flow is correct as the kegland site states a minimum of 8L per min after the outlet of the condenser. You do not have to do this as I have run mine basically like what is shown in this video with waterflow with okay results, but I am getting a stronger pump so I can get as close to the 8L as possible because that was what they tested it at and recommended. I just want to see if it makes a difference, because I am currently running mine basically like this video.
Thanks for the comment! The temperature of the cooling water makes all the difference in the world. Australia is famous in the beer brewing community for having higher temperature ground water than most of us in North America which is why 'hot cubes' are used to cool wart/wash overnight down under but not-so-much around here. If your cooling water is 50F/10C then you can use far less water to to knock down the vapor in your still than if your ground water is 85F/30C. That being said, if you are using a pump then run full volume regardless of your water temperature. But consider refreshing your reserve of cooling liquid if it rises above 125F/50C.
Either way, you should be able to lay your hand on the part of the still that contains the cooling coil while the still is in operation.
If the still is too hot to touch at the coil, you smell vapor, or you can see steam then quickly reevaluate your cooling setup.
It sounds like you have everything under control with your setup and will be even better when you get your new pump. If we can help you with supplies or equipment let us know at www.fybs.us.
Thanks again for the comment, Lt. Dan.
@@FYBSI have subscribed and I look forward to more videos. I am gonna check out the reflux one next as that is a future purchase.
We have the AlcoEngine Reflux in stock and ready to fly right here in the shop. Thank you for the sub!
8L/min is for the reflux model. The pot stil is 1l/min at the beginning then you can lower to 500ml/min.
Does this work with a Brewzilla 4?
The 'spirit' of the setup is the same. The V4 buttons are in different places. We are working on a video geared specifically for distilling with the Brewzilla V4.
Did I actually see you used some Metric units in this video?🤣
We’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone. That’s just how we roll.