"My temperature is bouncing around at 171-174 constantly. If I back off on the column cooling water, it will sit rock solid at 174.4 with a little faster flow rate. My question: Is it better to let it stay at 174.4 F or bounce around from 171.6-174.2 constantly? When it sits at 174.4, is this equilibrium?

The temps would go 171.4, 171.6, 171.9, 172.5, 172.6, 172.7, 173.1, 173.4, 174.1, 173.6, 173.5, 173.1, 172.9, 172.3, 172.1, etc. etc. up and down. up and down every second. Then with the slightest close of my column valve, it would sit on 174.4. I was able to make it do this all the way through the run. I could open up the valve just a smidgin and back to jumping around. Close a little and would be back to a steady number. That number just happened to be 174.4 most of the time. Started climbing as the hours went by in the tenths range. (i.e 174.5..174.6....etc.)

My takeoff seemed to be about right. 2-3 or 4 drips per second. When the temps bounces around it would be 1 drip per second. The abv stayed 90% either way. Is 174.4 (79C) a temp I can live with?

Also, I am using propane and my column is insulated. As far as insulation, I insulated all the way to the top. Do you think I should just bring the insulation up to the bottom of the cooling lines?



Thanks for ya'lls help.

Cornbred"

Yes it is normal. Once you start using your still and logging everything, you will see how it works.