"So I'm getting ready to run my first run ever!!!! I have a 6 gallon reflux still packed with copper mesh and ceramic. I will be running at 174 degress as close as possible with a gas driven turkey fryer.

My questions: How long will it take to run through 5 gallons of mash?
When do you stop running? After drips slow?
Do I save my left over mash along with tails, to burn another day?

Archie"

Hi AA, It all depends on your still and how you run it. I have a PSII not HC and to get a 92-94% product out of 5 or 6 gallons with a 12% wash it takes me anywhere from 8 to 11 hours, running slow for the cleanest product.

AA , I have the HC psII w/ the 15 gal kettle and I use a turkey fryer. In reflux mode, using a 5 gallon neutral wash I turn the heat up pretty high for about 20 mins with the reflux water off or almost off, then back the heat down to a predetermined spot on the knob and open up the water supply to the reflux. After about 5-10 mins (during warm weather) I start getting a trickle. In a shed during winter months it takes about twice as long to get to temp, and with colder water I use less to reflux. I catch the first 2 oz or so and save for parts cleaner. Then I use quart jars and fill them half full. I usually get a pint of high-shot for each gallon of wash, which averages 160 proof, and it typcally takes about 15-20 mins to run a pint. So in about 2 to 2 1/2 hours total time the stream slows to a drip/slow trickle. I've had 2 thermometers from BH, neither worked for s**t!. If the gas is low enough you can tell when your alcohol is about gone, the stream almost stops. I've gotten greedy a few times and got some tails in my jars, which I save for the next run.
I usually save the backset and add half of it to the next wash, it seems to increase my output, and they say it lowers the ph, making for a better product.

Farmin