"I'm a newbie with a ps2 high capacity keg kit on a 15 gallon keg with 2 1500w elements. I filled my boiler with approx 9 gallons of 18% wash and switched both elements on until the top half of my column began to warm up, then I unplugged one element and dialed down the second with a dimmer switch. I ran in full reflux for 2 hours and then collected 300ml of foreshots/heads. Twice the temperature dropped 10 degrees within a few seconds and then VERY slowly crept back up. At 77c I began collecting very pure (93%) very clean distillate. I collected 600ml of hearts at a rate of 2-3 drops per second then the temperature spiked, distillate began gushing out of the condenser, then vapor began pouring out of the condenser - it superheated a 1800ml beaker and broke it.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone know what may have caused this? My cooling water was flowing consistently and came out warm but not hot."

A constant heat from the start will make the column heat up uniformily from the start with even heating. Second, use boiling chips such a a couple of cups of raschig rings. Adjust temp by using the cooling lines at the top instead of tweaking temp on burners. Using burners upsets the temp and causes column to surge. Once the temp reaches 177degrees, leave it and adjust as needed with cooling lines. I had the same thing, switched to the larger model and started with a gradual heat basically a small flame on my gas turkey cooker and let the column heat up for an hour. Once it starts boiling it will gradually work up the column and begin reflux. You will hear it if using rings. All i do then is monitor the temp and adjust as needed with the water at the top leaving the bottom temp alone. If you have your packing too tight or too close to the top it will also cause surging. Needs to be about 5-6 inches below cooling lines in column. A nice slow staedy rolling boil is the key. Too hot will cause steam and puking out of the condensor. Dont ask me how I know! Took a while to figure out! Good luck and stay with it!