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Instructions for EE PS II High Capasity complete kit from Brewhause
 Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 9
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"Hallo evryone ... especially Mtnwalker2, Div4gold, Ratflinger, and so many other of you that I have come to grow and luv over the past 6 months!!!
Yes a noob in practice but a well educated one (Read a good portion of the entire forum over the past 6 months.)
I have but only one question at the present, as my perusal over the last 6 months have provided 95% of the answers to my noob questions.
Can anyone link me a pdf to the set-up instructions for the EE PS II High Capasity complete kit from Brewhause?
I have one coming in the post in a few days and would like to get a head start on setting it up.
OK now for the boaring part... my background....(Skip if you just want to link me the PDF...lol)
I have fermented many things over the past 20 years... beers (I made a Mackasen that can't be distingished for the commercial one..my favorite But labor intensive) wines (I tryed to perfect cabernet solvioun 'sry about spelling' but could never get it to what I like).... and my most successful endever MEAD (Honey wine)..
So successful that I started a small commecial Meadery with my nephew, (We won 2nd place at the first International Mead Fest in Chicago 2002 for our Hybiscus Methegen)... Always wanted to distill some of that but never got around to it.
So I'm no noob to fermintation and know much about the 'Theory"" of distillation (From this forum)
What I want to do:
1. Distill neutruls (WSSW) for clean vodka (Ok Rum but you know what I mean) (A clean 'no hangover every day drink that mixes with everything)
ATM I have three 5 gallon batches of WSSW fermenting (on third day) waiting for the still to arive.
2. Easy (Read low maintence like UJSSM) Whisky washes to produce something close to: (I know alot has to do with ageing afterwards for final taste of product)
a. A good scotch (Perhaps UJSSM but use Malted barly insted?)
b. something close to Crown Royal
c. somthing close to Gentleman Jack (A Better Jack Daniels..)
Well there you have it...Just some real simple objectives...not a lot of ""What if...(I did this or that...)
I have already learned a lot from this forum and will gladly share what I learn to anyone who asks...
Thank you all for sharing your expierences with me.... and pleasent times to all.
At your service and your families too!!!
Vulture"
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 Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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"Well done Vulture. Learning so much befor starting. With your new knowledge amd past experiance you will be makeing fantastic drinks. Actually better than the store bought you mentioned.
Brandies, there are as many as there are wines. Each different.
Then some whiskeys you can't purchase at all.
Oats, either white or just slightly aged is much more favored by my family and friends then vodka. Very mild, mixes well, but considered a sin by most to add anything.
And for an aged whiskey, nothing beats white proso millet.
Many different blends that you can customize to your own unique taste.
Wheat germ is another one that is unique and excellent.
Don't have a PDF to send you, but it is super easy and quick to set the HC up once it arrives. Give it a good cleaning first. And remember to insulate the column.
Congradulations.
Mountain Walker"
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 9
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" Originally Posted by: mtnwalker2  Don't have a PDF to send you, but it is super easy and quick to set the HC up once it arrives. Give it a good cleaning first. And remember to insulate the column.
Mountain Walker Thx Mtn, Will insulate with that metal bubble wrap you talked about from HD. How should I clean it the first time?, Hot water? soap? store bought Vodka? Also, How should I clean it after a run? Will it differ? V"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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Distilled vinegar then soap and water works fine. I used glasrense. Mine was super clean when it came to begin with.
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: Vulture Thx Mtn,
Will insulate with that metal bubble wrap you talked about from HD.
How should I clean it the first time?, Hot water? soap? store bought Vodka?
Also, How should I clean it after a run? Will it differ?
V Oops. You said clean after a run. I just backflush it with a gal. of hot water. Next run the fores and heads will remove any risidual oils left."
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 9
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"Thx Mtn.
One other question,
I have read in here that some people say the pump and water hose system that comes with the HC is hard to control the flow to the condeser and the colume at the same time.
One person sugested the ""Water Control System"" to split the two.
Another sugested to get another pump and hose kit to make it two seperate systems.
I value your experiance and opinion alot,
What would you do?
V"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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"I have never used the pumps. I have spring water that stays at constant temp. I think I would try the assembly comeing for a few runs, and if not happy with that then get another pump. I would suspect you will be just fine with the assembly comeing. Use as large a water container as you can, as this HC unit really heats the water fast. Originally Posted by: Vulture Thx Mtn.
One other question,
I have read in here that some people say the pump and water hose system that comes with the HC is hard to control the flow to the condeser and the colume at the same time.
One person sugested the ""Water Control System"" to split the two.
Another sugested to get another pump and hose kit to make it two seperate systems.
I value your experiance and opinion alot,
What would you do?
V "
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 453
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" Originally Posted by: Vulture Thx Mtn.
One other question,
I have read in here that some people say the pump and water hose system that comes with the HC is hard to control the flow to the condeser and the colume at the same time.
One person sugested the ""Water Control System"" to split the two.
Another sugested to get another pump and hose kit to make it two seperate systems.
I value your experiance and opinion alot,
What would you do?
V If you can get your water supply up high in relation to the condensor and column you shouldn't have a problem. It gets real hard to keep a constant when the water is at floor level and the column and condensor is 6 ft above it. A better type of pump might solve that problem but the little pond pump just doesn't have the lift needed to pump that far uphill."
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 Rank: Administration Groups: Administrators
Joined: 2/10/2002(UTC)
Posts: 501
Was thanked: 8 time(s) in 8 post(s)
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Actually, our new pumps have more than an 8' max head, and a 67% increase in water flow, so the previous pump issue is solved.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/17/2007(UTC)
Posts: 167
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hi vulture. i use a 33 gal trash can along with frozen 2ltr bottles. put 2 cups of bleach in with the water and you wont have a algae problem. i have the lower capacity unit so i dont know how often to add bottles with your unit. enjoy.
just me
Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/17/2008(UTC)
Posts: 424
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Here's my version - 40 g plastic horse tank 3 ft off the ground, 2 of the older pumps One for the condenser running wide open & the 2nd for reflux with the flow control at the output; I fill the tank 1/2 full at the start & if later I need cooler water I can add more to cool the bath I can manage my flow very tightly with this setup, however it's not the only way and may not even be close to the best way.
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 Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/11/2010(UTC)
Posts: 18
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"I recently split my water source on my PS HC II so I now have a valve that controlls water to the top of the column AND one that controlls the water to the worm/collection arm. Works MUCH better and distillate comes out much cooler (I was having a hard time collecting pure, cool product). Also, I found that mine was more pure and my volume went up went I slowed down the heat and stayed more around 75 deg. celsius (according to the thermometer at the top).  "
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/20/2009(UTC)
Posts: 75
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From what I am reading, I assume that is imperative to insulate the column for optimum operation? Also, chlorinated water supply would not be good for the yeast ? Backflush the column in what manner? Sorry for the dumb questions, bear with me. 
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: mountainsparky From what I am reading, I assume that is imperative to insulate the column for optimum operation? Also, chlorinated water supply would not be good for the yeast ? Backflush the column in what manner? Sorry for the dumb questions, bear with me. You will get better cuts and better quality by doing son. You can let yourchlotinated water air for 24 hours, or get another source. Many of the bottled waters are also chlorinated. You can pour a gallon of hot water down the column. What I do is to dissasemble it take it to the sink and use the hose sprayer down each section for a minute with hot water. The only dumb question, is the one you don't ask that gets you into trouble!"
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/20/2009(UTC)
Posts: 75
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Thanks Mtnwalker. Just got my Gold kit today. Bought the hotplate but if you guys say the turkey fryer burner is safe I may send the hot plate back to save heating time. Now to get an accurate sugar wash recipe for a batch to run my first run on this high capacity rig.:)
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: mountainsparky Thanks Mtnwalker. Just got my Gold kit today. Bought the hotplate but if you guys say the turkey fryer burner is safe I may send the hot plate back to save heating time. Now to get an accurate sugar wash recipe for a batch to run my first run on this high capacity rig.:) I much prefer propane for speed and heat imput control. however, its an open flame so must be watched closely. I always keep my collection jars in a big pot with water in it in case of a spill, but water problems to the condensor, realeasing vapors are a danger as well. So keep a close eye on it. You should have received some turbo yeast with your kit. Just follow the directions, but allow the finished wash to totally clear. A bit of patience make a vast difference in the outcome. Insulate that column and you off to a great adventure and fun."
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/20/2009(UTC)
Posts: 75
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"I appreciate that Mtnwalker. Planned on keeping an ABC extinguisher close by in the even of a catastrophe. Off to buy some insulation for the column. I may be able to get it at work, save money. I work for a multi faceted contractor and HVAC is one of our branches.
I did buy the 1500W hotplate so I may use gas to reach operating temp and move to the hotplate for safeties sake. I have hot gloves for that type of stuff. I do not wish to go up like a race car driver on the Indy series.
I might try to employ some type of hand pump adaptation to the siphon for ease of use and control. I am certainly going to buy another 32L ""bucket"". This will permit me to ferment and clear and prepare another wash while working."
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: mountainsparky I appreciate that Mtnwalker. Planned on keeping an ABC extinguisher close by in the even of a catastrophe. Off to buy some insulation for the column. I may be able to get it at work, save money. I work for a multi faceted contractor and HVAC is one of our branches.
I did buy the 1500W hotplate so I may use gas to reach operating temp and move to the hotplate for safeties sake. I have hot gloves for that type of stuff. I do not wish to go up like a race car driver on the Indy series.
I might try to employ some type of hand pump adaptation to the siphon for ease of use and control. I am certainly going to buy another 32L ""bucket"". This will permit me to ferment and clear and prepare another wash while working. I like your signature. I like my propane as it gives me infinite control of heat input. However, if I were going to use the hotplate, I would bypass the thermostat, and use an electic voltage regulator of some sort. Many use a variable speed controller as used by high speed wood working devices like a router. Your choice."
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/20/2009(UTC)
Posts: 75
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 I am an electrician by trade and I think I can handle that one after 37 years in that line of work, great advice once again.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/17/2008(UTC)
Posts: 424
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" Originally Posted by: mountainsparky
I did buy the 1500W hotplate so I may use gas to reach operating temp and move to the hotplate for safeties sake. I have hot gloves for that type of stuff.
Be aware that a PS2HC in full reflux mode is ungainly to move. Even with really good high heat gloves you have all the hoses to deal with. Personally I'd try each way & then make up my mind. MW2 is definitely looking at safety using his water bath. I've stayed with the hot plate cause my wife is afraid I'll burn down the house. I don't make a run near as often as MW2, so time isn't an issue for me. If I spend all day on a Saturday running 2 washes & then reflux on Sunday, I don't mind. But on the other hand, if I usually had a mash fermenting or nosy neighbors then speed would be a concern & propane is the way to go. I don't feel that propane is especially dangerous, you just have to watch it 100% of the time."
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Instructions for EE PS II High Capasity complete kit from Brewhause
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