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Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#1 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:30:01 AM(UTC)
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"Hello Everyone. New guy Dave here. Need a little advice from my first attempt. I have a pot still. Ran a sugar (5lbs), Water (3 gallons), and Turbo 48 wash. Ferminting stopped after a few days and I ran 4L of the 12.5L mash last night. The whole thing came out blue. Not sure what I did wrong and not really sure what the blue stuff is. I thought it might just be the foreshots but after an all nighter and 1200 ML, the blue just won't go away. Appreciate any advice. Confused

Thanks, Dave"
Offline scotty  
#2 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:33:32 AM(UTC)
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Confused-----------------------------------------------
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#3 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:39:21 AM(UTC)
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I thoought perhaps using an entire packet of Turbo 48 might be too much for 12L wash?
Offline mtnwalker2  
#4 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:46:47 AM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: dmcfarland Go to Quoted Post
I thoought perhaps using an entire packet of Turbo 48 might be too much for 12L wash?


That would be my opinion also. Way too many nutrients= ammonia formation."
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#5 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:52:14 AM(UTC)
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Thanks. I'll start over with either a larger wash or try half the yeast and see what happens. I appreciate the help. I'll get it right eventually.
Offline mtnwalker2  
#6 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 5:19:34 AM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: dmcfarland Go to Quoted Post
Thanks. I'll start over with either a larger wash or try half the yeast and see what happens. I appreciate the help. I'll get it right eventually.


If I might suggest.... Make a full 25L batch. Let it settle clear or use a clearing agent. With your still so small, do quick stripping runs on all the wash. When finished do a carefull slow spirit run. Will save you time and make a much better final spirit."
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#7 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 5:59:50 AM(UTC)
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Thanks. For 25L, how much sugar do you think I should use? 10lbs maybe?
Offline mtnwalker2  
#8 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 6:30:11 AM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: dmcfarland Go to Quoted Post
Thanks. For 25L, how much sugar do you think I should use? 10lbs maybe?


If useing a turbo, I would use at least 16#. Since you will be takeing off small amounts to use per run, you need the higher ABV ro protect the balance from infection till run. Also, you want the ferment to use up all the nutrients the turb uses."
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#9 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 7:00:46 AM(UTC)
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Awesome info. Thanks!
Offline scotty  
#10 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 8:18:48 AM(UTC)
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"I dont know yhe answer, but i always use a strong starter bottle with all my fermenting so it cant be too much yeast.


Are you folks saying that something in the turbo packet might be causing the problen.

I never use turbos BTW I have too much time on my hands as it is lol"
Offline mtnwalker2  
#11 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 8:59:13 AM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: scotty Go to Quoted Post
I dont know yhe answer, but i always use a strong starter bottle with all my fermenting so it cant be too much yeast.


Are you folks saying that something in the turbo packet might be causing the problen.

I never use turbos BTW I have too much time on my hands as it is lol


Hi Scotty, It's not whats in the turbo, its the amounts. They make some like the 48 hour turbo to be able to ferment to 18%, which contains enough nutriens and such to do the job. but if you made a 10% wash with that you would have a lot of nutrients left over and a lot of yuk taste some people experience. There are turbos made for lower ABV runs also.

Like if you had a great recipe for an 8% wash, but you doubled everything except the sugar, it just won't turn out the same.

Kinda like changeing the recipe for your favorite cake. Same amount of flour, but double everything else. Not going to be good."
Offline Bayou-Ruler  
#12 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 1:30:31 PM(UTC)
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"See below quote from : http://distillers.tastylime.net...illerMirror/Org/dtw.htm#


Blue Spirit

Sometimes the spirit may get a slight blue tinge to it. This is usually a sign that you've used too much nutrient in the wash. Mike explains ...

I [previously] replied, saying it was probably due to copper salts coming from acid wash. I WAS WRONG!!!!

In fact, I've learned that it is just the opposite! Acid washes do not corrode the condenser (unless, perhaps, they've been allowed to sit far to long and have gone acetic), but neutral to alkaline ones DO. Heating an ALKALINE wash, particularly one with lots of nitrogen-containing compounds that have been put in as nutrients, liberates ammonia, which corrodes the heck out of reflux coils and dyes the distillate a distinct greenish blue.

The Upshot: if the WASH is turning blue, it's probably due to acid wash corroding a copper sheathed element or a copper boiler, but if the collected DISTILLATE is blue, (and probably ammoniacal, but not always), the wash should be acidified!

Turbos contain a lot of nitrogen-containing compounds, and at neutral to high pH, these can liberate free ammonia. At low pH, they are bound up with the acid as salts, and do not liberate ammonia. So, by adding nutrients to an already nutrient rich turbo, you can inadvertently push the mix over the line and get ammonia with your distillate."
Bayou Ethanol
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www.bayouethanol.com
Offline mtnwalker2  
#13 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 2:28:27 PM(UTC)
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"Bayou, Most turbos contain a PH balancer within them unless not mixed according to their recommendations. Super acid or super high PH tap water may through them off. If you use a turbo, you need to follow the instructions within their limits for each. Too much, or too little nutrients for the wash energy start to finish is going to give off taste and results. You have it right on the PH.

Other than that, you can agree with me on anything, and we can then both be wrong! But we will make it work. regardless. Can't keep a determined distiller down. LOL~

For the newbies, if useing a packaged, ie turbo yeast follew the directions, if useing a home recipe, follow also. Again, like bakeing a cake, leave out one ingredient, or add twice as much and you will have a mess. Yuk!

Enjoy!"
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#14 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:10:52 PM(UTC)
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This is such a great hobby. I am so new and yet I love it already thanks to you guys! Waiting now for the wash to cool to 100F for Turbo 48 pitching. Clarifier is ready and cooling. PH is 5.7 and waiting to measure SG with .007 correction when I hit 105F. This is batch #3 and I hope it is my first success. You all have been so helpful. As soon as I have results, one way or another, I'll add to this thread. Thanks!!!
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#15 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:57:36 PM(UTC)
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Ok Ya'll here we go. PH holding at 5.7. SG is 1.134. Turbo 48 going in now. Then bedtime. I have Thursday thru Sunday off. If fermintation is done I plan to start beer running to see what happens. Wish me luck!
Offline mtnwalker2  
#16 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 4:54:30 PM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: dmcfarland Go to Quoted Post
Ok Ya'll here we go. PH holding at 5.7. SG is 1.134. Turbo 48 going in now. Then bedtime. I have Thursday thru Sunday off. If fermintation is done I plan to start beer running to see what happens. Wish me luck!


Sorry, tried my best to reply. Had almost finished when mouse died. took forever to find batteries. You may be fine, but turbos act so quick and build a lot of heat, unless you have cool weather you shouldn't pitch it above 80 deg. If your temps are summertime hot, the heat rise can kill the yeast.

Consider getting another fermenter. Doubt you will have it clear enough by Sun. for a really good run. Nice to have one ready and another on theway. some ferments will take over a week to work off and clear and during cooler temps several weeks. Thus giving it time to really clear and settle nicely. 4 or 5 days is too short a time for best results. You want your ferment degassed and settled really clear for the best flavor and results. This takes time even with clarifyers.

You can still make it work, just won't be as nice as it could be.

Have fun, test and learn."
Offline Bayou-Ruler  
#17 Posted : Tuesday, September 07, 2010 11:47:28 PM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: mtnwalker2 Go to Quoted Post
Bayou, Most turbos contain a PH balancer within them unless not mixed according to their recommendations. Super acid or super high PH tap water may through them off. If you use a turbo, you need to follow the instructions within their limits for each. Too much, or too little nutrients for the wash energy start to finish is going to give off taste and results. You have it right on the PH.

Other than that, you can agree with me on anything, and we can then both be wrong! But we will make it work. regardless. Can't keep a determined distiller down. LOL~

For the newbies, if useing a packaged, ie turbo yeast follew the directions, if useing a home recipe, follow also. Again, like bakeing a cake, leave out one ingredient, or add twice as much and you will have a mess. Yuk!

Enjoy!


Oh I agree with you. I don't use Turbos my self. Once I used up the Turbos I purchased in the beginning that was it, I learned better fast."
Bayou Ethanol
AFP-LA-15027
www.bayouethanol.com
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#18 Posted : Wednesday, September 08, 2010 3:27:52 PM(UTC)
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"Ok, things are just bubblin' away. Gave it a stir today and the little yeast sea monkeys seem real happy. I can almost hear them working hard to make my third attempt a success. I'll take the advice and just wait 'til the mash says it is ready. Of all I have learned so far it seems like patience is the biggest lesson. In the interim, I ordered a new still from Brewhaus and two more fermintin tubs today. That way I'll always have something ready to go.

Looking forward to the new stuff showing up soon!

Blue Spirit Dave (my new name!)"
Offline Bayou-Ruler  
#19 Posted : Wednesday, September 08, 2010 3:35:10 PM(UTC)
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"
Originally Posted by: dmcfarland Go to Quoted Post
Ok, things are just bubblin' away. Gave it a stir today and the little yeast sea monkeys seem real happy. I can almost hear them working hard to make my third attempt a success. I'll take the advice and just wait 'til the mash says it is ready. Of all I have learned so far it seems like [SIZE=""5""]patience is the biggest lesson[/SIZE]. In the interim, I ordered a new still from Brewhaus and two more fermintin tubs today. That way I'll always have something ready to go.

Looking forward to the new stuff showing up soon!

Blue Spirit Dave (my new name!)


You sir are correct."
Bayou Ethanol
AFP-LA-15027
www.bayouethanol.com
Offline BlueSpiritDave  
#20 Posted : Thursday, September 09, 2010 2:20:12 AM(UTC)
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Thanks to Bayou-Ruler and Rick for the new name. :)
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