Brandy pot 2TEM 95L column still

Dimensions 

The dimensions of the PK95L still are shown on the picture bellow. The machine is 234 cm high. We normally recommend a minimum distance of 5 cm between the top of the column and the ceiling. The unit needs 1 m2 of space, plus additional space around it in accordance with fire safety regulations.

Welded stainless steel legs made of solid closed profiles and solid round steel ensure the stability of the PK95L still. If the machine is too high compared to your distillation room, the legs can be shortened by 15cm, so the height of the machine can be reduced to 219cm.

​(There is no additional cost for leg shortening.)

Water jacketed kettle 

The Bain-Marie system or water jacketed kettle is considered the best method of heating the mash. The pressure in the jacketed space with the safety and pressure adjustment spring valve can increase up to a maximum of 0.5 bar. ​At a pressure of 0.5 bar, the maximum boiling point of water is 110 °C. Thus, the temperature of the inner kettle in contact with the mash can be up to 110ºC. At this temperature, the mash cannot scorch down in the kettle. At the end of the distillation the mash temperature can be increased to ~100 °C. The heat transfer is indirect. The bottom of the cauldron is curved.

Boiler properties:

Material: AISI 304 / KO33 / W.Nr. 1.4301, high-alloy chromium-nickel steel, food-grade stainless steel

Heating elements and electrical switch box 

Two pieces of copper coated 4,5 or 6 KW electrical heating rods are directly dive in to the water jacket. This results the water jacket heating up significantly faster, thereby boiling the mash earlier then other machines. The electrical heating rods are well regulated with the electrical switch box. One of the heating rod’s heating circuits are separated to 3 different circuits which can be switched separately on the switch cabinet. Additionally, there is a pot meter as well which is for fine tuning of the heating between 0-2 kW.

Fine regulation of the heating is essential to maintain the column’s balance during the whole distillation.

Electrical switch box is included with the PK95L unit.

Heating options:

12kW (3x20A) 380V – (40 minutes until boiling point with 80 litre mash)

9kW (3x16A) 380V – (70 minutes until boiling point with 80 litre mash)

3 phases are required!

Mixer 

When the mash poured into the still is mechanically mixed, the heat transfer process in the mash leads to rapid and dynamic heating. ​The mixing work is ensured by a suitable high-torque geared motor (230 V, 20 to 25 Newton meters) and a robust mixing paddle.

Digital Thermometers 

We use decimal scale digital thermometers, because the decimal difference in the dephlegmator’s temperature causes significant differences in the taste of the product.

The cooler however has an analog thermometer because in case of cooling water we need to stay within a range of 20C degree.

Mash thermometer:

Since the probe reaches the space of the inner kettle directly, we can monitor the rise of the mash temperature in the heating phase. You can see the boiling point approaching.

Dephlegmator thermometer:

It is important to see the exiting vapor temperature to precisely control the dephlegmator to reach the best taste of the final product.

Copper cupola and loading door 

Copper cupola:

2 mm deoxidized copper, copper content higher than 99.90%.

​​Food grade silicone is applied to the rim of the kettle to ensure a perfect seal between the cupola and the kettle.

Loading door with sight glass:

The mash is loaded through the door with the inox loading funnel. It is also possible to clean the kettle through the loading door with a hose. With the help of the sight glass, we can see what is happening in the kettle. Loading door diameter: 120 mm

Column 

Column diameter: 114 mm

Disassembled column parts: ​The entire column can be disassembled and cleaned.

Modular flange connections: The individual column parts are held together by rings (flanges) which are fastened with 5 mm thick bolts.

​Plate column section: Consists of a suitably spaced plate and an overflow. The overflow ensures the maximum height of the liquid level on the plate. ​We can check the liquid level. The higher the liquid level, the more concentrated the distillate. By lowering the liquid level or turning off a plate, the “heavier” aroma components can flow more easily into the distillate.​

Led lights: For easier sight in the column sections led lights are mounted on the back of the column. Colour of the led lights are adjustable by a remote control.

Dephlegmator 

Tubular dephlegmator: A partial condenser that ensures that the vapor rising the column is condensed in sufficient quantity (again from vapor to liquid). The dephlegmator contains 9 tubes inside where the alcohol vapour can go through. Even with maximum heating capacity, the dephlegmators dimensioning is sufficient for the total rectification of the column.

Catalysator 

The catalysator is a column section under the dephlegmator which contains 330 copper rings to ensure the refinement chemical reaction with the alcohol vapour of the fruit and grain distillates. Chemical reaction with copper molecules highlights the distillates aroma and taste characteristics.

The overall surface of the 330 copper rings is the same as the inner surface of the column, so we achieve the same catalysation effect as we would have the whole column from copper. Their advance is that they are easily cleanable by dismounting the Catalysator.

Copper is a must in fruit and grain distillation! 

End cooler 

The high-alcohol vapor exiting the dephlegmator enters the tubular condenser. The distillate vapor condenses in the top third of the end condenser and then cools through the surface of the tube bundle.

Despite its slim form, its maximum cooling performance exceeds the necessary cooling demand.

Flowmeters 

Control valves: HERZ brand manual straight valves control the water flow to the tubular cooler and dephlegmator.

​Flow meter: One of the most important elements for the correct operation of the column is the precise control of the water flow. The metal float in the rotameter rises as the valve opens and falls as the valve closes.

The current water flow in litres / hour can be read from the scale. The distillery PK95L has two flow meters: Dephlegmator flow meter and End cooler flow meter

Parrot beak 

This device helps the distiller to measure continuously the alcohol content of the product.

Backwashing tap 

Backwashing is a convenient way to keep the column and the boiler clean. The rinsing water washes out the residue from the previous distillation from inside the column, which cannot mix with the first part of the next distillation.

Draincock

Safe Drainage: The 90 degree spout plays an important safety role as its installation prevents the hot mash from erupting in a horizontal jet after the ball valve is opened.

Backwashing function: Rinsing and cooling water can be connected to the outlet via a ½ inch ball valve.

Capacity 95 Litre

Net capacity min. 30 litre / max. 80 litre

Dimensions Height:234 cm, Width:100 cm

Weight 100 kg

Material Inox 1,5mm, Copper 2mm

Heating method Gas/Electric

Average distillation time 2 hours

Average ABV 80-85 % (max 92%)

Product Brandy, Gin, Whiskey

Electrical requirements 9 kW three phase 380V (3x16A) / 12 kW three phase 380V (3x20A)

Features Double wall cauldron

Plate control system

Column back washing

Copper catalysator

Parrot beak

Stirring motor

Electrical switch box