Distillation Safety Precautions when running stills.

Essential Distillation Safety Precautions:

Use the Right Gear: Employ equipment specific to distillation, and invest in its proper maintenance.

Knowledge is Power: Devour information on distillation,  fermentation,  filtering,  blending, yeast, and decanting.

Create a Safe Space: Ensure your distillation area is well-lit, clean, and ventilated, with easy access to fresh air.

Double-Check Everything: Use a checklist to confirm all equipment is functioning before every operation.

Fire Prevention First: Eliminate fire or flammable heat source hazards and keep a readily accessible fire extinguisher (DCP or CO2) close by.

Monitor Continuously: Install an in-line spirit hydrometer for real-time ABV readings, minimising sample collection risks.

No Smoking Allowed: Smoking near active stills is a recipe for disaster – avoid it entirely.

Clear the Path: Ensure uninterrupted vapour flow to prevent pressure buildup.

Insulate for Safety: Lag your still and kettle with fire-resistant material to prevent burns and enhance safety.

Remote Power Control: Install a switch to remotely shut down power to the still in case of emergencies.

No Pressure, No Problem: Reflux column stills operate at atmospheric pressure,  eliminating the need for safety pressure valves.

Keep Track of the Process: Maintain a trip sheet throughout the operation, logging changes and adhering to a clear startup and shutdown protocol.

Temporary Fixes: Use rye putty for short-term leak repair only. Persistent leaks necessitate immediate shutdown.

Mind the Headroom: Avoid overfilling the kettle. Leave enough space for vapour collection to prevent “puking.” Generally, do not exceed 80% capacity.

Discard the First Drop: Always discard foreshots and heads, as they contain harmful impurities.

Never Walk Away: Constant vigilance is crucial. Never leave a running still unattended.

Master the Cuts: Understand how temperature and boiling points dictate cuts to collect only the desired product.

Monitor Temperature: An LED thermometer with high and low alarms provides an extra layer of safety.

Tailor Your Approach: These are general principles, but specific rules may vary based on your setup.

Seek Wisdom and Support: Join online communities like homedistiller.org/ for informative discussions and safety-conscious advice.

Partnership Matters: Gain the support of your partner before embarking on this hobby.