937. Distillation with or without a Heater

937.    Distillation with or without a Heater. Distillers usually employ a heater to hasten the process of distillation. "When the heater is employed, the mash passes from the fermenting tubs into the heater. During the time occupied in distilling over the charge of the still, it is necessary to keep a heat of 125 degrees in the heater. The mash passes directly from the heater into the still by means of a pipe or gutter, according to the general arrangement of the apparatus. Distill until the spirit which runs from the worm marks 10 degrees below proof. This first run is called high wipe. Then remove the receiver that contains the high wine, and substitute another. Continue to distill until the low wine ceases to blaze when it is thrown in the fire. "Whenever this occurs, stop the operation, and keep the low wine for the next distillation. Then clean the still and charge it with fresh mash. "When the operator does not employ the heater, the mash passes from the fermenting tubs immediately into the still. No uniform disposition is necessary for the fermenting tubs or heater; all depends upon the general arrangement of the apparatus. The distiller need not be informed that the apparatus must be arranged so as to save labor. If the mash tubs are above the still, connect them by a gutter or pipe; if on a level with the still, employ a hand pump.

938. How to Pack a Rectifying Tub

938.    How to Pack a Rectifying Tub. To rectify from 10 below proof to 50 above proof. 30 bushels of maple charcoal are required for a tub seven feet high and four feet in diameter; a tub of this size will give a clear bed of 14 inches. At two inches from the bottom of the tub place a false bottom perforated with 1/2-inch holes, and cover this bottom with sailcloth or blanket. Then pack in the charcoal regularly and very tightly with a wooden pestle. Great attention should be given to this part of the operation, in order to prevent the occurrence of holes or crevices in the charcoal during the process of filtration. Pack the sides of the tub thoroughly. Cover the charcoal with sailcloth, place laths over the cloth, and use heavy 6tones to keep the charcoal down.