Still Spirits TURBO 500 User manual
1
Instruction
MANUAL
The Turbo 500 Distillation System is designed to produce
the purest spirit with the highest yield from your wash.
When used with the instructions in this manual, the
Turbo 500 will produce a beautiful clean spirit of up to
93% ABV and extract 95% of the alcohol in your wash.
This extremely pure, neutral spirit is the perfect base
for all spirits and liqueurs but is essential for the
delicate spirits like gin, white rum and vodka.
MAKES UP TO L ( US GAL)OF % ABV FROM A
L ( US GAL)WASH USING KG ( LB)SUGAR AND
SACHET TURBO YEAST.
Instructions suitable for use with stainless steel and
copper reflux condensers.
Distillation
System
2
Introduction
The ultimate still for home distilling, the Turbo 500 is a must for anyone
who wants to produce large quantities of extremely clean, pure alcohol.
To complete a Turbo 500 Distillation System you will need both a
Turbo 500 Condenser and a Turbo 500 Boiler.
To obtain the best performance from the Turbo 500 Distillation System and
to operate it safely, it is important to read these instructions carefully and
save them for future reference.
CONTENTS
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Distillation
System
Safety P.3
Step 1 - Days 1-6: Making the wash P.4
Step 2 - Day 7: Preparing the Turbo 500 Distillation System P.5-6
Step 3 - Day 7: Distilling the wash P.7
Step 4 - Day 7: Diluting and filtering P.8
Step 5 - Day 8: Flavouring P.8
WATER DISTILLATION P.9
Trouble shooting guide P.10-11
Supplementary information and FAQs P.12-14
Glossary P.15
3
WARNING:
PRECAUTION:
• Always operate the Turbo 500 Distillation System in a room with adequate ventilation.
• Never leave the Turbo 500 Distillation System unattended when operating.
• Keep the Turbo 500 Distillation System away from all sources of ignition, including
• Ensure all other equipment near the Turbo 500 Distillation System or the alcohol is earthed.
spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, sand or dolomite.
• Do not boil dry. In the event the still is boiled dry, reset the cut-out button under the base of the still.
In the very unlikely event the electric cut-out fails, a fusible link gives an added protection. This
by the user and the boiler will need professional attention.
• Do not distil any liquid above 40% ABV as this could cause a vacuum.
IN CASE OF SPILLAGE:
• Clean up spills immediately using cloth, paper towels or other absorbent material such as soil, sand or
other inert material.
• Collect, seal and dispose accordingly.
• Mop area with excess water.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY BEFORE USING YOUR STILL
SAFETY
4
3 [FERMENT] DAY 1
• Leave to ferment at 18-30°C (64-86°F), or as per
recommended on the yeast sachet, for about 1 week
Note: The fermentation process gives o
smells, which may be unpleasant sometimes.
It will dissipate and won’t aect the quality
of your alcohol.
4 [CHECK THE SPECIFIC GRAVITY (SG)]
(DAY 6)
The SG reading is the number on the scale where
the liquid cuts the glass. A fully fermented wash will
have an SG reading of approx. 0.990 or lower.
• The SG measurement will let you know when the
sugars have been converted into alcohol and your
wash is ready to be cleared.
• Fermentation is complete when SG has been stable
at 0.990 for 2 consecutive days.
5 [CLEAR YOUR WASH] DAY 6
• Once fermentation is complete, stir the wash
vigorously to release all of the gas. Once fully
degassed, add Part A of the Turbo Clear. Stir well and
leave for 1 hour.
• 1 hour later, evenly and very gently, stir Part B
into the top 50 mm (2 in) of the wash, do not
stir vigorously or the clearing process will not be
successful.
• Leave for 24 hours until all sediment is at the
bottom of the fermenter.
Once cleared, your wash is ready to be distilled,
using the Turbo 500 Distillation System.
The rst step in making a high quality
spirit is to produce a good, clean wash. It is
recommended that you always use the Still
Spirits Turbo Yeast, Sugar and Carbon range
with the Turbo 500 for best results from your
still. Regardless of the size of your boiler, we
recommend always making up to 20-25 L
(5-6 US Gal) wash at one time using Still
Spirits Production Packs or by purchasing
these products separately. If you do not distil
the full amount of wash at one time, this can
be saved to be distilled at a later date.
In this step you will need:
• Fully assembled 30 L (8 US Gal) fermenting vessel
(refer to the instructions which came with the
fermenter for assembly information).
• Cold Water Cleaner Detergent and No Rinse Sanitiser
(or an alternative cleaning and sanitising product).
• Mixing spoon.
• Wash ingredients (water, sugar, carbon, yeast,
clearing agent).
• Hydrometer.
1 [CLEAN AND SANITISE YOUR EQUIPMENT]
DAY 1
• Clean and sanitise your 30 L (8 US Gal) fermenter.
• While cleaning and sanitising, check for any leaks
around the tap seal of the fermenter.
2 [ADD INGREDIENTS] DAY 1
• Once fermenter and equipment are sanitised, shake
• Put sanitised spoon on top of the sanitised lid (lid
inner facing upwards to keep sanitised).
• Refer to the instructions on the yeast sachet for the
quantity and temperature of water, as well as the
quantity and type of sugar recommended.
Note: If sugars are not fully dissolved, the
fermentation will be partial and you will get
less alcohol.
STEP 1 / DAYS 1-6
MAKING THE WASH
5
STEP 2 / DAY 7
PREPARE THE TURBO 500
DISTILLATION SYSTEM
Your wash will be distilled through the
Turbo 500 Distillation System. It comes in
two parts: the Turbo 500 Boiler and the
Turbo 500 Condenser.
It is best to set up the Turbo 500 Distillation
System in the place where it can stay for
5 hours (approx. time for one distillation
using the 30 L (8 US Gal) boiler (less if using
a smaller boiler)).
The Turbo 500 Distillation System will
need to be run on a level bench or table, in
a place which has electricity, a sink, a tap
and adequate ventilation (ie the kitchen or
laundry), but not outside as drafts aect
distillation eciency dramatically.
The Turbo 500 Condenser box comes with
the following components:
• Stainless steel distilling column prepacked with
copper and stainless steel saddles.
• Digital thermometer with LR44 battery and
mounting bracket.
•
p.14 for more details on tap connector.
• Cooling water tubes (1 thin, 1 thick).
• Alcohol tube (white).
• Ceramic boil enhancers.
1 [TRANSFER YOUR CLEARED WASH INTO
THE TURBO 500 BOILER]
tap over the sink, to avoid handling the hot boiler
when emptying contents later on. Do not point the
tap to the front to avoid boiling liquid pouring out
on you or a passer by if it gets knocked and breaks.
• Using a syphon or 5 L (1 .3 US Gal) jug, transfer the
cleared wash from the fermenter into the boiler.
You can also place the boiler below the tap on the
fermenter and pour it in that way, but keep in
mind you will need to lift the full boiler back up to
the bench afterwards. Be careful to leave as much
yond
the maximum level line on the 30 L (8 US Gal)
Turbo 500 Boiler.
2 [ADD CERAMIC BOIL ENHANCERS AND
DISTILLING CONDITIONER]
• Add all of the ceramic boil enhancers into
the Turbo 500 Boiler and the wash.
• Optional: Add 3 capfuls of distilling conditioner
(sold separately) to the cleared wash in the
Turbo 500 30 L (8 US Gal) Boiler if you suspect
excessive foaming.
• Place the lid back on. Do not clip on yet as you will
serving suggestion
6
3. [ASSEMBLE THE TURBO 500 CONDENSER]
thin tube.
• Connect the long, thick, clear tube to the block
outlet C
• Connect the short thin, clear tube to make the top
loop connection E.
• Connect the thin clear tube on the water inlet B
adaptor) into the condenser.
• Connect the white tube on the spirit outlet D.
collecting jug.
4. [ADD THE THERMOMETER]
• Place the battery in the thermometer.
• A switch on the back allows you to turn the
to set the thermometer to Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• Mount the thermometer in the mounting bracket
provided. Clip the panel onto the condenser near
the bottom.
• Fit the stainless steel sensor probe into the hole A.
• Use a wire tie to tidy up any loose wiring.
5. [BOILER]
Fit the Turbo 500 Condenser onto the Turbo 500 Boiler.
• Check the Turbo 500 Condenser is full of saddles
inside. If the column is empty, you will need to
steel saddles packed in the column, then follow the
next step.
Note: You may have a handful of saddles
left, which cannot t in the condenser, this
is normal.
• Holding the condenser upside down, unscrew the
nut at the base of the condenser; leave the black
O ring in the base of the column.
• Place the Turbo 500 Boiler lid over the column and
so that the lid doesn’t spin anymore.
• Place the lid and condenser on the Turbo 500 Boiler,
in position where you can see the thermometer.
• Secure lid onto the Turbo 500 Boiler base with
the clips.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the Turbo 500
Condenser is standing straight, or it will
not operate properly during distillation.
Water outlet temperature sensor
Cooling water inlet
Water outlet
Spirit outlet
Top loop connections
cold
water
in
warm
water
out
spirit
YOU ARE NOW READY FOR DISTILLATION
C
A
A
B
C
D
E
B
D
water
E
7
• Once the wash starts boiling, make sure the
temperature reading is above 50°C (122°F) (otherwise
you won’t collect any alcohol) and below 65°C
(149°F). If the temperature is below 50°C (122°F),
If the temperature is above 65°C (149°F), open the
times throughout the run to maintain the outlet
water temperature within 50-65°C (122-149°F). You
can use the Still Spirits Water Flow Regulator to help
importance of controlling the water outlet see p.13.
4. [COLLECT YOUR SPIRIT]
• Once the wash starts boiling, the spirit will come out
of the white tube into your collecting jug.
• Make sure the white tube is never submerged into
the distillate, otherwise the boiler may implode.
You should see the drops of distillate falling into
your vessel.
cup) of alcohol.
IMPORTANT!
The rst 50 ml (1.7 US oz) that comes out
of the still contains lighter molecules, such
as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and methyl
propanol, which have strong and unpleasant
smell, often described as ‘hospital smell’ or
‘nail polish’. They should not be consumed.
5. [FINISH THE DISTILLATION]
Approx. 5 hours after the boiler has been turned on, you
should have collected approx. 3.5 L (1 US Gal) of 90-93%
ABV spirit. You will also notice the distillate is slower
to come out (1 drop every 5 to 10 seconds), that means
all the alcohol has been distilled and the boiler can be
• The depleted wash left in the Turbo 500 Boiler
will be dangerously hot. Allow it to cool to a safe
temperature before emptying it through the tap,
into the sink or onto the garden (it makes a
great fertiliser).
• Remove the Turbo 500 Condenser and Boiler lid
assembly, and rinse the boiler of all wash and debris,
being careful to retain the ceramic boil enhancers
for the next distillation run.
• Run water through the condenser to rinse the
saddles every 5 to 10 distillations. Replace saddles
if the distillate starts to taste earthy.
Distilling takes about 5 hours from start
to nish. Please ensure you can give your
full attention to operating the Turbo 500
Distillation System for this time period.
The Turbo 500 Distillation System becomes
very hot during operation, extreme care needs
to be taken and children should be kept well
clear during and after distilling. The process
produces a highly ammable liquid, keep all
sources of ignition away from the still.
To run the Turbo 500 Distillation System,
you will need to have:
• 5 L (1.3 US Gal) jug or vessel to collect alcohol.
• Cooling water supply and sink.
1. [CONNECT THE CONDENSER TO
WATER SUPPLY]
• Place the long thick tube into the sink or drain.
• Place the white alcohol outlet tube into the
collection jug or vessel. Position the tube so that
it cannot become submerged under the distillate,
otherwise the boiler may implode.
2. [START THE BOIL]
• Connect the Turbo 500 Boiler to the power supply.
• A 23 L (6 US Gal) wash will take just over 1 hour to
heat to boiling temperature.
3. [ADJUST THE WATER FLOW]
• About 45 minutes after the 30 L (8 US Gal) Turbo
500 Boiler has been turned on and before the wash
begins to boil, open the water supply.
USA users – NOTE : If you are in the USA,
your boiler has a lower power due to the
110V system used. As a result, the cooling
water ow should be approx 3.5 US oz/
minute and look like a trickle.
STEP 3 / DAY 7
DISTIL THE WASH
8
3. [FILTER YOUR SPIRIT]
Filter your diluted spirit through activated carbon,
as per the instructions of use that come with
NOTE: Check the strength again with the
Alcometer after ltering and adjust ABV
by adding more water according to your
needs.
The spirit you have produced will lie
somewhere between 90 and 93% ABV.
It has to be watered down to 50% ABV
before ltering, regardless of the type of
carbon lter used. Refer to p.15 for more
information about activated carbon.
You will need:
• Alcometer (we recommend using the Still Spirits
0-100% ABV Alcometer).
NOTE: It is calibrated to take measurements
at 20°C (68°F). If your alcohol is warmer or
cooler than 20°C (68°F) use the temperature
correction tables.
• Trial jar (this is the casing that holds the Still Spirits
alcoholmeter), or a measuring cylinder.
• Clean and drinkable water.
WARNING: You are handling highly
ammable alcohol; keep away from all
ignition sources (spark, ame).
1. [MEASURE YOUR DISTILLATE % ABV WITH
THE ALCOMETER]
• Pour some of your distillate in the trial jar (approx.
• Float the alcoholmeter in the distillate. The % ABV
is the number on the scale where the liquid cuts
the glass. It should read between 90 and 93% ABV.
Check the temperature and adjust if needed.
2. [WATER DOWN YOUR DISTILLATE]
• Place the distillate in a container that can hold 5 L
(1.3 US Gal) at least.
• For each litre (US qt) of distillate at 90-93% ABV, add
mix thoroughly (if you have collected 3.5 L (1 US Gal)
of distillate, you will need to add 2.9 L (1 US qt) of
• Measure your diluted spirit % ABV again, it should
read approx 50% ABV. If it is slightly higher, add a
and recheck % ABV. If it is lower, do not add more
Note: Adding water will increase the
temperature, adjust accordingly.
STEP 4 / DAY 7
DILUTE AND FILTER
Once you have your diluted, ltered alcohol
at 40% ABV, it is time to avour it. Still Spirits
has a large range of avourings you can use.
Refer to the individual instructions on each
avouring for specic directions of use.
STEP 5 / DAY 8
FLAVOURING YOUR SPIRIT
serving suggestion
9
STEP 1 ASSEMBLY
• Remove all saddles from your column and rinse it
thoroughly.
• Connect the short thin tube to the condenser outlet E.
• Connect the long thick tube over the short thin tube.
• Connect the long thin tube onto the water inlet B.
• Connect the white tube on the outlet D. The distilled
• You don’t need a thermometer for water distillation.
STEP 2 WATER DISTILLATION
Distilling 20 L (5 US Gal) of water will take about 8-10
will produce approximately 18 L (4.8 US Gal) of distilled
water.
You will need to have:
• Clock or timer.
• Large vessel to collect distilled water (as large as the
quantity of water initially placed in the boiler).
• Cooling water supply.
1. Plac
waste can discharge into a drain or sink. Add water to
on the boiler.
2. Place the column and boiler lid assembly onto the
boiler base. Fasten the four clips that hold the lid
onto the boiler. Check the sealing gasket is sitting
3. Connect the power to the boiler. The water will take
about 80 minutes to heat to boiling temperature.
4. Before the water begins to boil, turn on the cooling
water just enough so that the distillate doesn’t come
5. After you have collected 18 L (4.8 US Gal) of water,
(if distilling 20 L (5 US Gal)), turn the boiler power
the cooling water supply. Be careful when discarding
remaining water left in boiler as this will be hot.
aromas from previous washes are removed. Refer to
WATER DISTILLATION
E
B
D
serving suggestion
10
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? WHY IS IT HAPPENING? HOW TO FIX IT?
irregularly.
• Wash is surge boiling caused by hot spot
on base of integrated boiler.
• Spirit outlet pipe is higher than outlet
creating an airlock or is submerged in
distillate causing alternating pressure
and vacuum.
• Add ceramic boil enhancers. In extreme
cases try adding 1–2 stainless steel pot
scrubbers.
• Make sure the outlet pipe allows the
condenser outlet.
Trim outlet pipe so that it cannot
be below the level of the collected
distillate.
No alcohol is coming out. • This may be due to the cooling water
• This may be due to an incorrect position
of the tubes.
• There may be a blockage at the end of
your alcohol outlet tubing.
• Ensure the cooling water outlet
temperature is between 50-65°C
(122-149°F) during distillation.
• Check the tubes are in the correct
position (refer to Step 2 and 3).
• Remove the plug at the end of your
alcohol outlet tubing.
The spirit is coming out
• Wash is foaming while boiling and
carrying fermentation residues up the
column.
• Unfermented sugar in your wash can
cause foaming which eventually made its
way up into the condenser causing the
undesirable, cloudy spirit.
• Always ensure your wash is completely
fermented (refer to Step 1 on
fermentation).
•
of boiler if using the 30 L (8 US Gal)
boiler. The 4.9 L (1.3 US Gal) boiler has
8 L (2.1 US Gal).
• Add 3 capfuls of Still Spirits Distilling
Conditioner to the wash. This stops
excessive foaming in the boiler.
• Add ceramic boil enhancers in your
boiler. Re distil the bad spirit.
Spirit has a strong
unpleasant smell,
described as ‘paint
thinner’, ‘hospital’, ‘burnt’,
‘nail polish’.
• Distillate coming out of the Turbo 500
is at approx 93% ABV and has a strong
ethanol smell.
•
has a stronger smell (nail polish type),
because it contains most acetaldehydes
and esters. This should be discarded.
• The rest of the distillate smells like
ethanol.
•
with activated carbon. It will trap most
spirit (refer to activated carbon in the
glossary).
Spirit has a blue tint. • This is caused by unbalanced or excessive
nutrients added in the fermentation
vessel. Nutrients are essential for
the yeast to ferment sugars; they are
precisely dosed and included in every Still
Spirits Turbo Yeast sachet.
• Use only 1 sachet of Still Spirits Turbo
Yeast per 25 L (6.6 US Gal) of wash.
• Follow recommended recipes for each
type of Turbo Yeast.
The yield is low. • The wash has not fermented out
properly so the amount of alcohol
available is reduced. This could be due
to several factors:
• The sugars were not fully dissolved.
• The fermentation temperature is too low
or too high.
• Steam and vapour pressure is leaking
from lid seal.
•
• Check lid gasket is sitting evenly inside
lid before clipping onto the base.
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
11
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? WHY IS IT HAPPENING? HOW TO FIX IT?
Spirit purity is low. • The column temperature has been too
higher but less concentrated rate.
• Check that the water out temperature is
no more than 65°C (149°F).
The boiler has stopped
heating.
• This is likely due to an electrical fault
or the boiler overheating. The boiler
has a thermostat cut out switch which
protective fuse in case the thermostat
cut out doesn’t operate.
• Press the reset stick under the base of
the boiler to reset the thermostat.
If the boiler still doesn’t heat up, an
electrician will need to check it out.
My spirit is turning cloudy
when I add a spirit
water.
• This may be due to a poor carbon
contained in some carbons.
•
or caramel colour that is unstable in
•
the Still Spirits EZ Filter cartridge with
our universal carbon, (remember to
prewash your carbon).
your drink (50% ABV). If the spirit has
suspended particles, leave it to sit for a
bottle once sediment has settled.
Fluctuating temperatures
while distilling.
• This may be caused by inconsistent water
• It may be caused by frothing of the wash
up the column.
•
Still Spirits Water Flow Regulator if you
have one.
Alcohol is leaking from the
top of the condenser.
• This may be due to saddles blocking
the alcohol steam path and building
some pressure.
• There may be a blockage at the end of
your alcohol outlet tubing.
•
Remove all saddles from the column and
followed by stainless steel saddles).
• Remove plug at the end of your alcohol
outlet tubing.
Alcohol is leaking from
behind black plastic
brackets.
• Potential sealing issue, or pressure
blockage in column.
•
Remove all saddles from the column
and place them back in (copper saddles
this doesn’t solve the problem, contact
your retailer.
The condenser leaks when
I clean it.
• The still is vented at the top, so it will
leak water when you are cleaning it.
•
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
12
WHAT IS THE BLACK STUFF I ADD IN MY WASH?
It’s activated carbon, designed to absorb unwanted
:
Is it normal that my wash smells funny?
). It comes in
The carbon will turn the liquid black and won’t
dissolve. It will not harm the fermentation process.
The carbon is removed when the wash is cleared.
(), WILL
IT STILL WORK?
Yes, yeast can be safely added in a wash between
20-40°C (68-104°F) maximum. Above 40°C (104°F), yeast
will die very promptly if the wash is not cooled down
quickly. This can be done by resting the fermenter in a
basin or bath of cold water.
HOW LONG IS THE FERMENTATION?
A wash usually takes between 4 and 10 days to ferment
depending on the yeast used and temperature.
IS IT NORMAL THAT MY WASH SMELLS FUNNY?
During fermentation, yeasts produce alcohol, CO2, as
smells, some pleasant (like pear, apple, banana), others
less pleasant (like rotten egg). This will not taint your
distilled spirit and will disappear after distillation. Carbon
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE FERMENTATION
IS FINISHED?
A few ways:
1. Measure your SG with a hydrometer: start of
fermentation reads around 1.100 and end of
fermentation reads about 0.990. When your SG has
read 0.990 for two consecutive days, fermentation
is complete.
it’s fermenting there are lots of bubbles coming to the
surface and at the end of fermentation there are
almost none.
of fermentation, the wash will be very murky and
‘transparent’.
WHAT’S IN THE CLEARING AGENT AND HOW DOES
IT WORK?
The Still Spirits Turbo Clear is made of silica (Part A)
B) attracts all particles (with its opposite charges) to
eventually make them all settle on the bottom of
the fermenter.
The saddles in the column provide a large surface
area to maximise the contact between the liquid and
The Turbo 500 has been carefully engineered to
As the distillation process progresses, the alcohol
concentration in the wash reduces. To maintain high
will increase to compensate and the alcohol production
will slow. This slowing is most noticeable after two
hours of alcohol production.
Towards the end of the distillation the alcohol purity
remains high, but output will slow until it stops
altogether. At this point the water vapour will keep
rising and condensing part way up the column, but
nothing will reach the top of the column to pass into
that point.
HOW LONG CAN I KEEP A WASH FOR BEFORE DISTILLING IT?
We recommend distilling a wash within one week of
develop caused by autolysis of the dead yeast cells. It is
and cool.
DISTILLATION SYSTEM WORK?
The wash is heated in the boiler to boiling point
and kept at boiling point throughout the distillation
the column, in which the vapours of the heavier liquids
(water and heavier undesirable molecules) condense
and fall back down. The alcohol vapour, being lighter
than water vapour, is rising up to the top of the column
and condenses back in the condenser into a liquid
alcohol. This cycle of evaporation, rising and condensing,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION AND FAQS
alcohol vapour
alcohol liquid
water
out
water
in
alcohol out
13
HOW MUCH ALCOHOL WILL I GET?
With a 6 kg (13 lb) sugar, Turbo Classic Yeast wash, you
40% ABV spirit.
WHAT’S IN THE DISTILLATE?
The distillate obtained with the Turbo 500 Distillation
System is usually composed of 93% alcohol and
compounds, called congeners, responsible for good
and contains acetaldehydes and ethyl acetate. It has
a distinctive smell: ‘fruity’, ‘nail polish’. Up to 500 ml
an outstanding clean, pure spirit, like vodka. However,
most applications.
end) is very pure.
The Turbo 500 Distillation System doesn’t produce
tails, like pot stills do and distillate will be very pure
until the end.
We recommend using the Still Spirits Alembic
Condenser and Dome Top sold separately, for better
results. This consists of a copper dome and alembic
CAN I DISTIL TWO BATCHES IN A ROW?
distillation is boiling hot. If you wish to run it again
then carefully remove the very hot lid and add 5 L
(1.3 US Gal) of cold water to the spent wash to cool
quickly before emptying.
CAN I GET A HIGHER ABV BY DOUBLE DISTILLING?
Double distilling will achieve very little with the
Turbo 500 as it will not increase the ABV much.
If using the Turbo 500 distillation system, the distillate
will be already approx. 90-93% ABV, which is near the
maximum ABV a home still can achieve. Double or
triple distilling is used with pot stills to try to emulate
the result of a Turbo 500.
Note that the highest alcohol percentage possible
is 95.6% ABV.
IS THERE ANY METHANOL PRODUCED?
The Turbo 500 Distillation System produces a highly
pure spirit with 0.001% methanol on average, which is
well below the maximum legal limits for methanol in
spirits for commercial sale.
HOW HOT DOES THE BOILER GET?
The liquid inside the boiler will get as hot as its
for alcohol. As the wash contains a mix of water and
alcohol the temperature the wash boils at rises as
convert the alcohol to steam so you can extract the
alcohol from the wash.
()BOILER?
10 L (2.6 US Gal) is the minimum volume possible.
Although optimum performance is attained when the
Turbo 500 Distillation System is full.
WHY DO I NEED TO USE CERAMIC BOIL ENHANCERS?
The reusable ceramic boil enhancers should be added
in the boiler before distilling to avoid surge boiling.
Stainless steel saddles do the same.
WHAT IS THE DISTILLING CONDITIONER?
Distilling Conditioner is an anti-foaming product, made
of silicones and is suitable for human consumption.
This reduces the chance of foaming in the boiler and
promotes optimum distillation conditions.
The wash can froth when boiling (this may be due to
the presence of residual sugar not entirely fermented,
or a wash not cleared). Froth can enter the column
and disrupt temperature control. To help prevent
foaming we recommend adding 3 capfuls of Still Spirits
Distilling Conditioner to the 30 L (8 US Gal) boiler.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONTROL THE WATER
OUTLET TEMPERATURE?
Controlling the water outlet temperature is the key
user control of the Turbo 500 Distillation System
process. The development work on the Turbo 500
showed an ideal water outlet range of 55-65°C
(131-150°F). This can be reduced as low as 50°C (122°F),
which will slow the alcohol production rate.
The outlet temperature can be increased to as high as
but at slightly lower strength and purity.
As a general rule, running the still between 60-65°C
(140-150°F) will produce alcohol faster but at a slightly
lower strength and quality, while running the still
between 55-60°C (131-140°F) will provide you with
optimum quality but it will take a bit longer.
ow.
14
It is best to use the Alembic Condenser and Dome Top
that can be attached to the top of your Turbo 500 Boiler
if you wish to do this.
BIO FUEL
Bio fuel can be made using the same process as distilling
spirits in the Turbo 500.
I CAN’T FIT THE WATER FLOW CONTROLLER TO MY TAP,
WHAT CAN I DO?
Distillation System comes with the thread adaptor M22
along with a male hole connector.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE DISTILLATION IS FINISHED?
You will also notice the distillate is slower coming out
(one drop every 5 to 10 seconds), that means all the
alcohol has been distilled and the boiler can be
The Turbo 500 Condenser column is packed with copper
and stainless steel saddles.
Copper saddles play a catalyst role with your distillate by
reacting with sulphur compounds and eliminating them
from your distillate. Sulphur compounds are molecules
produced by yeasts during fermentation. They are
cabbage’ or ‘garlic’.
HOW OFTEN AND HOW SHOULD I CLEAN THE
We recommend washing the saddles every 5 to 10
distillations, by rinsing the column with water. For a
thorough clean (every 20 distillations or so), rinse your
column with a citric acid mix, (2 tsp citric acid to 1 L
get rid of the acid. Alternatively, you can unpack your
column and soak your saddles in citric acid mix before
rinsing them and placing them back into the column
again. Note that the copper saddles should be placed in
steel saddles.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN THE STILL?
(US). You can multiply this by the power rate paid, by
the time the Turbo 500 is operating (5 hours for a 20 L
(5 US Gal) wash).
rate used and the cost of raw materials required to
100-125 L (26-33 US Gal) per distillation. USA uses on
average 20-25 L (5.3-6.6 US Gal) per distillation.
HOW CAN I RECYCLE MY COOLING WATER?
You can run your cooling water in closed circuit,
suggest using a 200 L (53 US Gal) container (rubbish bin
Your cooling water can also be kept in big containers
and reused later for the garden.
KITCHEN
TAP
M22
M24 20 mm
BSP
Note: make sure all seals are in place
LAUNDRY
TAP
GARDEN
TAP
M22
M22
15
ACTIVATED CARBON
Activated carbon is prepared in a manner which causes
the carbon crystals to become porous and develop
a very large surface area. One gram of activated
carbon may have 500–1,500 m2(5,382-16,146 ft2) of
internal surface area. This large surface area and the
many internal pores in the carbon are able to adsorb
adsorption process is very complex and depends on
concentrations, molecular weight etc.
It can be added directly in your wash, or used for
the process works best if the alcohol concentration is
50% or less. This is why we recommend adjusting the
be soaked or rinsed with clean water just before using
to get rid of mineral salts and dust.
ALCOHOL (OR ETHANOL)
Most commonly used to describe ethanol, the type
of alcohol in wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic
beverages. It is a chemical with the formula C2H5OH.
ALCOHOL PURITY
Alcohol purity describes the strength of the alcohol
produced by distillation; it is measured in percentage of
alcohol by volume, or % ABV. The Turbo 500 Distillation
System delivers 90 to 93% ABV alcohol, when following
the recipes and set up described in this booklet.
ALCOHOL YIELD
extraction from the wash. The higher the yield the
less alcohol is left behind in the boiler. With care and
attention to wash clearing and the distillation process,
you can expect to recover 95% or more of the alcohol
fermented in the wash.
The purity and yield of the alcohol will vary depending
on factors such as;
• The type of sugar you ferment
• The choice of yeast used
• How well the wash is cleared
• What distillation system is used
ALCOMETER & HYDROMETER
An Alcometer is one type of hydrometer. Hydrometers
are used to measure the relative density of a liquid.
The lighter the liquid the further down the hydrometer
The hydrometer is used to monitor wash fermentation,
it tells how much sugar has been transformed into
alcohol (alcohol is lighter than a sugar solution).
Alcometers are used to measure the percentage of
alcohol in your spirit. Alcohol is thinner than water so
the higher in strength the alcohol is, the further down
liquid glucose will distort the alcoholmeter readings.
Take good care of your hydrometer as it is very fragile.
Hydrometers are usually calibrated at a temperature of
20°C (68°F).
Do not immerse your hydrometer in liquids warmer
than 40°C (104°F) or it will melt the wax inside and
damage your hydrometer irreversibly.
CONGENERS
The name given to all compounds in the distillate,
other than water and alcohol.
DISTILLATE
The concentrated liquid that condenses from a
distillation process.
DISTILLATION
Method of separating two or more substances by
heating the mixture to a temperature that is higher
than the boiling point of one component and lower
than the boiling point of the other component.
The vapour of the lower boiling point component
is captured and allowed to condense and is more
concentrated compared to the original mixture.
FERMENTATION
Conversion of carbohydrates (sugars) into alcohol and
carbon dioxide by yeast.
HEADS
collected. They are composed of congeners which have
a distinctive smell (‘fruity’, ‘nail polish’).
METHANOL
An alcohol naturally produced during fermentation at
very low level (0.0005%). Its chemical formula is CH3OH.
over), may include confusion, nausea, vomiting, visual
problems and abdominal pain which if left untreated
can result in stupor, coma and in the most severe
cases death.
Problems occur across a broad range of countries,
most prominent with common illegal trade where
methanol has been added or the alcohol has been
produced from unsuitable carbohydrate raw material.
The Turbo 500 Distillation System produces a highly
pure spirit with 0.001% methanol on average, which
is well below the maximum legal limits for methanol
into spirits. It is worth noting that ethanol is used to
dislodge methanol in the case of methanol poisoning as
human cells will dislodge methanol in preference
to ethanol.
SPIRIT
An alcohol beverage containing at least 20% ABV and
with no added sugar.
TAILS
The name given to the last portion of distillate
collected when using a pot still. They are composed
Turbo 500 Distillation System doesn’t produce tails.
WASH
Fermented liquid containing alcohol which has been
produced by yeast fermenting sugars.
YEASTS
Yeasts are microorganisms that convert sugar to
produce alcohol and CO2along with hundreds of trace
by-products.
GLOSSARY
16
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LEGAL ALCOHOL DISTILLATION
In New Zealand, it is legal to distil your
own spirits and liqueurs for personal
consumption. However please note that
in certain countries alcohol distillation
may be illegal and you may require a
licence. Ask for advice or contact your
local Customs & Excise Department.
In Australia, it is illegal to use this unit
to produce alcohol for consumption
without a licence from the Australian
In the USA and Canada, it is illegal to
use this unit to produce alcohol for
consumption without a licence from the
relevant authorities.
In the UK, it is illegal to manufacture
spirits without a distiller’s licence which
is required under the provisions.
ALCOHOL FOR BIO FUEL
Bio fuel can be made using the same process as
distilling spirits in the Turbo 500. On 30 June
to produce up to 2,500 L (660 US Gal) annually
without the need to pay duty or to hold a permit.
Always check with car manufacturers as to the
level you can add. The USA authorities have
recently allowed distillation for fuel alcohol and
you can get a permit from the Federal Government.
WARRANTY
Bevie warrants the Turbo 500 for a 36 month period against any manufacturer faults or defects from the date of purchase.
Proof of purchase will be required before you can make a claim under this warranty. Bevie is not liable for providing
warranties under the following situations (which is not exhaustive):
• Accident.
• Misuse or abuse, including failure to properly maintain or service.
• Normal wear and tear.
• Power surges, electrical storm damage or incorrect power supply.
• Incomplete or improper installation.
• Incorrect, improper or inappropriate operation and cleaning.
• Insect or vermin infestation.
• Exposure to excessive water or outside weather conditions.
•
• Any other operation outside the uses stated in the instruction manual.
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