> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kegland.com.au/products/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kegland.com.au/products/distilling-equipment/alcoengine-pot-still-or-user-guide/distilling-water.md).

# Distilling Water

KL04633 AlcoEngine Pot Still | Distilling Water

## Distilling water

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Fill the boiler

Fill the boiler with water. Leave at least 100mm from the top of the boiler.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set up the still

Set up the still as in the instructions before.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Place a collection vessel

Place a clean cup or other collection vessel under the copper pipe at the side of the still. Preferably use glass as it will not smell or taste like plastic may.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Turn on the power

Turn on the power to the boiler.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start the cooling water

When the thermometer reads 30C, start the cooling water flow (from the garden hose).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Monitor the thermometer

The thermometer will read about 100C continuously.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Collect the distilled water

Once the water is boiling, you should soon be getting hot, pure water from the output pipe.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Switch off before the boiler runs dry

Be sure to switch off the power before all the water in the boiler is used.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Turn off the cooling water

Turn off the cooling water.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**WARNING – DO NOT TOUCH THE METAL PARTS OF THE STILL DURING OR AFTER OPERATION. IT WILL BE VERY HOT. USE GLOVES AND EXTREME CARE IF TOUCHING THE STILL WHILE HOT.**
{% endhint %}

## Essential oils

The topic of essential oils is a huge one, and cannot be covered completely in this guide. There is information available on the web, or in books, but the information below will tell you how to distil them once you know which method to use. Have a look at [www.homedistiller.org](http://www.homedistiller.org/) this has a bit of information.

Most types of oils are extracted by steam distillation.

Put enough water in the boiler to cover the element, plus a bit more.

Place a wire basket or similar so it hangs above the water in the boiler. Arrange your leaves etc in this basket.

Distil as per water.

The first few mL of product will be the oil you are after, the rest will be more like flavoured water. Some things like rose petals produce only a VERY small amount of oil.

Some products need to be water extracted.

Soak the leaves etc in water for several days. Strain the liquid off and pour the liquid into the boiler, making sure there is enough to cover the element. Distil as per water. Collect in small amounts as each will have a different character.

Other products need to be alcohol extracted. Follow the same instructions as for water extraction, but soak in alcohol instead of water.

## Cleaning

It is VERY IMPORTANT to rinse the boiler and inside of the column with hot tap water shortly after you have finished using the still, as spent mash can become corrosive.

Refer to [Cleaning](/products/distilling-equipment/alcoengine-pot-still-or-user-guide/cleaning-and-assembly.md#cleaning) for a detailed guide to cleaning your Alcoengine Pot Still

## Troubleshooting Checklist

Running through this troubleshooting checklist will assist us with troubleshooting any issues if lodging a warranty claim. Please ensure you have thoroughly checked through this list prior to lodging a claim.

1. What pump are you using?
2. What is the coolant water temperature before and after running through the condenser coil in the still?
3. What is the cooling water flow rate after running through the condenser coil in the still?
4. What temperature is the still set to and how much power is the boiler set to?
5. Which output orifice is being used and is it clear from blockages?
6. What was the recipe used to make the wash?
7. What was the ABV of the wash determined by hydrometer readings before and after fermentation?
8. What is the purity of your distillate?
9. Has the still been cleaned recently?
10. Is the copper packing evenly distributed throughout the still, packed not too tight and with no blockages?
11. How much wash is in the boiler and has distilling conditioner been used?

***