# Cleaning & Assembly
### Cleaning
It is highly recommended to clean the AlcoEngine Reflux Still before first use and after every run or as needed.
#### Acid/Vinegar Cleaning
The best way to clean a still after use is with a vinegar wash. This is also recommended before first use.
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### Flush with Warm Water
Once assembled but not attached to the distillation lid, you can run plenty of clean, warm water through the still to help flush out manufacturing residue
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### Vinegar or Acid Run
After flushing, complete assembly of the still. Fill the boiler to around 20% full (the exact amount is not important as long as it is sufficient to ensure the elements do not boil dry). Us e a 50/50 mixture of plain vinegar (acetic acid) and water. Other acids can be used, although the dilution rates will be different. For example, 1 Tbsp Citric acid to 1L water.
Connect the coolant lines but do not run any water yet.
Bring the acid wash up to a boil and maintain a boil with the minimum power required for at least 10-15 minutes. After this time turn on the coolant and run the still for a further 10 minutes. This will condense the vapour and help flush out the still
Turn off the water and the boiler and allow the still to cool completely. **Do not attempt to handle any part of the still or boiler until at a safe temperature.**
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### Water Run
Once the still and boiler is cool enough to handle, empty the boiler, rinse it out and fill the boiler to around 20% full (the exact amount is not important as long as it is sufficient to ensure the elements do not boil dry) with clean water. Bring this up to a boil and maintain a boil with the minimum power required for at least 10-15 minutes. After this time turn on the coolant and run the still for a further 10 minutes. This will condense the vapour and help flush out the still
Turn off the water and the boiler and allow the still to cool completely. **Do not attempt to handle any part of the still or boiler until at a safe temperature.**
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### Congratulations!
Your still is now clean and ready to use!
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This process should be completed as needed to maintain your still in good order.
### Included Components
### Assembly Instructions
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### Check the included components
This reflux still should include all the components shown in the image above.
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### Assemble the Still carefully
The Alcoengine Still must be assembled before use. It's important that you assemble these components carefully. We recommend using Teflon tape on the threaded fittings to ensure a seal. NOTE: Both the 0.6mm and the 1mm Outlets will be attached to the Collection Tube and the Ball Valve as in this image.
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### Connect Reflux Still to Distillation Lid
If using a standard Distillation Lid with a 47mm hole, unscrew the brass nut on the still. Insert the threaded base of the still through the hole on the lid and use the brass nut to fasten the still head to the lid. The seal should be positioned outside the lid
If using a Distillation Lid with a 2" TC flange, you will also need a 2" TC Clamp. Remove the brass nut completely - it will not be used. Use the 2" TC Clamp to secure the Reflux Still to the lid. Use the flat seal that is included with the Reflux Still.
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### Attach the Ball Valve
Use Teflon tape to cover the thread of the ball valve, then screw it into the side of the still body so that the valve handle is facing up. No need to use a spanner - finger tight is appropriate. Over-tightening may damage the thread.
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### Attach the Flow Control Outlet
Next, get some Teflon tape and attach the Teflon tape to the thread of the flow control device. Then screw this into the ball valve as shown above
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### Choose the Flow Control Outlet
As shown below, there are two Outlets included with the AlcoEngine Reflux Still. These operate as Flow Control devices for the still.
There is a 1mm Outlet and a 0.6mm Outlet
The hole size dictates the speed at which the spirit flows out of the still. The faster the flow, the quicker the run but the lower the purity. The 0.6mm Outlet is recommended for highest purity, but the run will take longer. The 1mm Outlet will give lower purity but will be faster. The 1mm Outlet is also commonly used for stripping runs
The different flow control outlets are marked discretely with a small punch on the side of the device but if you have good eyesight you can probably see the difference in hole size with your naked eyes.
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### Attach the collection tube
Lastly, attach the collection tube with the olive fitting. Tighten up this fitting onto the Flow Control Outlet and tighten carefully with a spanner/shifter. Do not over-tighten as it is easy to damage the soft brass fittings.
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### Keep the breather hole unobstructed
Please note it is important that the breather hole is unobstructed and is also facing **UPWARD**.
The breather hole is so unwanted sulphide smells escape to the atmosphere.
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### Insert the Thermometer
Insert the thermometer into the thermowell. There may be some resistance - it is OK to use a small amount of pressure to push past this. The probe will go approximately 50mm deep
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### Congratulations! The AlcoEngine Reflux Still is now assembled!
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### Coolant Requirements
The AlcoEngine Reflux Still is a Liquid Management Still. This is a much easier to use design than many other stills on the market. The main requirement for operation is sufficient water flow through the condenser.
It is recommended to have a flow rate of \~8L/m through the condenser coils of the still.
Mains pressure water in most metro areas will be around 100psi is is suffiecient for this.
If the still can be used in conjunction with another water source such as a rainwater tank then a fairly powerful pump is required. Most pumps provide head, lift and/or flow specifications. However, the only important metric in this case is *pressure*, as a high pump pressure is required in order to overcome the restriction in the coils.
Generally a **constant pressure pump** (such as those available for rainwater tanks from most hardware stores) are suitable for this purpose. Magnetic drive and submersible pumps generally cannot provide sufficient pressure for use with an AlcoEngine Reflux Still.
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