PolyPhoenix FAQ
Modular PolyPhoenix Kits | FAQ
The modular PolyPhoenix craft distillation equipment has limitless combinations that suit every possible type of distillation.
Irrespective of if you want a reflux still, bubble capper or still for gin botanicals the polyphoenix parts can be re-configured into limiteless combinations so you can produce and extract the exact distillate that you are looking for.
The highly insulated PPSU polymer is superior to stainless steel or copper with respect to how stable it runs. The high temperature PPSU can go over 200°C (390°F) in temperature and is resistant to a very wide range of chemicals obviously including ethanol.
The polymer is also free from plasticizers to leach into your spirit. This unique combination of features makes the PPSU an excellent choice for distillation hardware. In addition to this the fact that the polymer is transparent makes it very easy to use this still, troubleshoot and learn from the process as you can literally see everything as it happens. Unlike any other still design this still can be used in liquid management (LM), coolant management(CM), flow management(FM), or any combination which gives you maximum flexibility and control.
What is PolyPhoenix?
PolyPhoenix is a completely modular 3" still setup with a massive amount of accessories, possibitlies and features allowing for total flexibility when distilling
What are the advanatges of PolyPhoenix over a traditional still?
PolyPhenix is based around modular, injection moulded PPSU components. This allows for incredble prescioin in manufacturing, whic means we can have a wide range of modular parts that will all fit together perfectly. Also, PPSU is a far better insulator than copper or stainless. As PPSU is transparent, it is much easier to see exactly what is happening in the column and make any adjustements on the fly! As a modular setup, you can run PolyPhoenix as a reflux still, a traditional pot still, a bubble plate still - the sky is the limit!
Why is the PolyPheonix made of PPSU?
Great question! We put a ton of thought, time and development testing into this. There are several reasons why PPSU was the absolute best candidate for the PolyPhoenix Stills
No Plasticisers, BPA, BPS or Phthalates Exist in This Resin Plasticisers are often spoken about as being a major concern as they mimic human hormones and the migration of these plasticisers are one of the key health concerns. This is also why we do not sell vinyl beer lines, for example. PPSU is synthetically manufactured and completely free of plasticisers making it impossible for these to leach into the beverage as they do not exist in the resin in the first place.
High Temperature Rating Generally speaking many plastics become more unstable at closer to their glass transission temperature. This is also when plastics can possibly break down faster and when leaching is more likely to occur. As distillation occurs for most products under 100°C we still have a considerable safety factor between 100°C and the glass transition temperature which is above 220°C. So even if parts of the plastic were to contain elements that could leach out (which there isn't) the chance of this happening is substantially mitigated
Actual Testing We performed aggressive testing for months on this plastic type and exposed the PPSU to ethanol at boiling point for extended periods. The final ethanol was extracted after days of contact at elevated temperatures then put through GC analysis to detect for any form of leaching. The original ethanol was then compared with the control from the still which showed even after many days that there was no detectable leaching whatsoever and no detectable difference in the control and spirit that has been incontact with the PPSU. In fact when the same test was done on copper and stainless steel there was a higher degree of contamination in the results than with the PPSU as some of the metallic elements of stainless can copper were found in the end product.
Real World Usage The same grade of PPSU resin that we use has also been through many other forms of independent testing and is now seen as the gold standard for baby bottles, medical and dental equipment, laboratory hardware for similar reasons as explained above.
Is PolyPhoenix completely modular?
Completely! Due to the precise injection moulded manufacturing process, PolyPhoenix parts will fit together perfectly, meaning they can be assembled in any manner that exactly suits your needs.
Is PolyPhonenix safe to use?
PPSU is plasticiser free, can handle temperatures up to 200°C and is also extraordinarily tough
Can I buy PolyPhoenix as a kit?
For sure! We have a range of kits on the website. These are standalone kits which can then be added to if needed for even more flexilibility
What packing do you recommend?
Super High Density Spiral Prismatic Packing (SPP) is the industry standard for this type of still setup. The prismatic spiral shape of this packing maximises its surface area helping to separate out fractions in your reflux resulting in a highly pure and neutral end product.
What types of still management are available for PolyPhoenix?
Polyphoenix is best used with Vapour or Flow (Liquid) management. You can also use Coolant management buy simply controlling the flow of coolant to the condenser. We prefer the power and flexibility of Vapour and/or Flow management (which are both readily configurable with PolyPhoenix)
What types of condensers are available for PolyPhoenxi?
PolyPhoenix has a Modular Condenser that can be used vertically or in a hammerhead configuration. There is also a traditional Liebig/shotgun condenser which can be used on its own (as a pot still) or in conjunction. The shotgun condenser can overcome 4kw of heating power.
Can I use a Gin Basket with PolyPhoenix?
You sure can! The PolyPhoenix 3" Botanicals Basket will simply drop right into the PolyPhoenix Straigh Extension, so it is super easy to add one (or more) baskets to your distillation setup.
Is there a Distillation Parrot designed for PolyPhoenix?
The PolyPhoenix Adjustable Distillation Parrot with 1.5' TC Input is perfect for your PolyPhonenix still setup. With a 1.5" TC input, it is easy to hook up. It even has a built in spring to ensure you never accidentally break your alcometer!
What accessories are available for PolyPhoenix?
Pretty much everything you may need is available for the PolyPhoenix. Gin Baskets, Parrots, thermowell inserts for thermometer probes, a handy distillation shelf for your collection jars. You can order replacement 3" PolyPhoenix Straight Extensions, Tee Pieces and Bubble Capper Plates in order to build the still of your dreams! These are all designed for bespoke mounting to the PolyPhoenix using PolyPhoenix Support Brackets
Sounds great! But I'm a bit confused. These do come in kits, right?
For sure! And of course, as these are completely modular, you can buy a kit that suits your needs now and expand it easily as your needs change and grow.
Looking to make uber high quality pure ethanol - check out the 3" PolyPhoenix N-7 Azeo Reflux Still For a Bubble Plate Reflux setup we have the 3" PolyPhoenix N-7 Copper Bubble Plate Reflux Still You can get a 3' PolyPhoenix WRB-5 Copper Bubble Plate Still (also available with a Hammerhead Condenser) Of course, if you just want everything we have the kit for you! The 3' PolyPhoenix 7 Azeo / Bubbler Plates / Gin Basket Distillation Mega Kit has literally everything you could want in your distillation journey. If you are but a simple pot stiller, check out the 3' PolyPhoenix WRB-4 Copper Bubble Plate Still (also available in a 3 Plate version) And for a fast and furious stripping run, the simple 3' PolyPhoenix Pot Stripping Runner Kit is perfect.
Note these kits do not include boilers.
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