DIY film dephlegmator. What is a dephlegmator for a moonshine still? Do I need a dephlegmator at all

It has long been known that properly obtained moonshine does not give a severe hangover. It is better to clean alcohol vapors immediately during distillation than later, using folk remedies. Indeed, if improperly cleaned, they may not even save the ruined drink. What can contribute to accurate fractionation? Each moonshine still, if it is proudly called a column, has a reflux condenser. In another way, it is also called a strengthening refrigerator. Without a reflux condenser, the metal tube that rises above the still is just a tube. What is it for and what is the principle of operation of a dephlegmator in a moonshine still? Everything is very simple. Let's start with the design and location.

The device of a moonshine reflux condenser

The dephlegmator (strengthening refrigerator) is something like a “water jacket” located in the upper quarter of the column. In fact, the design of the section of the column with a reflux condenser is two concentric tubes of different diameters. The outer tube is welded to the inner tube, and cold water is supplied to the space between them. Sometimes the dephlegmator is removable, but most often it is permanently mounted on the column itself. The dephlegmator zone does not have any internal nozzles. In this regard, the reflux condenser of the rectification column is no different from that of a conventional beer column. Highly efficient distillation columns may not have a reflux condenser, but the wash on such columns cannot be distilled: it will “clog up” the packing, whatever is used. Therefore, household column apparatuses have a reflux condenser for distillation “in the mode of a moonshine still”. Therefore, when planning (we recommend choosing a device of the brand), pay special attention to the possible modes of its operation.

The principle of operation of the reflux condenser

The essence of this device is to create the required temperature for cleaning and strengthening alcohol vapors by cooling them and the so-called priority condensation.

Let us explain with an example.

In the mode of operation of the column (brew or rectification) "on itself", there is a complete condensation of all vapors coming from the distillation still. At this stage, the maximum cooling flow is supplied to the reflux condenser. All condensate flows down the column towards new portions of vapor. When they meet, partial evaporation occurs due to heating of the liquid (reflux). When the column warms up and enters the operating mode, the temperature regions are separated in it. In the upper part, vapors of substances with a lower boiling point will condense, and in the lower part, with a higher one. Once this mode is established, you can reduce the cooling of the reflux condenser.

The temperature should be set in such a way as to “shift” the area of \u200b\u200bevaporation of low-boiling fractions to the upper area of \u200b\u200bthe reflux condenser. In this case, all low-boiling fractions will begin to evaporate here and pass further into the condensing cooler, while all other fractions will not be able to leave the column. As soon as the low-boiling fractions (heads) have been withdrawn, the temperature in the column changes again, so that now the main fraction of the “body” evaporates in the same upper region of the reflux condenser. Thus, it is possible to separate all components of the mixture, which have different boiling points. It turns out that the reflux condenser is such a “barrier” that can clearly separate the components of the liquid. It is only important to remember that the cooling regulation should be made as smoothly and “little by little” as possible, since the system needs time to establish a new equilibrium. This usually takes 20-30 seconds.

Types of reflux condensers

Although the principle behind the operation of reflux condensers is the same, they may differ in design and size. The larger the contact area of \u200b\u200breflux and steam (within certain limits), and the more accurate the temperature control, the greater the separating capacity of the reflux condenser. And there are only two designs: a direct-flow and a Dimroth dephlegmator. Sometimes they are confused, mixing everything into one.

A straight-through reflux condenser is just a "tube in a tube" that was described above. And the Dimroth dephlegmator has a slightly different design. It is made in the form of a tube, inside which there is a second tube in the form of a spiral. It is into the inner one that water is supplied, and here liquid condensation occurs. Due to the spiral shape, the contact area of \u200b\u200bthe liquid-vapor phases increases, and, consequently, the separation efficiency. Another plus of this design is that this phase contact occurs in the zone of maximum temperature - in the center of the tube. And this also contributes to a better purification of alcohol vapors, even

Progress in production and improvement does not stand still. Various modifications and additions are constantly being made to help make homemade alcohol cleaner and better quality.

One of these devices is called dephlegmator for a moonshine still. In this article, we will talk in more detail about this device, about its types, about how to make it yourself.

This device is designed for additional cleaning and increasing the fortress distillate. It represents a likeness.

Principle of operation

Thanks to the reflux condenser, during the selection of the primary fraction, all the alcohol remains in the distillation still, and harmful compounds come out practically without alcohol.

Reflux evaporates, rises and concentrates, and then flows down again into the distillation cube. This process is repeated over and over.

Moonshine still with reflux condenser

The device is positioned vertically, it is fixed in different ways, depending on the design. A cold water supply is required, because for the reflux process continuous cooling required... Such additions are less effective in comparison with a dephlegmator, although in fact they perform similar functions.

By the way! In one distillation, this device does more work than a steam boiler in several distillations.

What can they be?

Basically, these devices are performed glass and stainless steel.

The Dimroth refrigerators present in the dephlegmator design are made using a copper tube. Simple moonshine stills usually have devices made of glass.

How to do it at home?

Making such a device without special equipment will be quite problematic. But if you purchase some components, then it will not be difficult to supplement your moonshine still with this modification.

Glass tube

Or a Christmas tree reflux condenser. It is a long (40cm) glass tube with many fairings inside. It is hermetically connected to the glass bulb on which it is installed. Above is an adapter that conducts alcohol vapors further to the refrigerator.

Thermos

The device can be made from an ordinary thermos by disassembling it. First, the bottom of the thermos is carefully removed so that the flask that is inside is not damaged. To do this, you need to solder a metal bracket to the previously cleaned bottom.

A wire or steel cable is screwed to it, and the remaining end is fixed. After that, the thermos must be pulled by force. Preheating a burner will facilitate this process.

It would be better and even cheaper to purchase a ready-made model that fits a specific model of a moonshine still (read:). Most experienced distillers give preference for Dimroth's designsince it is the most convenient to use and easy to install.

Useful videos

How the Christmas tree dephlegmator works, how to use it, how to handle it, we look.

A dephlegmator for a moonshine still is a device that has several names, and there is still debate about its necessity. But, despite such active discussions, no one even thinks to beg for the merits of a dephlegmator.

Why you need a moonshine still is clear to everyone. Despite the fact that the structure has a primitive structure, it can be modernized. Modernization will help to significantly improve the quality of products: it will make the moonshine cleaner and get rid of unpleasant odors.

The location of the steamer in the moonshine still

A dephlegmator, or dry steam tank, is an integral part of the device, a kind of sump, in which harmful fusel oils settle during distillation. It is the fuzzy that spoils the quality of alcohol, it can cause severe intoxication.

Moonshine stills are different, for example, with and without a dry steamer, but this does not mean at all that the devices work in the same way. The structure of the device has a direct impact on the quality of the moonshine. If the apparatus does not have a refrigerator, a steam pot and a distillation still, then it is difficult to rank it as a device for the production of alcoholic beverages at home.

Each part of the unit performs specific functions. If we talk about a dephlegmator (dry steam room, sump), then it helps:

Significantly improve the taste of alcohol, eliminate the unpleasant odor and even remove the aftertaste, affect the strength of the drink.
Avoid getting the boiling mash into the container with the finished distillate. When the mash boils in the distillation cube, a small amount of it in the form of a spray can fall into the container with the finished alcohol - this event will not have the best effect on the quality of the product. You can pour the moonshine back into the cube and start processing it again, since the concentration of fusel oils is high in the wash.
The peculiar device of the dephlegmator helps to divide the moonshine into fractions: to separate the “heads” from the “body” and select the “tails”, due to which the quality of the product will only benefit.
Another dry greenhouse is used as a flavoring agent. Various components (lemon or orange peel, spices, spices and other substances) are put into it, which can give the drink a pleasant smell and taste.

It should be understood that some devices are equipped with several dry steam pipes. The presence of additional modules affects the quality of the moonshine. In some cases, reflux condensers work so efficiently that they can produce high strength alcohol at home.

Many people think that only a moonshine is equipped with a dry steamer, but a rectification column does not need such a device. In fact, this is not entirely true. The rectifier often has one or two settling tanks. It is these modules that help the device to produce raw alcohol with a strength of up to 96 degrees.

How the reflux condenser works:

Alcohol boils at a lower temperature than fusel oils and water.
When the vapors begin to evaporate, they pass through the dry chamber. Harmful fusel oils settle on the walls of the reflux condenser, as well as in the water contained in the sump. This blocks the ingress of harmful substances into the finished product.
Partially, alcohol vapors continue to move, they get into the refrigerator, pass along the coil and turn into a rather strong product.

At its core, a dephlegmator is a kind of filter that traps fusel oils, drops of home brew, various impurities, etc. It allows you to improve the taste of the product, increase its strength and provide the moonshine with high-quality moonshine.

What is the purpose of the second dry steamer in this case? The answer to this question is obvious: the second dry-pot, or dephlegmator, helps not only to clean the moonshine from the booze, but also to increase its strength. The design of the unit may have two or more dry steam rooms. One of them is used to add aroma to the drink, and the other cleans the moonshine from harmful impurities. The more dry hoppers in the unit, the better the alcohol it produces.

Designs with three dry steamers are used for the distillation of noble drinks such as whiskey, cognac and even rum.

The main advantages of the reflux condenser

Understanding how the dry steam tank works and why it is needed, it is worth noting that the device has several advantages. A moonshine still with a reflux condenser is a special device that has a number of positive characteristics. The presence of an additional module optimizes the operation of the device and helps:

Reduce the concentration of fusel oils in alcohol. If a reflux condenser is built into the distillation column, then it allows obtaining a highly purified alcohol. This product does not require re-distillation, it is of high quality. A moonshine still, or rectifier with a steamer, is a practical device. Compared to chemical cleaning methods, cleaning with a dephlegmator is more efficient.
Increase the strength of the drink. This is due to the fact that the phlegm returns back to the mash, which makes it possible to increase the strength of the drink.
Protect almost ready-to-drink alcohol from particles of boiling mash getting into it. This means that the device acts as a barrier element.
Give alcohol a pleasant smell and taste if aromatic substances are used in the pasture process.

But the main thing is that the dephlegmator simplifies the receipt of finished products, it allows you to make high quality moonshine without much effort, without carrying out the second or third distillation of the mash.

Do-it-yourself dephlegmator

Making a dry pot for a moonshine still is not so difficult with your own hands; you will need some knowledge of the details of the structure of the unit and the functions of the additional module.

If you study the drawing, you will notice that the reflux condenser is a kind of container that is used as a settling tank. The capacity has certain structural features, relying on them and you can make the module yourself. But if there are no skills in the design and creation of moonshine stills or its parts, then it is better to purchase the device in the store.

How to make a dry greenhouse yourself:

To create a device, you need a glass jar with a screw cap. You can also take a jar with a sealed tin lid, which cannot be removed, but such a dry pot cannot be washed and cleaned of fusel oils and mash residues.
Two fittings and two nuts, as well as materials for sealing the structure. You can use regular superglue or epoxy.
And you will also need hoses and tools that will help you make two holes in the lid, it is advisable to take an awl.

When all the source materials are ready, you can start making the module yourself.

Algorithm of actions when working with materials:

Marking is applied to the metal cover in those places where the fittings will be located. Marking can be done using a marker, the main thing is not to be mistaken with the diameter.
When the markings are applied to the surface of the lid, you can make holes in the metal. This can be easily done using an awl.
After the holes are ready, it is worth treating them with glue or other means to seal the structure. Processing is carried out immediately before assembly so that the glue does not dry out.
Then we fasten the fittings, fix them with nuts. The pipe to the inlet of alcohol-containing vapors should be 1–1.5 cm lower than the outlet pipe. The pipe through which harmful oils come out is lowered into the sink.
We place a dry pot between the refrigerator and alembic. We use silicone hoses for installation, since rubber can affect the taste of the drink and its smell.

Several reflux condensers can be made using such a system; in principle, the circuit is not particularly complicated. You can "screw" a sump to a ready-made unit or add it to a self-made moonshine still.

After the dry steamer is ready and built into the structure of the device for the production of alcoholic beverages, it will need to be tested. It is worth pouring water into the distillation cube and starting the device - this will help check the tightness of the connections and the correct installation.

Dryer for rectifier

The presence of a drawer in the device does not mean that it has a rectifier. The tsarga is part of the distillation column, but not only this device is involved in the distillation of alcohol. So, how to strengthen the work of the tsargi and turn the moonshine still into a real distillery? To do this, you can equip an existing device with an additional module - a dephlegmator.

How to make a dry tank for a rectifier:

To make a dry pot, you should arm yourself with a thermos and disassemble it. To prevent damage to the device, it is necessary to clean the bottom of the thermos, remove the staples and carefully disassemble the device.
After the thermos is disassembled, it is worth starting to turn the front seam. The weld is turned until a gap appears.
When the gap is ready, you need to pull out the inner capsule of the thermos and weld the ventilation tube to it.
Then we fix the test tube to the bottom of the structure.
Then we solder the neck to the gap node, a hole must be made in the neck, a tube will be mounted into it.
We prepare the hole in the sleeve, the sleeve is made of fluoroplastic and serves to strengthen the tube.

The design of a dephlegmator for a distillation column is very complex, making such a device with your own hands is not at all easy. For this reason, you can buy a ready-made device, it will be easier.

It is worth noting that earlier the dry steam tank was considered an unnecessary element, the equipment for making moonshine with a reflux condenser was not very popular, and the units were dismantled. The sediment tanks were removed without thinking that they improve the quality of alcohol and its taste characteristics.

Dephlegmator: an important element of the moonshine still and its features

Moonshine still with a steamer. There are also other names for this unit: sump, podkubnik. Let's choose the next designation, dephlegmator. It is the most accurate, therefore it will be used later in this article.

To better understand the features of the dephlegmator functioning, let us first turn to theory. The final product that can be created using distillation in a classic apparatus is mash (raw alcohol). Its components include not only the necessary components, but also those impurities that need to be removed. Fatty acids, saturated alcohols, aldehydes - these and some of the ingredients are generally called fusel oils. They give the product an unpleasant taste and smell, and change its color.

Their separation can be made taking into account the following factors:

The boiling point of ethyl alcohol, 78 ° C, is less than the corresponding parameter of the above impurities.

Fusel oils can evaporate in fairly large quantities at the marked temperature.

In practice, these features are used as follows. The dephlegmator creates conditions suitable for condensation. It should be remembered that during this process there is a constant supply of heat with new portions of steam, which leads to re-evaporation of ethyl alcohol. However, for other fractions, this temperature level is not enough, so they stay in this container, accumulate in its lower part.

The moonshine still creates steam that contains ethyl alcohol and various impurities.

When it enters a container with a certain pressure, a certain decrease in temperature occurs due to the transfer of heat to the walls of the device and its further removal into the surrounding atmosphere.

Condensation forms on the inner surfaces of the dephlegmator vessel. Steam pressure drops in the working volume.

Waste fractions, the boiling point of which is higher, accumulate in the lower part of the container. Subsequently, they are removed from it.

Ethyl alcohol continues to boil. This component, together with the steam, flows out into another hole. Further through the tube, steam with ethyl alcohol enters the coil, where it condenses.

Moonshine stills Alambiki

As you can see, the principle of operation of the reflux condenser is quite simple, but at the same time, such a technology, which is not difficult to implement, makes it possible to obtain a sufficiently high quality of purification, which is quite comparable to the classical double distillation. The attentive reader has already noticed that when carrying out working operations, we do not use any additional heating, long-term procedures. In fact, after the appropriate configuration, the whole process takes place independently, without user intervention. He only needs to periodically empty the storage tank of the reflux condenser, remove the fusel oils collected there from it.

We emphasize that the presence of such an element in the general system automatically blocks the accidental ingress of mash into the finished product, which can occur during the execution of working operations, with strong heating, for example. For such a "fuse" to perform this function flawlessly, it will be enough to place the inlet tube 8-10 mm lower than the outlet.

Separately, it is worth dealing with heat removal. In this case, he plays a particularly important role. Such a process will depend on the thickness of the walls of the container, their area, the thermal conductivity of the material from which they are made, external and internal temperatures. It should be borne in mind that the temperature inside the container will not change significantly when using different powers for heating. In practice, this means that when the mash is boiled with one or two kilowatts of electricity supplied to the heating element, the steam temperature will be approximately the same.

On the other hand, we must not forget that under the same conditions the pressure will change significantly (with more intense boiling of the mash). Thus, the amount of heat passing through a limited volume per unit of time will be different. His losses will also differ. If we talk about a practical value, it should be noted that at a lower power it will be possible to obtain a lower pressure, and, consequently, a more intense condensation of unnecessary fractions boiling at high temperatures.

In each specific case, it will be necessary to adjust the dephlegmator to the characteristics that a certain moonshine still possesses. Transparent glass jars are often used to create such an element. They are inexpensive, available in different sizes. With their help, visual control is facilitated. With the accumulation of a sufficiently large amount of fusel oils, this waste can be quickly removed.

A standard tin lid is suitable for making the top of a dephlegmator. The inlet and outlet tubes are soldered to it. It will be quite simple to provide the necessary tightness at the junction of the lid and the can. To improve heat transfer, you can use external blowing of the tank using an appropriate fan and other equipment. Some users create special cooling systems using coils. Such designs are more complex, but they allow for more efficient removal of excess heat.

When using this technology, a wide field of activity opens up for the implementation of a variety of projects:

The dephlegmator can be constructed using single copper tubes (for inlet and outlet), each of which is fixed to the lid using threaded connections. For better tightness, use a special plumbing tape designed for the appropriate temperature range.

To experiment with decreasing pressure, you can try a different number of tubes. After obtaining the desired result, high-quality sealing will ensure that the unit is filled with the required amount of solder.

If the moonshine still is small in size and does not require a particularly high performance, then you can pick up the appropriate can, not large.

It is clear that each specific option will have different results. Nevertheless, you can give approximate figures that were obtained as a result of the experiments carried out:

The strength of the final product is from 42 ° to 47 °.

The amount of moonshine obtained is 6 liters.

The amount of collected fusel oils is from 250 to 350 ml.

Waste from this production is a mixture with an unpleasant odor. It must be promptly disposed of down the drain. Do not think that the dephlegmator is a redundant element. It is not expensive, but very effective. Its application is highly regarded by amateurs and professionals. Of course, this device alone is not capable of providing an ideal result by itself. It will only be obtained using quality raw materials. Careful preparation of mash will be required with exact observance of the desired modes. Equally important are the designs of the devices, the materials from which they are made, the correct selection of algorithms for working with them.

The dephlegmator is part of the moonshine still, which ensures the production of alcohol, in quality closer to “vodka” than to moonshine obtained without it, which is no less important for completeness of the picture, the distillation rate also increases.

The principle of operation is based on the rectification process - separation of a mixture of several liquid substances into separate components.

There are several schematic diagrams according to which units for rectification are manufactured. The simplest ones consist of several pipes welded together, the more complex ones have a cooling system, but any of them can be made in a domestic environment.

Description

—The device of a moonshine still — can vary from a very simple one, consisting of — a distillation cube — — a refrigerator — and — hoses — to a very complex one, close in structure to an industrial installation.

The dephlegmator belongs to additional unitsdesigned to improve the distillation process and the quality of the final product - moonshine.

It is usually located directly above the distillation still and can be part of the “distillation column”.

The simplest design - film - consists of a vertical tube, more complex types have an increased condensation area, and are also complemented by a cooling system that enhances and controls the process of separating the liquid into components.

Appointment

The device ensures the course of the rectification process, which, in contrast to distillation, where the liquid simply condenses after evaporation, consists in multiple re-evaporation of the condensate and simultaneous gas-liquid exchange between it and the rising vapor.

After which the condensate flows into the distillation cube and evaporates again, the process continues cyclically. Due to this, alcohol is separated from unnecessary impurities much more efficiently.

Thus, a dephlegmator in a moonshine still is needed for the rectification process, which significantly improves the taste and aroma properties of moonshine, its strength and purity, which cannot be achieved by distillation alone.

The device and principles of operation of a dephlegmator in a moonshine still

To ensure minimal rectification above the distillation still, it is sufficient to install a high tube with a sealed top and a steam outlet near it.

The dephlegmator device for a moonshine still of this type is called film. The other type includes units equipped with additional planes, for example, internal fins that increase the condensation area, as well as water cooling to control the rectification process.

In this case, the design necessarily contains a "thermometer", according to the indications of which the water supply is regulated.

The performance of moonshine stills equipped with a rectification unit with a cooling system is much higher, and among all the variants of this type of construction, the “Dimroth model” stands out.

Its relative simplicity and efficiency, not much inferior to a full-fledged rectification column, puts it in first place in home brewing.

The essence of the rectification process

Braga is a solution of many separate substances: alcohol, water, fusel oils and other impurities. Each of them has a different boiling and evaporation point.

The dephlegmator for a moonshine still is designed in such a way that steam, once it gets into it, is cooled to a certain temperature - 78 C degrees, ideally, in such conditions evaporated impurities and fusel oils, which have a higher boiling point, cannot maintain a gaseous state, as a result they begin to condense on the walls.

And the purified steam, now consisting mainly of alcohol and water, flows into the outlet at the top further along the system.

Did you know? Often a reflux condenser is confused with a “dry steam”, which, although it performs some of its tasks, does not provide full-fledged rectification due to the lack of cyclic re-evaporation. In addition, the dry steamer performs a protective function in the event of a mash splash.

How to do it yourself

Film with cooling

An improved version of the simplest design. It consists of two pipes: a smaller and a larger diameter, the first is inserted and welded inside the second, in the walls of which two holes are made - one at the bottom and one at the top for the supply and output of water, respectively.

The structure is installed above the alembic. Vapors from the cube enter the central cavity and, partially condensing on the cooled walls, flow back, where they evaporate again.

The outer part is a water jacket, inside of which water circulates, providing cooling, and the intensity of its supply makes it possible to control the rectification process. You can make such a moonshine still with a reflux condenser using a simple drawing.

Dimroth's model

The structure consists of two tubes, the first acts as a body, inside which there is steam from a cube.

From the second, a spiral is rolled up, along which water will circulate, while there should be a gap between the spiral and the body.

The unit is installed immediately above the alembic. This very simple design is more efficient than the film design, in part because the condensation surface is in the center rather than at the edge of the device.

Small summary

Having studied all the details and understanding how a dephlegmator works in a moonshine still, we can say with confidence that the benefits of using it are incomparable with the resources required to create it. The Dimroth refrigerator deserves special attention, combining high efficiency with a simple design. Rectified moonshine is a product of a completely different level, and this applies both to the taste and aroma of the drink, and to the content of fusel oils and other impurities.