Consider the bubbler as a consumable. Dryer or bubbler - which is better. Bubbler - what is it

Self-preparation of strong alcohol is now not something illegal, and does not require obtaining any permits, if its subsequent sale is not expected. This activity is not only extremely exciting.

Self-made alcoholic drinks have a number of advantages over purchased ones:

Affordable price... A noticeable part of the cost of any purchased alcohol is excise duty and payment for the manufacturer's brand. The cost of homemade drinks is extremely low, and the quality can be more than decent.
Anti-counterfeiting... The possibility of poisoning with a surrogate is excluded, since the quality of the product obtained depends only on the distiller himself. In any case, only natural ingredients are used.
Exclusivity... You can prepare any signature drink, including one that did not exist before. Huge opportunities for experiments with taste, strength and combination of a wide variety of raw materials.

To obtain the coveted liquid, only a container for making mash and a moonshine are needed, however, for better cleaning from fusel oils, getting a truly elite drink, you will need a number of additional devices that improve its design:

The cost of a moonshine still, with all the additional devices, can reach several tens of thousands of rubles, however, it is not at all necessary to buy them, you can make a moonshine still with a steam bottle and a bubbler with your own hands.

For fermentation of the mash, either plastic containers or the alembic itself are used, it is enough to remove the tube from them and lower it into a bottle of water, thus obtaining the simplest water seal.

A distillation cube is well obtained from an aluminum flask for milk, especially since a hand can easily crawl into such a container, which means it will be convenient to wash it. It is advisable only to replace the rubber seal with one made of silicone.

A refrigerator can be made by bending a copper or stainless steel tube and placing it in a bucket of cold water. The bucket is placed in the sink and a thin stream of water is turned on, so that it flows over the refrigerator by gravity.

You can purchase a ready-made device in the simplest configuration and improve it by making a dry steamer for a moonshine still with your own hands. You can also add a bubbler or other accessories.

How to make a dry greenhouse

The device is quite simple: you can make it yourself from a glass jar with a screw cap. To do this, take two M8 or M10 bolts with nuts and silicone gaskets. They are drilled lengthwise, turning into tubes, two holes are drilled in the lid of the can and the resulting fittings are inserted there, fixing with nuts. Now it is enough to put on silicone tubes and you will get an excellent do-it-yourself steam room.

Its capacity should be close to 5% of the capacity of the distillation cube. If the cube is 12-14 liters, then it is advisable to make a dry pot from a 0.7 liter can. Why do you need a dry steamer - it helps to increase the alcoholic condensate and prevents the moonshine from clogging up with splashes of boiling mash. The coil is also protected from clogging. That's why you need a dry steamer in a moonshine still.

A glass steam bath is more convenient than a stainless steel one in that you can immediately see how much fusel oil has accumulated inside.

Do-it-yourself dephlegmator

There are many dephlegmator circuits, at home it is easiest to make a film dephlegmator from two tubes. You will need two copper tubes of different diameters, so that when one of them is inserted into the other, a gap of at least ten millimeters forms between the walls. Three copper pipes, a tube-adapter for the distillation cube and pieces of copper sheet of the desired shape for the manufacture of plugs.

The pipes are soldered in such a way that one is inside the other, an adapter is soldered into the central pipe from below to connect to the distillation cube, and from above - a pipe for connecting to the refrigerator. Two fittings for connection to cold water are soldered to the outer pipe. You can also solder a thermometer into the top of the resulting reflux condenser. The dephlegmator for the moonshine still is ready.

During distillation, by adjusting the flow of cold water, the required cooling of the inner tube is achieved. Reflux condenses on the walls of the inner tube and flows back into the distillation still, the purified alcohol vapor goes further into the distiller's refrigerator. Fusel oils remain in the alembic.

Bubbler

This device can be made in the same way as a dry pot, with your own hands from a can. With the only condition that in the bubbler the tube through which it is connected to the distillation still must reach almost to the bottom of the can. Some moonshiners recommend pouring a little water or moonshine into the bubbler before starting distillation, so that it can work immediately, without waiting for a sufficient layer of distillate to form. Why do we need a steam boiler and a bubbler in one apparatus - the steam is pre-cleaned in the bubbler, and in the steam box it is additionally divided into fractions.

The procedure for installing additional devices in the moonshine is as follows: first, a dephlegmator is installed on the distillation cube, then a bubbler is connected, a suction cup in which fragrant fruits and fruits can be placed. Further, the flavored and purified alcohol vapor is cooled in the refrigerator coil.

Get absolutely pure alcohol with the help of the most sophisticated moonshine still it is unlikely to work, for this you need a full-fledged rectification column. But after additional purification with charcoal, aromatization, aging in oak barrels or tincture on oak chips, simply wonderful drinks are obtained that can satisfy the most fastidious gourmet.

If most moonshiners know about, then the bubbler still remains not so popular, although it plays an important role in the purification of alcohol vapors from impurities we do not need... Now these devices have already begun to appear on sale, although it is not difficult to make a bubbler for your own hands.

Bubbler - what is it?

The essence of this device is that alcohol vapors pass through the water and leave unnecessary harmful substances in it. The fact is that alcohol is lighter than water, so it rises up through the water, but remains below.

Even if you are now an adherent of the traditional method of distillation without any "improvements", it does not hurt to know what benefits will you getusing a bubbler:

Falls away re-distillation requirement, you get a quality product the first time.
Time is getting shorter, spent on the manufacture of alcohol, because it is enough to overtake it once and the product is ready for use. Although the time for one (she is the only one) distillation is slightly longer, which is compensated by the quality of the final product.
Is done physical cleaning, without the use of chemicals that are potentially harmful to health.
You get rich taste of alcohol, without foreign taste and smell.
High beverage is achieved.
There is a possibility during distillation. Into the water through which alcohol vapors pass, you can add the zest of lemon, orange, a shelf of cinnamon, spices or herbsthat you like.

The principle of operation of a bubbler for a moonshine still

The bubbler, regardless of whether it is made independently or in an industrial environment, consists of:

receiving container for steam... It can be made of stainless steel, but in our opinion it is better if it is a glass jar. This allows you to control the amount of fluid;
cover, in which two pipes are mounted: a reception for steam - it reaches almost to the bottom of the barter, leaving only a few millimeters of free space to provide steam; outlet - for further passage into a dry steam room or directly into purified alcohol vapors;
additional devices: fittings, seals, gaskets.

The principle of operation of the bubbler is based on a device known for a long time in the circles of chemists - drexel bottledesigned for flushing gases and vapors from foreign impurities using various liquids. In our case this liquid is ordinary water.

Alcohol vapors, entering through the receiving tube, are forced through water under pressure, forming an interface at the interface between water and steam, thereby activating exchange processes. The oils remain in the water, and the vapors follow further, into the dry chamber, then into the refrigerator, where they condense, turning into a liquid, which flows into the receiving container.

How to make a bubbler with your own hands?

The simplest bubbler - glass jar with screw cap... Two holes are drilled in the lid, into which the fittings are inserted (each with the possibility of fixing the tubes from above and below). A silicone tube is connected to one of the fittings at the top, through which vapors of alcohol from the cube go, and another tube is put on the bottom nozzle, dipped in water.

Another fitting has a short tube dipped into the jar. A silicone tube is put on the nozzle head protruding from above, leading to the steam boiler or directly to the refrigerator.

From the description of the device, the algorithm for its manufacture is clear:

We buy fittings and tubes: internal - silicone, external can be made of stainless steel to keep this element of the distillation system in suspension, or also silicone... We take a glass jar with a screw cap. In the lid we drill two holes for the fittings and "put" them on a heat-resistant sealant.

It is necessary that the bubbler was sealed, since it is important to ensure the vapor pressure and to protect from the slightest evaporation of alcohol outside the system. Therefore, we use a sealant or silicone gaskets.

We connect the tubes and you can start testing.

Before connecting the device to the moonshine still, a little water is poured into the bottom of the bubbler. But even if you do not pour it, the liquid will soon appear there - this will settle impurities along with water vapor, which will certainly rise with alcohol. But nevertheless, it is better to add water before starting so that the moonshine is already purified at the stage of "heads".

Do not pour too much as the amount of liquid will be added during the ferry. It is enough that the opening of the tube through which the vapors enter the bubbler is immersed in water.

Often not one bubbler is used, but two or more... Apparatuses can also be found with six bubblers, although this is, perhaps, too much. In this case, the cleaning will be, one might say - ideal.

Reference. Absolute disposal of impurities gives "emasculated" alcohol - that is, practically alcohol.

And in the moonshine (as in) there must be a certain aroma, depending on the products used for. It is fusel oils that provide it. Even in production conditions, the content of these oils at the level of 10-15% is permissible.

If you will be using a bubbler, then bringing the heads and tails off to the cleanliness standard is done. That is, the first 10% of the estimated amount of distillate and everything in the stream below 40 ° are taken.

This will already be enough to make moonshine was clean, fit for consumption and retained the desired flavor.

Keep in mind. "Heads" can be used for various rubbing, compresses etc. instead of medical alcohol, but not for ingestion!

The tails are suitable for adding to the wash, they increase the yield of the final product.

In the case of using several bubblers, it is to the last of the series-connected ones that fragrances are added.

Reference. Those who have tested on their own experience the operation of this simple device, claim that with its help it is possible to "take away" much more (up to 20%) moonshine of the desired strength.

In addition, it has been experimentally proven that one bubbler cleans moonshine by 20% of harmful impurities, and if you select "heads" and "tails", then this figure is much higher. Also, a dry steamer adds purity to alcohol, which it is desirable to include in the distillation system.

Do you use a bubbler when distilling mash? Share your impressions in the comments and don't forget to recommend to your friends on social networks.

Previously, to improve the quality and strength of the moonshine, it was necessary to distill it several times. Nowadays, additional devices are used for this purpose, allowing for purification and even aromatization during the distillation process. You can buy them complete with a moonshine still, or make them yourself. Anyone who has minimal skills in handling tools can do it with their own hands.

In the mash, during fermentation, substances harmful to health are formed. During distillation, they get into the moonshine with alcohol vapor. Tasting such a product can result in severe poisoning and even death. Potassium permanganate, activated carbon and other chemicals used to neutralize harmful impurities are time-consuming and not as effective as we would like.
Much better results are obtained by physical methods that produce cleaning during the manufacturing process. Most often, moonshine stills with a bubbler are used for this, which separates the alcohol-containing steam into fractions. The moonshine is then ready for consumption without additional processing.

The device and principle of operation of the bubbler

Structurally, the device is made in the form of a container with a hermetically sealed lid. Two tubes are inserted through the holes in it. One reaches almost to the bottom, while the other protrudes only slightly from the lid. The long tube connects to the distillation tank, the short one directs the alcohol vapors to the next device. To bring the bubbler into working condition, before the start of distillation, it is filled with water in such a way that the end of the long tube is recessed.

To clean the moonshine from the fusel oils present, as well as increase its strength, moonshiners use a bubbler. Although at first glance this is a rather simple apparatus, it seriously affects the entire distillation cycle. Correct installation of the component determines how clean the product will be in the end result. Typically, the purity increases by about 20%. So, why do you need a bubbler in a moonshine still.

A bubbler is a sealed vessel with two openings, into which tubes of different lengths are placed. The first tube is long, it practically rests on the bottom. Through it, vapors enter the reservoir. The second tube is short, through which vapors escape.
Such an additional device in the "moonshine still" allows you to get some advantages:

Reduce the time for making alcohol. This is due to the fact that there is no need for repeated “distillation of moonshine”, since a high-quality product is obtained after the first one.
No harm to the human body, since no chemicals are used in the cleaning.
The strength of the final product changes. It rises to 15-20 degrees.
Moonshine is obtained without foreign odors and has a rich taste, without bitterness. The drink comes out softer.
The drink can be flavored with natural substances - zest, spices, berries, fruits.

How does a bubbler work in a moonshine still

First, the alcoholic vapors enter the reservoir. Once there, they instantly cool down by a few degrees. Impurities, whose boiling point is higher than that of alcohol vapors, drain to the bottom of the device, having previously condensed on the walls. Residual condensation forms a liquid that completely covers the lower edge of the long tube. The next batch of vapors must pass through the resulting liquid to enter the cooler.

Thus, heavy impurities settle, and purified alcohol vapors rise and enter the coil. In order to increase the efficiency of the device, water can be poured into the bubbler before starting the process. This will allow alcohol vapors to pass directly through the filter.

There is a nuance in this method. Under the influence of hot alcohol vapors, the water will heat up, as a result, evaporate and get into the final product. Such fumes can affect the chemical composition of alcohol and its strength. Typically, there are two attachments in a moonshine system. The first is used as an additional vapor purifier, the second is a storage of aromatic substances that are used to saturate alcohol with aromas, improve quality and taste.

How many bubblers do you need in a moonshine still

The number of devices in a moonshine device can be different. For example, in multi-stage distillation, their number can be either 4 or 6. What does the number of components affect and how much is needed to get the best product?

In order to get the answer, you need to delve a little into the theory of multi-stage distillation. Multi-stage distillation is based on two principles:

Re-evaporation in each subsequent bubbler.
Drop in boiling point from component to component.

It is because of these principles that the system bears its name. Moving from one to the other, the boiling point of the liquid gradually approaches the boiling point of ethyl alcohol. Why is it to the temperature of ethyl alcohol? This is due to the fact that the mash contains two of the most voluminous fractions - water with fusel oils and alcohol.

Since the water is immediately cut off by the temperature resistance, the alcohol moves further. In the process of multi-stage distillation, throughout the entire distillation, in the first three devices, the temperature in the upper part corresponds to the temperature in the distillation cube itself and is in the range of 90-100 ° C.

This suggests that there is mainly water with fusel oils. Temperature stabilization starts from the fourth and stays within 70-80 ° С. Temperature stabilization takes approximately 1/3 of the distillation time. Stability in temperature for the entire distillation period is observed already in the sixth, so the moonshine product, which is obtained as a result of using an apparatus with six components, will be of the highest quality.

How to make a bubbler for a moonshine still with your own hands

If you decide to make the device yourself, then first you need to make a “steam generator for a moonshine still”. It is from it that hot steam will flow into the distillation still. A store's nine-liter pressure cooker may well act as a steam generator, since its sealed lid helps to keep steam inside and get into the cube, and not outside.

The next step will be to purchase a fitting for pneumatics - these are connecting elements for joining and connecting pneumatic hoses to each other and these hoses to pneumatic equipment. You will also need a bellows gas hose and plug. Next, you gradually follow all the steps required to collect the device.

Assemble the pressure cooker, while very carefully tightening its handles.
Punch holes in the lid of the pressure cooker. If your pressure cooker is stainless steel, drilling will be difficult. In this case, turn on the drill at the minimum speed, and the drill should be taken at the largest.
Make three holes arranged as follows: make one hole in the wall, and make the other two on the lid. If you decide not to make a hole in the wall, remember that in this case the wash will heat up against the steam line and a burning zone may form.
Next, we start making the bubbler itself. Cut through the bellows hose along its entire length. Hot steam will enter the cube through these cuts. Place one end in a container and put a plug on it. Lead the other end through the hole in the wall. It should be placed in the container with the cuts down.
Connect your steam generator to the distillation cube using silicone hoses.

Do not argue with the fact that bubblers are a very necessary thing in the production of homemade alcohol. Such devices additionally cleanse the product from the presence of fusel oils, improve its aroma and taste. The rationality of using such devices cannot be doubted.

Be sure to tell us in the comments whether you use such devices and whether you have experience in its "manual production", or you still prefer to buy a ready-made device.

Moonshine has been known for a very long time, but the opinion that it was invented in Russia is wrong. It is revered in our country, it was especially actively made during the "dry" law. Subject to the mandatory safety measures and strict adherence to the instructions, it will not be difficult. This strong alcoholic drink has a transparent color, fragrant aroma and a characteristic aftertaste. In addition, a high degree of product purification is an indicator of naturalness.

Home-made moonshine

Moonshine cannot be called an aristocratic drink, rather ordinary residents of the country are connoisseurs. First of all, you need to decide which products are suitable for making moonshine:

sugar
jam
cereals (rice, buckwheat, semolina)
potatoes
fruit

Mash is prepared from the selected components, it is also a sourdough. For fermentation to take place actively, yeast must be added. Then, on condition of well-prepared mash, the quality characteristics of alcohol will please. A strong alcoholic drink will turn out to be of high quality due to repeated distillation, and in fact, boiling and evaporation of the mash.
The resulting moonshine, first of all, must be checked for quality. The next step is to clean it. To do this, use soda, potassium permanganate, milk, violet root or activated carbon.

The role of a dry steamer and a bubbler in moonshine

Earlier, when additional devices were not invented, the purity and strength of alcohol was achieved through long and repeated distillation. Then the resulting moonshine was purified for several days using folk methods to the desired consistency.

Sukoparnik and bubbler are indispensable for improving the quality of the resulting alcoholic beverage. However, both are not required components for home brewing and are optional. They have a positive effect on the quality of alcohol - they improve its purity and strength, and affect the speed of making moonshine.

Using a bubbler the strength of the final product comes out several times higher than with direct distillation.
As you know, in addition to ethyl alcohol, mash contains various impurities, including fusel oils. Their content significantly impairs both the taste and physical qualities of moonshine. In order not to distill the liquid, a dry steam tank is used several times. It not only cleans the brewed drink, but also prevents the mash from getting into the moonshine.

Why do you need a dry greenhouse?

Sukhoparnik - a tightly closed container with two tubes. This container should be connected to the two main parts of the moonshine still with a tank and a coil - a cooler. This connection allows hot steam to move through the pipes. Due to this process, the temperature in the dryhouse will be high enough to boil ethyl alcohol. As a result, splitting occurs and heavy fractions, the bulk of which consists of fusel oils - disappear. As a result, fusel oils and impurities are deposited in the containers, and the very design of the dry steam bath protects the ingress of mash into the already processed concentrate.

Why do you need a bubbler?

A bubbler is a device in which gas or vapor bubbles are passed through a liquid, passing through special elements, most often these are perforated pipes.

In the device at a high boiling point, liquid re-evaporation occurs, and the area of \u200b\u200bcontact between the liquid and vapor plays an important role. Due to the processes taking place in the bubbler, the strength of the output product increases by an average of 20 degrees, compared to conventional distillation using a conventional moonshine still.

How to check the quality of moonshine?

As you know, poisoning with a low-quality alcoholic drink is extremely dangerous, sometimes even leading to death. Therefore, you need to know how to check the quality of moonshine.

Shake the moonshine bottle. An indicator of quality products is the formation of a "snake" from small bubbles. If large bubbles rise to the surface of the bottle - the product is not of high quality, it was most likely diluted with water.

Good moonshine has a fragrant smell, in no case should the smell of acetone be felt. A light blue flame appears when the product is ignited. And the last way, when you put the liquid in the freezer, it does not freeze.

Obtaining a clean and strong moonshine is why you need a dry steamer or bubbler for moonshine. Therefore, the best purchase would be a device that includes both devices. By the way, a bubbler and a dry steam can be made at home. You also need to remember that the use of quality products for the preparation of mash directly affects the final result.

Video about the use of a dry pot and a barborator

Also, if you are interested in this topic, we recommend watching a video about moonshine still and their use at home: