Moonshine is a common drink that differs from others in cheapness and a high degree of purification. In earlier times, alcohol strength and purity were achieved through repeated distillation. At present, a special apparatus with a steamer and bubbler is used for these purposes.
These devices at times increase the quality of the drink: improve its purity and strength, accelerate the manufacturing process. The bubbler cleans the moonshine in the manufacturing process and prevents the mash from entering the finished product.
Fusel oils, which are released during fermentation, as well as various impurities and mash, are deposited in another device of the device - a sucker.
The quality achieved by using such devices is easy to verify: when the finished product is placed in the freezer, it will not freeze, and if set on fire, a light blue flame will appear.
The Importance of Moonshine Cleaning Process
Braga, from which moonshine is made, consists of liquids and various harmful impurities, as well as oils and dangerous alcohols. In the process of cooking, harmful substances still evaporate, but in most cases they end up in the finished product.
The use of a poor-quality drink leads to poisoning with varying degrees of severity, and in some cases to death. Therefore, cleaning is a necessary and important step in the manufacture of moonshine.
There are several types of cleaning: chemical and physical. The first option is achieved by using a solution of manganese or activated carbon. In the second, vapor is divided into fractions.
The second method is considered more effective. In order to clean the moonshine from harmful substances at the cooking stage, a bubbler should be mounted in the apparatus design. What it is is known to many professionals.
To achieve a better result, another device is used - a steam generator. Provided these devices are activated, the finished product is suitable for use without further chemical cleaning.
The role of the bubbler in the moonshine
A device with a bubbler is a sealed vessel into which two tubes are connected. The first goes down to the bottom and is intended for steam inlet. The second - the excretory, enters the vessel only a few millimeters. The bubbler is filled with water.
The principle of operation is as follows:
- The steam that is released during the boiling of the mash, under the influence of pressure, flows from the distillation cube through the inlet tube into the bubbler, where it passes through a layer of liquid.
- Next, the vapor bubbles come to the surface of the water and are removed from the vessel through the outlet tube.
During the removal of mash vapor in a bubbler, the alcohol concentration simultaneously increases. Using this device, you can give the drink an unusual aroma, for this you should add juice (for example, citrus) to the water.
Why do you need a steamer
The finished drink gives the quality and strength of the bubbler. What is this - a sucker, and why is it needed, experts explain. Both devices are installed in the device to achieve the above goals, but they cannot completely replace each other.
If the impurities are not fully cleaned in a bubbler, they will settle in a suction tank.
This device is a sealed container with two tubes. The difference between the ends is from 15 to 30 mm. No liquid is used in the vessel. The principle of operation is as follows: when mash vapor enters the inlet tube, heavy particles and impurities settle on the walls, and ethyl alcohol vapor leaves the tank through the outlet pipe.
Next, the purified steam follows to the refrigerator, where it condenses and accumulates in a special vessel.
This device can also saturate the drink with various odors. To do this, dry leaves, citrus peels, etc. are placed at the bottom of the tank.
Making cleaners at home
A moonshine with a steamer and bubbler can be purchased in specialized stores or made at home.
The size of the vessel depends on the volume of the distillation cube. If the latter is small, then a 1 liter tank is suitable for the manufacture of a bubbler. The most suitable means is a glass liter jar. In addition to it, you will need: 2 fittings, 2 nuts and silicone tubes.
Two holes are made in the nylon cover , then the fittings are mounted, which are screwed on the back with nuts. Slots must be sealed. Tubes are connected through the fittings, while maintaining the distance from the bottom of the can. On this, the manufacturing process of the bubbler is considered completed.
Sukhoparnik is made by a similar technology. The difference is only in the distance of the tubes from the bottom of the vessel.
The advantages of a homemade sukhoparnik are: simplicity of design, ease of cleaning and flushing.
Both cleaners are connected to the system with silicone hoses.
Operation of cleaners in a moonshine
A device with a bubbler and a steamer must be connected in series. At the beginning, a distillation cube and a refrigerator are installed, then purifiers. Ready-made devices are accompanied by instructions for connecting and operating.
Under no circumstances should the tubes be connected incorrectly. The bubbler inlet should be connected to the distillation casing lead hose. If the system is not connected correctly, an explosion will occur due to overpressure.
Experts advise to use both types of cleaning system in any design.
Advantages of the apparatus with a filter system
- The moonshine still with a bubbler and a steamer allows to saturate the product with aroma.
- In terms of quality, the output product is equal to the double distillation moonshine.
- The drink is cleansed on a physical level. Such cleaning is more effective than the use of various chemical compounds.
- Sukhoparnik acts as a barrier between the distillation cube and the finished drink, so the probability of the mash getting into the finished moonshine is reduced to zero.
After distillation of 10 liters of classic mash, about 500 ml of liquid with harmful impurities is formed in the steam tank. It has a characteristic unpleasant aroma and a brown tint.
Rating devices among users
Experienced users know what it is - bubbler and sukhoparnik. Based on the research, a rating of moonshines was compiled depending on their layout:
- The best recognized device, which is equipped with a tsar and a steamer. It is the best option for making extra strong drinks.
- The next position is occupied by the installation with collapsible bubbler.
- In last place is an apparatus with three lean steam.
The installation of a multi-stage cleaning system (more than 3 filters) is not economically feasible, because the quality of the finished product practically does not increase, and the duration of its preparation increases.
Required Filter Sizes
What is it - a bubbler and how to use it, you can find out from the directory or instructions. But if the filter is made at home, you should understand the dependence of the size of the filter on the distillation cube.
For a 12-liter cube, a liter glass container will be enough. If the bubbler or sucker is too large for a particular moonshine still, the process of evaporation and removal of impurities will take a lot of time, and the quality of the drink will deteriorate. In the end, the output product may be up to 1.5 times less than planned.