What is a reflux condenser? This is a sucker, bubbler, collet or distillation column, that is, a device included in the assembly scheme of a moonshine still. It is used mainly by specialists in the artisanal manufacture of a strong drink. Well, or production, adhering to the traditional school of brewing moonshine. In general, there is nothing criminal in this occupation, unless, of course, there is permission for it issued by the authorities. So, when assembling a reflux condenser for a moonshine with your own hands or buying a finished device, you must first take care of the legalization of your occupation.
Why do I need a reflux condenser
A reflux condenser for a moonshine still is necessary in order to return part of the alcohol vapor to an additional round of distillation, that is, another purification. In other words, this device eliminates fusel oils from moonshine almost completely. But everyone remembers that it is they that cause severe poisoning of the body after drinking low-quality alcohol.
Moreover, distillation with a reflux condenser significantly increases the degree of the drink. If without it the product is obtained with a strength of up to 40 degrees, then with this device the strength of moonshine reaches 70-75 degrees. Thus, a column with a reflux condenser is the choice of professional winemakers who are not alien to their own health and well-being of customers.
Do-it-yourself reflux catcher
Shell-and-tube reflux condenser can be bought at a specialized store, ordered at the factory, or made with your own hands. Of course, the homemade product will differ from a beautiful device made of copper and stainless steel, but it will still fulfill its function.
To make the simplest steamer you will need a can, a tin lid for it, a pair of fittings and silicone tubes. The can should not exceed 0.75 liters. Both fittings cut into the lid, and two tubes are attached to them from below. To prevent air from passing through the joints and in the fittings, they must be filled with sealant or silicone. The tube entering the jar from the distillation apparatus is 2-2.5 cm longer than the outlet. Copper tubes are installed in the upper part of the fittings for subsequent attachment of a flexible hose to them.
Complex reflux condenser
An inexperienced distillery can be satisfied with a makeshift reflux condenser with one inlet and one outlet tube. But what is a reflux condenser? This is a device that cleans moonshine from harmful impurities, and to increase the efficiency of this element, it should be more difficult.
That is why professional distilleries make a reflux condenser with five inlet and five outlet tubes. In this case, there are 5 coils.
Making such a device is also quite simple. The tubes can be taken from the old refrigerator, but do not forget to rinse them with refrigerant. Then they are cut into identical segments, inserted into a plastic pipe and fixed in it with epoxy glue. The resulting pipe is inserted into the fitting and the device is included in the circuit of the moonshine.
It is clear that a half-liter can in this case can not do. The capacity for the reflux condenser should be slightly larger: 2-4 liters. All joints and transitions of the tubes into the coils and the moonshine itself must be carefully sealed with sealant, silicone or epoxy glue.
Double-walled reflux condenser
Types of reflux condensers are different, one of them is double-walled. Doing it yourself is possible only if you have the necessary skills to work with metals and welding. The working flask is made from a piece of zinc pipe or welded from galvanized iron. In the end, it should resemble a weighty glass. Two fittings with plastic tubes in them, equipped with 5 copper tubes of the same length, cut into the flask lid.
The second stage involves the manufacture of an inner flask. It is a stainless steel cup with a larger diameter and length than the previous one. On the neck of a large glass, a mount is made for the inner bulb and two fittings for water. Through one, cold water will fall between the walls of the flask, and already heated water will be discharged from the second. The flow of water must be continuous so that it remains cold inside the flask, in the inter-wall space. The fittings of the inner flask are included in the scheme of the moonshine still.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of the reflux condenser is based on the properties of alcohol and other substances that make up the mash. It is known that the evaporation temperature of alcohol is 75 degrees, that is, at this level of heating, it turns into steam. For water, this temperature, as you know, is 100 degrees. For various fusel oils and heavy fractions, the evaporation rate varies from 80 degrees to 100.
In the moonshine still, the vapor reaches a temperature of almost 100 degrees, of course, alcohol and various impurities exit the tubes together into a coil and condense in it, turning into a drink. Not very high quality and strong.
But when a reflux condenser is included in the circuit of the moonshine still, the steam going through it cools down to 75 degrees, condensate from fusel oils settles on the walls, and alcohol continues to move through the tubes into the coil in the form of steam. There it cools to a state of condensation, and the distillery receives a pure product.
The problem of constructing a moonshine still is to control the temperature in all areas through which steam passes: from the fermentation tank to the final coil.
Conditions for obtaining high-quality moonshine
Knowing what a reflux condenser is, how it works and what its value is, you can significantly improve the quality of moonshine. However, not only the correct apparatus and the presence of additional cleaning devices affect the performance of the final product.
We must not forget about the need to choose high-quality raw materials, compliance with the recipe, maintaining the prescribed boiling points during operation of the moonshine still. All this ultimately affects the purity and strength of moonshine.
It must be clarified that moonshining is very different from rectification. In the first case, alcohol is obtained by distillation, and in the second, as a result of the separation of the vapor fraction.
Therefore, moonshine and vodka are so different in taste and effect on the body.
Moonshine in the industry
Moonshine is not only brewed by lovers of this drink in garages and in the backyard. This drink is very popular among ordinary people and is produced on an industrial scale. After all, the well-known whiskey is ordinary moonshine, but only aged in oak barrels. But, in fact, the process of obtaining it differs little from the usual Russian person. It simply did not occur to the Russians to keep moonshine in barrels.
In industry, the reflux condenser is called the king. It increases the reflux ratio, and not just cleans the steam from impurities. This device provides a number of tubes that return part of the steam to the distillation cube, as well as the settled liquid. Moonshine from an industrial apparatus is much better. But to make such a device with your own hands will not work. It is equipped with pressure gauges, temperature sensors, timers and an intelligent control processor.
Home brewing as a business
Understanding the device of the moonshine still and knowing the chemical and physical processes of its production, you can assemble it yourself and start producing moonshine for sale. But we must not forget that this activity should be legalized by the state tax authority. In addition, to create, albeit small, but the enterprise for the production of moonshine, you will need permission from other public services. And now, for example, the fire service or SES, they will not be allowed to use uncertified, home-made equipment.
Therefore, venturing the industrial production of moonshine, it will be necessary to purchase a moonshine made according to all the rules in the factory and having a quality certificate. But knowledge of the device’s device will still be needed to purchase the right device, and for its further operation, and, if necessary, for its repair.
They are sold by the manufacturers themselves through online platforms or in specialized stores. You can buy a moonshine without prior permission. They are made out after purchase and installation. A reflux condenser can be included in the equipment, it can also be purchased separately.
Conclusion
What is a reflux condenser, it became clear, but it is important in the composition of the moonshine. There is no need to be afraid of difficulties, but boldly take on the implementation of the project, because alcohol is the product that does not stay in warehouses for a long time. The main thing is to do everything in accordance with the established legislation so that there are no problems in the future.