The production of alcoholic beverages at home is a very popular activity for many people. However, distillation requires not only specialized knowledge, but also equipment. Practically everyone who is involved in this business knows that there are harmful impurities in the composition of mash used for distillation. It is necessary to get rid of them, otherwise the use of a drink with these impurities can harm health. Their removal is carried out using a simple device placed in a moonshine. In this case, we are talking about the Panchenkov nozzle, which is just one of the varieties of such devices. What is it and how does it function?
Panchenkov nozzle description
In order to understand the principle of operation of this nozzle, it is first necessary to describe the cleaning procedure itself - rectification. This procedure is necessary because it allows removing unnecessary impurities (wood alcohol) from crude alcohol during distillation. They are fatal to humans, therefore, their ingestion into the body is unacceptable.
To clean the crude alcohol, it is first poured into the cavity of the still cube, then the container is put on fire (on any heat source) and brought to a certain temperature. When the desired temperature is reached, the liquid will turn into steam, it will begin to circulate through a special distillation column, after which it will fall into the cavity of the reflux condenser. Then the condensate will drain down the walls of the column and the reflux condenser. It is the distillation column that is equipped with the Panchenkov nozzle. In distillation equipment, it is used in conjunction with stainless steel chips. This element of the moonshine still purifies the final product without affecting the strength.
The Panchenkov nozzle device was invented by Tupolev OJSC, it is officially patented. This wire mesh was originally intended for refining crude oil, which was required for its further use as fuel for aircraft. The mesh nozzle itself is made of copper, since it is this metal that absorbs well the sulfur contained in the oil, which does not return to the refined product and remains on the nozzle. Also, copper is a good conductor of heat, so it quickly heats up and cools.
However, today the Panchenkov nozzle is actively used in light industry. Most premium moonshines are initially equipped with this grid. It looks like a rolled up copper wire. It differs from the usual mesh with special weaving, thanks to which it is conveniently located inside the device. The nozzle parameters can be adjusted independently. And since it is easily removed from the column, it can be removed and cleaned if necessary.
Disadvantages of using
Many distilleries do not want to use this additional filter. And although the principle of operation of the Panchenkov nozzle allows you to remove harmful impurities from the drink, because of it, the flow rate in the moonshine still decreases noticeably. However, most of them use it, as they are ready to sacrifice distillation time, ultimately getting better and more refined alcohol.
Actually, increasing the time for distillation is the only drawback that can hardly be called serious.
How it works?
It is believed that the regular Panchenkov wire nozzle is justified for small moonshines. When applied, the principle of the apparatus does not change, but the passage of steam in the cavity lengthens. Vapors of alcohol when passing through this nozzle must be in contact with the metal. At the same time, they give up their heat in the form of fusel oils, cool, condense on the walls and then return back to the mash. At the same time, alcohol continues to move to the nozzle.
In this case, phlegm moves to the upper layers of the tank, where it again passes through this grid and returns. This prevents impurities from falling back into moonshine.
Here is such a straightforward principle of operation of the Panchenkov nozzle.
Benefits
The use of this grid allows you to expand the functionality of the moonshine still. It has certain advantages:
- It can be removed and installed in any other (even the simplest) moonshine.
- The use of this nozzle makes it possible to combine two processes at once - distillation and purification of moonshine.
- The nozzle is easy to clean, and if necessary, you can simply replace it with a new one.
Varieties
There are various "household" inventions that people use for lack of the Panchenkov nozzle itself. The most popular of them is an ordinary metal washcloth, which is sold in almost any household store and costs a penny. However, before use, it must be checked for corrosion resistance. You can do this as follows: first you need to cut it into fragments, wrap them in a damp cloth and sprinkle with salt. If within two or three days the washcloth is not covered with rust, then it can safely be replaced with a Panchenkov grid.
The second "analog" is Rashig ceramic rings. Rough rings are recommended. Also, spiral-prismatic nozzles can replace the mesh, which are no worse in performance than Panchenkov's mesh.
Prices
These nets are sold in many stores in this direction, they are not expensive, so the purchase will not hit the distillery. One such grid costs an average of 500-700 rubles. However, the price depends on the parameters. In expensive moonshines, they go by default, which once again confirms the need for their application.
However, if there is a problem with finding this mesh or buying it, then you can use an ordinary household steel sponge. Its effectiveness is not lower, and it also filters fusel oils just as well.
Conclusion
Now you know what the Panchenkov nozzle is, the advantages of its use, cost. If you are already distilling moonshine at home, then be sure to use this grid. This simple and primitive device really helps to clean moonshine from harmful fusel oils, the ingestion of which will certainly harm health.