Deflagromator: what is it, why is it needed, how to make it

1) What is a deflagration still and why is it needed
2) How the deflagrator works
3) What are the deflagrators
4) Adjustable and non-adjustable deflagration units
5) How to make a deflagrator yourself

The moonshine still is a prefabricated structure that includes basic and additional elements. One of the auxiliary devices of the distillation system is a deflagration still.

It is of different types and can be called differently. Among moonshiners, it is also called an additional cooler or pre-cooler. Some people confuse the device with a drying oven, but the functions of these devices are somewhat different.

What is a deflagration still and why is it needed

Experienced moonshiners know how important it is to qualitatively purify an alcoholic product from harmful impurities. This is what the deflagrator does. However, it only performs a coarse, preliminary cleaning.

The design looks like a vertical tube, inside or around which the coolant water moves. This element is used for partial separation and removal of harmful impurities from alcohol-containing vapor.

How the deflagrator works

The principle of operation of the device is based on the difference in boiling and evaporation temperatures of substances.

The pre-cooler is fixed on the approach to the main cooler. Alcohol vapor leaves the distillation cube, rises through a tube and enters the deflagration still.

Heavy impurities with a higher boiling point are converted to liquid during cooling to 78 °C and flow back into the distillation tank. Alcohol and lighter fractions slip through and move on. You can control the volume of separated liquid (phlegm) by adjusting the intensity of the water supply.

The use of a deflagrator can significantly improve the quality of the final product: make it cleaner, stronger, more aromatic and tastier.

What are the deflagrators

Devices are made of different materials: glass, stainless steel, copper. They can also look different, but they are based on one of two types of construction:

Film (or direct-flow) deflagration unit

It is a device in the form of two cylinders of different diameters. The smaller one is inside the larger one.

There are 2 holes on the outer vessel for the supply and discharge of cooling water. It moves in the gap between the tubes.

Steam enters the inner cylinder. Heavy fractions condense and flow down the walls. Volatile impurities and alcohol come out through a special hole at the top.

A film deflagrator can be jacketed (with one hole for steam outlet) or shell-and-tube (with several).
Dimroth deflagrator and its analogues
It is a more advanced device due to the increased contact area of the cooler with the alcohol vapor.

Inside the metal or glass flask is a coil with water. It looks like a spiral tube.

Steam enters the space between the coil and the outer casing.

Condensate collects directly on the surface of the spiral and flows down it back into the distillation cube.

Adjustable and non-adjustable deflagration units

The former allow you to control the intensity of the water supply with a special tap.

The second ones do not provide such a possibility, so they are less efficient.

How to make a deflagrator yourself

Even a beginner can make a simple deflagration unit for home moonshine making.

Different materials can be used for these purposes. One of the popular options is a supercooler made of a metal thermos.

It is made as follows:

The bottom is carefully removed from the container. To do this, a metal bracket is soldered to the bottom of the thermos, a cable/wire is attached to it and pulled sharply.
Separate the outer and inner flasks from the connecting partition. To do this, you will have to use a drill or emery machine. Grind the edges of the partition at the point of attachment to create a gap.
A hole is made in the bottom of the inner flask for interaction with air, a tube is inserted into it and the joint is closed.
In the wall of the outer flask, make one hole in the upper and lower parts for water supply/outlet, solder 2 nozzles to them (the ends should protrude slightly inward).
Assembling the device: insert the inner flask, make holes in the bottom and on the partition for the hose, and solder the gaps.
Attach such a deflagrator with the neck down using an adapter made from a piece of pipe.

Those who have skills in the field of plumbing and carpentry and are good with a soldering iron can try to construct the device according to the following instructions: