Do-it-yourself distillation column: how it works + instructions

To get pure moonshine, home cooks usually resort to double distillation. The result is a quality product without harmful impurities, with a pleasant taste and aroma.

Distillation in a distillation column gives an even better effect. It allows you to get the most purified strong alcohol (94-96%) or vodka without additional flavors and odors.

At the same time, the device has practically no disadvantages, except for its large size and the need to work on its manufacture. The majority of experienced moonshiners agree that it is better to assemble a distillation column yourself.

Design and principle of operation of the distillation column

1. Distillation cube

2. Tsarga (pipe) with filler

3. Alcohol extraction unit

4. The deflemmator

5. Additional refrigerator

It works like this

The brag, which is in the distillation tank, heats up and starts to evaporate. The vapors go up the trunnion, reach the refrigerator and the selection unit, the tap of which is initially closed.

Condensed vapors (phlegm) go back down the pipe. At the same time, heavy fractions accumulate at the bottom, and light fractions at the top. Thanks to the nozzles, the processes of condensation and evaporation occur repeatedly: vapors and liquids continuously interact.

This exchange process is the rectification process. The lightest vapors with a high alcohol content are discharged into the refrigerator, where the final condensation takes place. As a result, pure distillate enters the receiving tank.

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Calculation of parameters and selection of materials

Before starting to assemble the column, it is necessary to determine the size and other characteristics of the device.

1. Height of the column

   If earlier distillation columns were multi-meter structures, today home distillers use compact versions - about 1.5 meters long. The main principle that should be followed when calculating the dimensions is as follows: the height of the pipe should be equal to approximately 50 of its diameters. Small deviations in one direction or the other are allowed. However, the length of the still cannot be less than 1 meter. Otherwise, part of the fusel oil will get into the selection, and there will be difficulties with the separation of fractions. Increasing the height of the column over 1.5 meters does not significantly affect the quality of the product, but prolongs the distillation time. In addition, it will be problematic to place such a structure at home. Optimal pipe dimensions: length - 1.3-1.4 m, diameter - 3-5 cm.

2. Material and wall thickness

   The ideal option for the still is food grade stainless steel: it does not affect the composition of beverages. Copper is also suitable. The optimal wall thickness is within 1-2 mm. More is possible, but it will make the structure heavier and increase costs without bringing much benefit. In addition, it is worth remembering that holes will have to be made in the walls.

3. Type and parameters of nozzles

   The easiest way to use a contact element is to use household stainless steel sponges that are used to clean dishes. To check the quality of the metal, you can soak the product in a salt solution and leave it for a day: a good product will not rust. Alternative options are glass balls, stones of certain types, metal shavings. The packing density is 250-270 g of contact element per 1 liter of column volume.

4. The volume of the cube

   The distillation tank is filled by 2/3, while the amount of alcohol-containing liquid should correspond to 10-20 volumes of the nozzle. For a column with a diameter of 5 cm, it is optimal to use a 40-80 liter tank, for a width of 4 cm - 30-50 liters.

5. Heating source

   The use of a gas, electric or induction cooker is not recommended. The first option is dangerous, the others do not allow for uniform heat supply. The best option is electric heating using heating elements, which can be mounted in the cube independently. The power of the elements depends on the volume of the cube: 50 liters require at least 4 kW, 40 liters - at least 3 kW, etc. д. д.

6. Type of heat-insulating material

   It must withstand high temperatures and be chemically inert. Usually, foam rubber 3-5 mm thick, fluoroplastic or silicone (but not rubber) gaskets are used!) gaskets.

7. Docking option

   If threaded connections are used, sealant may be required. It is better to give preference to putting the elements on top of each other.

Instructions for the manufacture of the distillation column

Every little thing matters when creating a distillation column, so you should strictly follow all the recommendations. It will not be superfluous to watch the assembly video.

1. A metal pipe with the recommended parameters is cut into 2 parts of approximately equal length, the edges are cleaned, hermetically joined using threaded connections or an adapter.

2. In one part, which will be located at the bottom, fill in the selected type of nozzles, pre-installing a mesh and a pressure washer to prevent material from falling out. If you use metal sponges (you will need about 40 pcs.), pre-cut them into 5 mm pieces. Springs should be distributed evenly by tapping the pipe on a hard surface. After filling the nozzle, close the pipe with a mesh, fix it with a washer.

3. Attach the resulting structure to the distillation cube and insulate it with heat-insulating material.

4. The second (upper) part of the pipe is connected to the deflagration unit using a soldering iron. There should be 2 nozzles in the water body: for water inlet and outlet. A deflagromator can be bought or made independently from a thermos, pressure cooker, coil, copper tube (the first options are preferable). For example: https://youtu.be/D4ZsbbRH6ds

5. The upper end of the column is closed with a stopper/cap or sealed, leaving a hole for the installation of the atmospheric tube. To fix it, use a fitting, the end of the tube is lowered into water.

6. Make a hole under the nozzle for the distillate outlet. It should be a few centimeters above the junction with the bottom of the pipe, and a plate for collecting condensate is installed under it.

7. Use a silicone hose to connect the refrigerator to the column. You can buy it or make it yourself. To regulate the process of fluid movement, a clamp from a dropper is attached to the hose.

8. Connect the cooling elements to each other: the upper part of the refrigerator with the bottom of the deflagrator, the upper part of the deflagrator with the sewer. Thus, the water will be supplied to the deflagration unit heated.

9. Additionally, you can install a water flow regulator and a thermometer (it requires an additional hole in the selection unit).

It is also possible to divide the tzarga into 3 parts: this design is considered more variable in application. The detailed process of column assembly can be found here:

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Update: 10.02.2019

Category: Vodka an Moonshine