Strengthening column for a moonshine still: do it yourself and drawings

Distillers use different methods to obtain a better distillate: from modernizing a moonshine still to buying a distillation column. An intermediate variant is a still or a strengthening column.

Due to the formation of a moving film on the inner walls during operation, it is also called film.

The design differs from the classic distiller in appearance, principle of operation and degree of the final product.

The distillation column allows you to get alcohol up to 90% strength. As for quality, the level of purification directly depends on the skill of the distiller. The more experienced the moonshiner, the better the distillate, but it still falls short of the characteristics of the rectified spirit.

Design and selection of materials

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A classic still consists of the following parts:

1. A distillation cube

   You can use a pressure cooker, a milk flask, a beer keg, a container from a classic distiller, etc. д.

2. Copper or stainless steel tube - the column itself

   The optimal diameter is 2.5-5 cm, the height should be 30 times higher than the first indicator.

3. Defluidizer (pre-cooler)

   The coil can be built inside the pipe or located outside. It is installed in the upper part of the column and should occupy about 25% of its length. It is optimal to take a ready-made cooler, but you can make the device yourself. It is recommended to equip the device with a regulator (for example, from a heating battery).

4. Steam pipeline

   It is a metal tube with a diameter of about 1 cm.

5. Refrigerator

   For cooling use a classic device that is part of any distiller.

You will also need 2 thermometers (one is installed on the tank, the other - in the upper part of the column, slightly higher than the subcooler) and connecting elements: nuts, couplings, adapters, clamps, silicone seals, tubes, etc. д. Home craftsmen make reinforcing columns from stainless steel or copper. Both options are good in their own way: steel is more affordable, copper conducts heat better.

Stages of work and drawings

To describe in detail the whole process is difficult and impractical, it is better to focus on diagrams and videos. In general terms, the process looks like this:

1. Connection of the tank and column. To do this, make a corresponding hole in the lid of the cube, install a flange / threaded fitting, install a pipe. To fasten the elements, it is convenient to use a clamp connection.

2. Production of a deflagration unit. The simplest option is an external coil - winding a copper tube along the contour of the column, but you can use a design with a water jacket, mount it as a separate unit and connect it from above, taking care of the water supply and drainage pipes.

3. Preparing holes for thermometers. One is made in the lid of the tank, the other - at the top of the column, between the deflagration unit and the refrigerator.

4. Assembling and installing the main refrigerator with water supply and drainage pipes. Sometimes a jumper with a tap is made between two vertical pipes, but this element is not mandatory.

If desired, the device can be improved: connect several deflagrations, fill the pipe with nozzles, install automation, etc. д. For the column to work efficiently, it is very important to ensure a stable water supply. No need to insulate the device.

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Update: 09.02.2019

Category: Vodka an Moonshine