Thermometer for a moonshine still: types and which one is better to buy
The composition of the moonshine still includes both mandatory and auxiliary elements. The thermometer belongs to the latter. It is not necessary to use it, but it is highly recommended.
Why use a thermometer
A measuring device makes it much easier to separate the distillate into fractions: "heads", "body" and "tails".
Experienced moonshiners often do it the "old-fashioned way", focusing on external indicators: smell, volume, flammability, etc. д. However, such methods are not particularly accurate and are unlikely to be suitable for beginners.
To obtain accurate data, the thermometer is placed on the lid of the cube or the pipe leading to the evaporator.
You can put an additional device on a drying tower or refrigerator.
In addition to helping to separate fractions, the device allows you to control and adjust the heating temperature.
What are the thermometers for the moonshine still
Bimetallic
Inexpensive devices in a metal case, with a probe and a round measuring scale under the glass.
Often supplied with the distiller: mounted in its lid.
Such a device is easy to install on your own, it does not require special care: replacing batteries or connecting to the network.
The main advantage: reliable design, ability to withstand shocks, falls, high pressure and temperatures.
"Minus": approximate readings and limited service life. After some time, the device may "clean up".
However, the deviations are insignificant (up to a few tenths of a degree), so they do not significantly affect the work.
Electronic and digital
The devices are equipped with a thin probe 15-20 cm long or a remote meter sensor for convenient operation.
The probe is usually lowered directly into the brag, and the device itself is installed in the "cold" part of the distiller.
This thermometer requires close contact with the medium: the thermometer should be immersed in liquid or well blown with steam.
The main advantage: high accuracy of readings. Error - no more than 0.1 degrees, when installed in a capsule - about 1 degree.
The disadvantage is relative fragility: it can fail in case of falls and impacts.
One of the best options for a moonshine still with a wide operating range: from -30 to +500 °C.
It can be used not only during distillation, but also in the process of preparing brag.
Usually runs on batteries, but some models require an electrical connection.
Glass alcohol or mercury
Classic options familiar to everyone.
The main advantages are accuracy and reliability, especially when it comes to Soviet models.
But there is a significant drawback: fragility. For this reason, glass devices are rarely used in moonshine making.
To prevent damage during operation, the device is usually placed in a capsule - a special glass.
Non-contact infrared
The most advanced option, but not the most successful.
In moonshine stills, it is used extremely rarely: due to the lack of direct contact with steam and brew, the readings can be very different from the real ones.
The cost of such devices is comparable to the price of electronic thermometers.
Which thermometer for a moonshine still to choose
In the process of distillation, you can use any of the listed devices, except for the contactless one.
The most affordable option is a bimetallic thermometer, which is often included in the package of factory devices.
Electronic is considered the most accurate, but it is more expensive.
As for the glass one, it should be used only as a last resort if no other devices are available. This is a very fragile device that must be equipped with a protective shell.
When choosing a measuring device, it is important to pay attention to the operating range.
It is desirable that the upper limit be at least +120-130 °C.
In glass versions, it is usually at +100 °C.
Some mercury models can withstand higher temperatures, but they are also more expensive.
<!--dle_media_begin:https://youtu.be/wsvO6KFsUbA--><!--dle_media_end-->
Update: 02.12.2019
Category: Vodka an Moonshine