Before proceeding to consider the technology of manufacturing a refrigerator, it is necessary to say a few words about what this structural element is used for and what it is. To begin with, it is important to understand the very principle of operation of the moonshine still.

• Prepared and fermented mash is placed in a distillation cube.
• When it is heated to a certain temperature, it evaporates. The essence of the process is that the evaporation temperature of alcohol is slightly lower than that of water or the bulk of fusel oils, therefore, the initial separation into its constituent components occurs.
• Alcohol-containing steam moves through a system of pipes into a cooler, inside of which the steam condenses and produces moonshine at the outlet.

This description is simplified as much as possible, since additional elements are usually present in the design of a moonshine still, such as a dry steamer or a bubbler, but in the context of the article, their consideration is impractical.

The design of the moonshine still

So, one of the main stages of obtaining distillate, which is moonshine, is the condensation of alcohol-containing vapor. In order for this process to occur more intensively, a refrigerator is intended for a moonshine still.

Refrigerator design

As for the technological device, the cooler most often consists of a coil and a sealed reservoir with a circulating coolant. There are other manufacturing options, but it is the direct-flow refrigerator that is most effective in combination with the simplicity of the design, and hence the manufacture. For the most complete understanding of the issue, it is worth considering in a little more detail.

Refrigerator coil

The coil's twisted shape allows it to cool the steam on its own. There are types of refrigerators in which the cooler is not equipped with additional chambers, but the process takes place upon contact with air. The efficiency of such a system will be lower than when using a full-fledged refrigerator, but it will work. The presence of an additional chamber is due to the fact that during operation the coil heats up from the action of steam, so it is not enough just to pour water into the chamber. The cooler should be just straight-through, since only in this way it will be possible to provide a constant temperature necessary for the effective condensation of alcohol-containing vapors.

So, the refrigerator for a moonshine that is optimal in its functionality should consist of the following elements:

• A sealed tank that is large enough to accommodate a coil inside and sufficient for water circulation. You can often see refrigerators with stainless steel tanks, but recently systems using elements made of polypropylene pipes are gaining popularity due to the simplicity of the design.
• The coil itself, made of a material that is resistant to mash vapors, as well as water and is not prone to deformation under the influence of temperature extremes. You can make a refrigerator for a moonshine still with your own hands with a coil made of a copper tube, a stainless steel tube or a polyethylene tube.
• Two valves for inflow and drainage of water.

As for the coil, its extreme end, emerging from the wall of the refrigerator and being the outlet for the entire system, can be equipped with a tap that will shut off the system, which is important during the idle time of the apparatus.

Making a refrigerator

Making a refrigerator for a moonshine still with your own hands is not so difficult if you know the assembly technology of this element. The tank itself can be made, for example, from stainless steel or from polypropylene plumbing pipes. If we take into account the difficulties in working with stainless steel (it is difficult to weld elements) and the prevalence of polypropylene today, then the second option would be more appropriate. It will be discussed below.

Take a polypropylene pipe as a basis.

Tools and materials

In order to make a once-through cooler, you will need a small set of tools and a certain amount of polypropylene elements used in plumbing.

• Plumbing plugs - 2 pcs.
• Plumbing coupling, suitable for diameter plugs - 1 pc.
• Connecting element with coupling and tapering at the ends - 1 pc.
• PG-29 cable gland - 2 pcs.
• Plumbing fitting - 2 pcs.
• Copper or corrugated stainless steel tube approx. 2 m long
• Feather drills
• Silicone sealant
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver or drill

The entire set can be easily purchased at a plumbing store with little investment required.

Build process

If all the tools and materials are ready, you can proceed to the assembly process. The work should be divided into several stages, which must be performed sequentially.

At this point, the main stages of assembling a refrigerator for a moonshine still can be considered completed. It remains only to connect the coil to the rest of the system, and start water through the fittings. Moreover, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the circulation of water should be organized so that the upper valve will be the outlet valve, and the lower one will be the inlet valve. This is how the system will function most efficiently.

In conclusion, it should be added that the home-made refrigerator for a moonshine still obtained as a result of the described manipulations will not be inferior in functionality and efficiency to analogues manufactured at the factory. It is only important to show a little diligence and comply with the necessary assembly conditions.

Although there are many home distillers of different price categories on the market, experienced moonshiners prefer to make equipment on their own or place an order with trusted masters according to their own drawings and diagrams.

The benefit of this approach is not only cost savings. Often, a self-made moonshine still is more reliable and practical than most store models with incomprehensible elements that contradict the laws of physics, established only to attract the buyer and raise the price. Next, we will consider the classic design of a moonshine still (distiller), which has no equal in simplicity and efficiency.

Diagram of the operation of a moonshine still with a dry steamer

Connecting elements

Intermediates play an important role. With the wrong choice of pipes or sealant, moonshine turns out to be cloudy, with a nasty aftertaste, foul smelling and even hazardous to health. Therefore, we will begin the consideration of the design with the connecting elements.

It is not necessary to "tightly" weld all the tubes together, this simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the apparatus, but during cleaning it causes a lot of problems.

As a transport system, metal tubes made of stainless steel, aluminum or copper are most often used, as well as food or medical silicone hoses inert to alcohol. In terms of economy, safety, ease of maintenance and operation, food grade stainless steel tubes are the best option.

It is important to be able to distinguish silicone hoses from those made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride, when in contact with hot steam, saturates alcohol with toxic substances). PVC burns with a lot of smoke and an unpleasant odor. When burned, silicone does not smoke, leaves a subtle smell and light ash. Silicone tubes are much softer to the touch than PVC tubes, and their price is about twice as high.

Left - silicone, right - PVC

For branching bends, changing from one diameter to another and connecting different parts in metal pipelines, fittings and unions are used, which can be found in plumbing stores or in construction markets. For the manufacture of a moonshine still fit fittings made of brass, bronze and stainless steel (the best option) for heating systems that can withstand high temperature and pressure. For the purpose of sealing, the use of heat-resistant glue and cold welding is allowed, the main thing is to avoid rubber gaskets.

You can also use organic matter to seal the tubes - ordinary dough, which does not affect the distillate. There are two disadvantages: it takes a lot of time to knead and seal the joints, and after distillation, the dried dough has to be scraped off.

Dough sealing - touching ancient traditions followed by scraping 🙂

The assembled moonshine still must be sealed. If steam seeps through the tubes, it is best to stop distillation, let the equipment cool down, fix the breakdown, and only then continue the distillation. Depressurization is not only dangerous by the occurrence of a fire, but also leads to significant losses of moonshine (10-70%).

Distillation cube

It is a container in which the wash boils during the heating process. Parameters:

1. Material. Aluminum - most often found in "Soviet" moonshine stills due to the widespread use of aluminum milk cans. Aluminum partially reacts with acids and alcohol in the wash, therefore, with frequent use, aluminum stills (especially old ones) become unusable after six months - a leak appears.

Enameled dishes are neutral to acids and alcohols. If used correctly (without bumps and scratches to the enamel), it can last 3-5 years even with regular use.

Food-grade stainless steel is the best and most reliable option, but stainless steel cubes are expensive, often under the guise of selling ordinary steel with zinc or nickel plating, which is not so durable.

Copper cubes are also suitable, however, in most cases this is an unreasonably expensive solution, especially for novice moonshiners.

2. Volume and dimensions. The volume of the distillation cube depends on the needs of the moonshiner, the best option for home use is 25-35 liters.

Attention! For safety reasons, the distillation cube can be filled with mash to a maximum of 80% of its volume, take this into account when choosing a container. It is also very important that the lid is removable and that the neck is wide enough to comfortably clean the container after distillation.

The volume of the cube is calculated based on the needs for the finished product. For example, in a container of 30 liters for one distillation, you can get up to 2.88 liters of pure alcohol (or 7.2 liters of moonshine with a strength of 40%). The maximum load of mash is 24 liters (30 * 0.8 = 24). The average strength of a correctly made mash is 12%. The amount of distillate at the outlet is 24 * 0.12 = 2.88 (in terms of absolute alcohol with a strength of 100%). In practice, there will always be a loss of moonshine of 8-15%.

Don't forget about the size. The alembic should at least be placed on a stove or other heating element, be stable and not block the approach to the entire apparatus. This is the foundation of safety engineering.

3. Choosing a suitable container. Often, home moonshine still uses containers that were originally intended for other needs: milk cans, pressure cookers or roomy enamel pots.

The cube must be reliable - it will expand when heated, withstand high temperature and pressure (180-220 Pa). Homemade welded containers are very dangerous, as there is a risk that the weld will burst at the most inopportune moment.

A significant drawback of pressure cooker cubes is their small volume, but these containers are initially sealed. The only rework required is to drill a hole in the lid for the steam pipe. described in a separate article.

Do not overtake a lot of mash in a pressure cooker at a time - the volume of the cube is too small

Enameled pots are convenient in that you can not pour over the mash, but immediately put it on distillation as it is (this is wrong, since the heated sediment increases the amount of harmful impurities in the moonshine, worsens the aroma and taste). The disadvantage of the pan is that it is difficult to seal the lid.

A milk can, made of aluminum or stainless steel, is the most practical solution. The only drawback of cans requiring mandatory elimination is the rubber gasket on the lid. The fact is that alcohol vapors absorb substances from rubber, this negatively affects the quality, taste and smell of moonshine. The rubber gaskets must be replaced with silicone ones (made from aquarium silicone).

A can with built-in heating elements is cheap and practical. Top two holes for steam and thermometer

How to make a distillation cube of a moonshine still from a can

It is not enough to correctly determine the volume of the container, you also need to prepare the cube for use - drill a hole for steam, seal the lid and connections. Further we will consider the modification of the container using the example of an old milk can, but this method of sealing the lid is also suitable in other cases.

Canister finishing technology:

1. Remove the rubber gasket from the cover.

2. Apply aquarium silicone sealant to the metal edges of the lid and leave to dry completely. Repeat the procedure 2-3 more times.

3. Place cellophane on the neck of the can and close the lid. Leave for a couple of hours until completely dry. The result is a silicone seal that replaces the rubber gasket.

The resulting result

An alternative, simpler method of sealing is to wrap the rubber with an overlap with several layers of fum tape and boil it for 60 minutes in boiling water.

4. Make a hole in the lid of the can for connection with a coil or steam generator. If the internal diameter of the coil is 12 mm, a suitable pipe hole in the can is 22 mm and a thread of 0.5 inches. Adapters are sold at plumbing stores.

To prolong the life of the can, wash the can after each distillation with soap and plenty of running water. It is strictly forbidden to use soda and other cleaning agents.

Moonshine refrigerator

Consists of two parts - a coil (swirling tube) and a reservoir for cooling this tube. The cooling compartment is the most important element of the entire structure, the functioning of which determines the quantity and quality of moonshine.

Coil parameters

1. Material. Must not react with alcohol (or have minimal contact), be safe and non-toxic, withstand high temperatures (up to 100 ° C), have high thermal conductivity. Based on the requirements, four options are possible: copper, aluminum, stainless steel (food grade) and glass.

Copper has the highest thermal conductivity, another advantage is the comparative ease of processing (soldering is possible). But this material has one feature - the copper coil requires periodic cleaning with vinegar or citric acid and boiling water (preferably after each distillation), otherwise the plaque accumulated after oxidation with alcohol will negatively affect the quality of the moonshine.

All moonshiners who complain about copper do not clean their machines well. In the world practice of distilling, copper is considered the best or even the only permitted material (France, Scotland) for the manufacture of distillers (alambiks). Slight oxidation of copper with alcohol helps to improve taste, since it reduces the amount of impurities with a bad smell, and increases the concentration of substances that make moonshine soft.

The second most conductive material for the coil is aluminum (1.6 times worse than copper). The advantages of aluminum are availability, low cost and ease of processing. But there is also a drawback - minimal oxidation, which, unlike copper, does not release useful substances into moonshine, therefore aluminum coils are not very common.

In terms of thermal conductivity, food grade stainless steel is 3-4 times inferior to copper. But this material does not react with alcohol and does not oxidize. Another disadvantage, along with low thermal conductivity, is the comparative complexity of processing.

It is not possible to make a glass coil at home; without special equipment, it is easier to buy a ready-made laboratory device. Glass is inert to alcohol, but very fragile and has low thermal conductivity.

Copper coil is the best, but needs regular cleaning

2. Dimensions and thickness of the tube. The longer the tube, the larger the contact area of ​​the steam with the cooling element. But there is also a side effect of a long length - the hydraulic resistance increases (condensed vapors move through the tube already in a liquid state), which reduces the speed of the run.

The optimum length of the coil tube (up to the bend) is 1.5-2 meters.

The larger the inner diameter of the coil (section), the lower the hydraulic resistance and the more efficient the cooling (due to the increase in the contact area of ​​the steam with the walls). But tubes of very large diameter are cumbersome, require a lot of water for cooling and are difficult to process, so you have to look for a “middle ground”.

The minimum wall thickness increases thermal conductivity, which improves the condensation of alcohol vapors. But too thin tubes are very fragile and with intensive use of the moonshine still break quickly.

Suitable coil thickness is 0.9-1.1 mm.

3. Orientation in space. There are three connection options: horizontal, vertical and inclined.

All other things being equal, the vertical position of the coil is the most correct, since the condensed moonshine flows into the receiving container by gravity, without obstructing the movement of alcohol vapors. Steam can be fed into the vertical coil from the top or bottom. To minimize resistance, direct steam correctly to the top.

Refrigerator tank parameters

1. Substance. At home, the coil is cooled with air, water or ice. The overwhelming majority of designs use water cooling, as the simplest and most effective.

Air Cooling - Nice Look, But Low Efficiency

2. Scheme of heat removal. Systems are open (run on running water) and closed (water remains in the tank without circulating, for example, the coil is lowered into a bucket). In terms of implementation and economy, closed systems are simpler and more profitable, but they cool the coil worse, which increases the loss of moonshine and has a bad effect on quality.

A bucket is a classic example of a closed water cooling circuit

Flow-through circuits are more difficult to manufacture, they use more water or energy for pumping (to ensure the circulation of a stable volume of water in order to save), but they require a smaller reservoir and, all other things being equal, produce a high quality distillate.

From a properly made refrigerator (coil plus water circulation system), moonshine comes out cold or at room temperature, but not warm or hot. At the same time, it is important to select the optimal heating intensity (not to exceed the maximum allowable heat supply power) so that the entire system can effectively cope with steam condensation.

3. Direction of water supply. It is correct to supply water to the refrigerator from the bottom, and remove it from the top so that the water moves towards the steam, creating a counterflow, otherwise the lower part of the coil will not cool well.

Refrigerator (cooler) manufacturing

You will need a copper, aluminum or stainless steel tube with a length of 1.5-2 meters, a diameter of 8-12 mm and a wall thickness of 0.9-1.1 mm. A plastic or metal pipe with a diameter of 75-80 mm is suitable as a reservoir for installing a coil. A drawing of a moonshine refrigerator is shown in the photo.

Sequencing:

1. Fill the coil tube with sand, soda or other dry, free-flowing material so that the metal does not flatten when curling. If there are no bulk materials at hand, the tube can simply be filled with water and frozen.

2. To hammer the ends with wooden pegs (chopiks) so that the sand does not spill out. Can be clamped tightly or soldered. It is advisable to weld a nut to one end.

3. Wind the tube onto any smooth, cylindrical object with a flat cross-section of a suitable diameter (according to the drawing - 35 mm). The pitch between the turns is 12 mm.

The number of turns in the coil is not of fundamental importance, with the values ​​of length, diameter and thickness indicated in the article, it is correct to make a step between the turns of 12 mm.

4. Loosen the ends of the finished coil. Pour out sand, rinse with water under pressure.

5. On the cooler body, install the branch pipes for water supply and drainage.

6. Place the coil inside the body. Install plugs at the top and bottom. Seal all connections.

Ready-assembled cooler

The speed of the cooler of this design is up to 3 liters of moonshine per hour.

Sucker and bubbler

Optional, but desirable (especially for beginners) moonshine modules.

A dry pot is a sealed glass or metal container between a distillation cube and a refrigerator, falling into which the vapors are first cooled, and then some of the substances boil again and move into the coil.

The principle of operation of the dry steam tank. Due to a sharp decrease in pressure (the volumes of the supply tube and the can differ hundreds of times), the temperature drops, as a result, the steam passes into the liquid phase (condenses), but is immediately heated by a new portion of hot steam from the cube, again turning into a gaseous state. But some of the water and fusel oils with a high boiling point do not have time to boil during this short instant of change in the state of aggregation and remain at the bottom of the container.

Bubbler in a moonshine still- a device designed to pass alcohol vapors through a layer of liquid (water). Structurally, it differs from a dry steam tank only by the presence of water in the container before the start of distillation (not always), and by the fact that the steam supply pipe is lowered into the can almost to the bottom. The purpose and principle of operation of the bubbler are the same as that of the dry steam generator.

Connected steam room Bubbler - the steam supply pipe is lowered closer to the bottom, the distillate is flavored with lemon zest

Advantages of a dry steam room (bubbler):

• is a protection against splashing - the ingress of wash into the finished moonshine when the heating is too strong;
• makes the distillate stronger;
• cleans moonshine from some fusel oils (only a small part);
• allows you to flavor alcohol during distillation (just put citrus zest, apple pieces, etc. in the jar).

It is advisable to use one dry steamer or bubbler in the moonshine still. Sequential installation of 2-6 pieces only leads to an increase in the strength of the moonshine, but does not affect the cleaning.

If the moonshine is strong at the exit, for example, even 80-90 degrees, this does not mean that the drink is well purified, it is just that there is water left in the dry steamers and (or) bubblers, which should have condensed in the coil, reducing the strength of the distillate. All harmful impurities that can be cleaned with a dry steamer remain in the first can, and in the following cans only water is removed from the moonshine. Do not think that in terms of the degree of purification, 6-8 dry chambers can replace rectification or fractional distillation, this is physically impossible.

How to make a dry pot or bubbler

The volume of the tank (bubbler) should be 10 times less than the volume of the distillation cube.

You will need:

• a glass jar with a metal lid or other sealed container;
• 2 fittings;
• 2 nuts;
• marker;
• awl;
• heat resistant glue or cold welding.

Instructions:

1. Mark the diameter of the holes in the places of the proposed connection: attach the nipple to the cover and circle it with a marker.

2. Make holes. The easiest option is to drive the awl along the drawn lines until the metal of the cover is rubbed through.

3. Install the fittings and secure with nuts. To seal the holes on the outside and inside, cold weld or heat-resistant glue.

Inner side

Outer side

The sequence of making a bubbler

4. When connecting to a moonshine still, it should be borne in mind that the inlet tube in the steam room should be 15-30 mm lower than the outlet tube (it is lowered deeper into the jar). In the bubbler, the incoming tube runs along the entire height of the can, without touching the bottom at a distance of 2-3 cm.

If the bubbler is connected incorrectly (steam is supplied through the short end, but tries to escape through the long end), the pressure in the can increases significantly and an explosion can occur!

There is only one drawback of bubblers and dryers from the jar - there is no drain for the accumulated liquid (you have to unscrew it), and in case of fractional distillation, it is advisable to clean the container before taking the "body" (main fraction).

A more sophisticated steamer with a drain

Moonshine heating methods

1. Open fire. In most cases, this means heating on a gas stove or a burner, but there are also coal and firewood. The advantages of this method are: simplicity, availability and often economy.

Flaws:

• high inertia - it will not be possible to quickly reduce or increase the power, as a result, it is difficult to control the temperature in the cube, experience is required;
• it is very difficult to insulate the distillation cube to reduce heat loss in order to save;
• the installation of automation is practically useless;
• high fire hazard of open fire.

Distillation in the open air with wood. What apparatus, so is the color of moonshine

2. Built-in electric heating elements. Devices (one or several at once) are mounted directly into the cube. Heating elements made of stainless steel or brass are suitable.

Advantages:

• fast temperature change (high controllability);
• the ability to build in automation and insulate the cube.

Flaws:

• solid particles can stick to the working surface of heating elements, careful filtration of the mash is required before distillation;
• often heating with electricity is more expensive than gas heating;
• heating elements burn out from time to time.

3. Induction hob. Powered by electricity, it is stationary and portable (it is used more often in home brewing).

Advantages:

• low inertia - fast change of heating intensity;
• good temperature control - induction cookers are equipped with automation, no need to install separate blocks;
• in comparison with heating elements, they evenly heat the entire surface of the bottom of the cube, the mash burning occurs in rare cases.

Flaws:

• the cost of an induction cooker is quite high;
• you can use only distillation stills made of materials containing a magnet (stainless steel, cast iron), in turn, aluminum and copper containers without magnetic inserts welded to the bottom are not suitable for heating.

Only stainless steel and cast iron cubes can be heated on an induction hob

4. Heating with steam (steam generator). First, the water is brought to a boil and fed directly to the container or to the outer walls. The system allows you to control (automate) the entire process and eliminate the risk of burning, therefore it is suitable for distilling thick mash. But in view of the complexity of the design implementation and the need to purchase (manufacture) special equipment (steam generator), it will not be further considered here.

Installing thermometers in a moonshine still

You can do without temperature measurement, but a correctly installed thermometer allows you to change the container in time during fractional distillation and adjust the heating intensity.

In moonshine stills, three types of thermometers are used (according to the principle of operation):

• bimetallic - a metal tape or spiral acts as a sensor;
• electronic - a special conductor changes resistance when the temperature fluctuates;
• digital - measurements are recorded due to pressure changes.

The most reliable are bimetallic thermometers, but the accuracy of these devices leaves much to be desired. Electronic thermometers are much more accurate, but with the slightest impact they can break or show the wrong temperature. Digital thermometers are the leaders in accuracy, but they are expensive.

During distillation, you cannot completely rely on the thermometer readings, especially the first times when the operating modes of a home-made moonshine still have not been tested. Temperature values ​​are auxiliary data. At the exit, the moonshine should be cold or at room temperature, and with fractional distillation, divide the output into fractions correctly according to pure alcohol, sugar content in the mash or by smell (the method of experienced distillers).

Fastening. A thermometer in a moonshine still can be installed at the exit from the cube (in the upper part) or in front of the entrance to the refrigerator. The second option is preferable, since it allows you to measure the temperature of the steam before condensation. But a thermometer in a cube (the first case) shows the degree of heating of the mash, which is also important. Conclusion: if possible, it is advisable to mount two thermometers at once.

Thermometers can be placed on a cube or in front of the refrigerator

For installation, it is enough to make a hole, the diameter of which coincides with the diameter of the installation cylinder of the thermometer (Velcro and plastic clips are not suitable). From the inside, fix the cylinder with a bolt and secure the structure with a nut. Then insert the thermometer itself.

Attention! At the first start, the home moonshine still should be tested by distilling water, and not immediately pouring the mash. Distilling water is safer, immediately shows problems (if any) and flushes all parts of the structure well.

The classic version of the moonshine still consists of two main parts: distillation cube and cooler with a coil.

In this module of the apparatus, the alcohol evaporated from the cube turns into a distillate: the vapors are cooled, condensed and drained into the receiving container with ready-made homemade strong alcohol. Without a good refrigerator, getting moonshine is associated with certain difficulties:

• part of the non-condensed alcohol is lost, leaving in the state of steam;
• the organoleptic properties of the final product (its aroma and taste) deteriorate;
• there is a danger of fire and explosion, since alcohol is a highly flammable substance.

The "appearance" and functionality of the cooler is somewhat different depending on the type.

Device and principle of operation

We will not consider the air cooler - it is unproductive and all the works of the inventors in this direction do not yet give a stable result. And chillers, in which the function of condensation is taken over by cold water, work in approximately the same way, although they differ in their design.

Here are the main details:

1. Sealed enclosure- cylindrical in a flow-through cooler. The supply of cold water and the removal of heated waste water have been well thought out. The lower connection is for cold water.

Attention. The cylinder of the flow-through cooler is installed vertically or at an angle of at least 45 °. Only straight-through ones are allowed to be installed almost horizontally with a slight slope from the cube to the receiving tank. This rule is associated with the accumulation of alcohol in the coil during distillation. Not being able to drain freely, it accumulates in the lower part of the coil turns. This is fraught with an explosion.

1. Internal filling depends on the species. This could be:

• spiral wound coil;
• straight pipe;
• connection of several pipes inside the housing.

1. Connecting tubes... For water supply, silicone or PVC pipes are used. With a distillation still, the cooler is usually attached with a stainless tube.

Kinds

Do you still remember the "old-fashioned" cooler, consisting of a coil wound (sometimes - literally from a clamshell pipe), located in a trough with cold water? Other designs have replaced the "archival" copies:

1. Classic flowing... This is a closed container-cylinder, inside which there is a coil.
2. Direct-flow flowing... Instead of a coil inside, there is a straight tube.
3. Impervious... Modern coolers of this type are produced in two varieties:

• with a tank for cold water, in which a coil is built;
• without capacity. It is placed in a bucket, saucepan, etc. of a suitable size.

1. Shell-and-tube... A more complex design, but providing additional cleaning and strengthening of the moonshine.

Which is better?

The selection of a refrigerator depends on specific conditions. In a city apartment or a private house, if there is water supply, the flow-through structure of the type of your choice will be the best choice. The most productive is considered shell-and-tube.

For summer cottages and areas where water supply is unstable or absent, a non-flowing one is perfect.

How to make a refrigerator at home?

Craftsmen create moonshine stills in home workshops that are not inferior to factory samples. And we have developed several options for coolers.

Material selection

When creating a refrigerator, you will need materials:

1. Case options:

• sheet stainless steel;
• stainless steel pipe;
• plumbing pipe.

1. For supply and drainage of water - fittings or welded-in thin tubes.
2. Choose the inner filling from the following options:

• coil made of stainless steel or copper;
• one straight copper or stainless steel tube;
• multiple tubes with shell-and-tube design.

Important. If the material does not really matter for the refrigerator body, then only food-grade stainless steel or copper should be taken for the inner tube. Food-grade stainless steel does not react with components, and copper selects sulfur compounds, which is especially important when distilling grain mash.

1. Caps on the body with the ability to connect a steam pipe.

Making a direct-flow

Consists of a straight tube and a water jacket around it. At first glance, this design seems "wrong", since the coil is more familiar. In fact, the straight-through has several advantages over it:

• Higher efficiency, since the chiller responds quickly and sensitively to an increase or decrease in water pressure.
• The possibility of splashing is excluded. This is explained by the physical properties of the structure. When using a coil, condensate slugs may occur, which leads to sudden changes in pressure in the cube. As a result, foam is ejected.
• Simplicity of design.

The tube needs 2-3 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length.

It may be easier, but far from safe. Polyvinyl chloride is permissible only where contact with cold water occurs.

Here we are dealing with hot steam with a temperature above 80 ° C and it is not known what will get into the distillate after the “hot” contact of steam and PVC.

Creating a coil type

To create a cooler of this type, it is necessary to wind a coil that fits into the casing. But so that the coils do not touch each other and there is a gap of at least 5 mm between the cooler wall and the coil, so that the water can circulate freely.

The coil needs a stainless steel, copper or brass tube. Length - about 2 m, inner diameter - 8-12 mm, wall thickness - 1-1.1 mm.

For the case - a plumbing pipe 80 mm.

1. With all the materials in hand, craft a coil.

Advice. To prevent the tube from flattening during winding, first fill it with sand and pinch the ends so that the sand does not spill out, or install wooden plugs.

Now feel free to start winding the coil. When finished, open the tube ends and rinse thoroughly.

1. Fit the PVC pipe with two fittings for water inlet and outlet.
2. Install the coil into the body.
3. Guide the ends of the coil through the prepared holes in the plugs.
4. Plug the refrigerator, seal the coil connections using super glue or sealant.

Before connecting to the device, check the refrigerator for leaks. Use silicone or stainless steel tubes to connect the coil to the cube. PVC hoses are also suitable for water supply.

Shell and tube for moonshine still

The shell-and-tube type is the most common type of refrigerator in the industry. Combines the advantages of a direct flow and a coil.

Design and features of work

Shell and tube refrigerator is also called a kind of once-through cooler... Only instead of one pipe inside the casing - several. Also, partitions are often installed inside, which distribute the cooling liquid (water) in the cooler body over the steps.

They are equal to the radius of the tubes and are designed to direct the condensed reflux flows horizontally. This significantly increases the heat exchange power and efficiency. In addition, the partitions increase the rigidity of the entire structure.

Important. If the shell-and-tube cooler has an odd number of baffles, the inlet and outlet pipes for water supply / discharge are installed on one side of the casing. With an even number of partitions - from different sides.

The heat exchangers in this design are internal pipes, where alcohol vapors heated in the distillation still enter. Cold water circulates in the remaining space of the casing.

The shell and tube cooler is installed vertically in the system. Alcohol vapors, getting into the pipes, are cooled and partially strengthened, sending fusel oils and excess water back into the cube. Only pure alcohol vapors break through into the selection.

Reflux condensers of this type, with their small size, provide an excellent cooling rate and, accordingly, distillation. At the same time, the amount of fusel oils in the final product will be minimal.

Irrigation with phlegm occurs simultaneously through all tubes (there are from three to seven), and this gives high indicators of the strength and purity of the final product.

Application

Shell-and-tube refrigerators have found application in conventional moonshine stills, as well as in rectification columns.

In the first place in autonomous cooling systems is the shell and tube, since it has reduced requirements for water pressure. A Chinese-made aquarium pump is sufficient to ensure high-quality operation. With a high heating power, there is no alternative to shell-and-tube cooling at all.

Recreation at home requires not only the skills of a locksmith and welder, but also accurate calculations depending on the materials available and the desired performance.

A little mistaken with the calculations that take into account the heating power, steam speed, tube cross-section and other parameters, you risk creating an inoperative installation. One mistake will lead to choking and reduce all attempts to clean the moonshine during the ferry to nothing.

Therefore, with insufficient experience, doubts about the correctness of the calculation, it is better and cheaper to buy a ready-made shell-and-tube refrigerator.

Without a well-functioning cooler, it is impossible to obtain high quality moonshine without fusel oils and essential compounds. Therefore, approach its manufacture or purchase responsibly.

This is the main element of the distillation system, helping to obtain an excellent organoleptic distillate. If the article was useful to you, like and comment.

Systems for the distillation of moonshine with once-through refrigerators are inexpensive but fairly reliable designs. Among all the models of moonshine still available on the market, devices with direct-type coolers account for more than 70%. There are many reasons for such popularity of direct-flow systems, which we will consider in more detail.

1

Today in the stores of our country there is a large list of moonshine stills. As we well know, they all differ in cost, material from which they are made, dimensions. In addition, distillation systems are classified according to the principle of refrigerator operation. Many beginners do not attach much importance to this classification, since they believe that there are only two types of distillers on the market - with a direct-flow or reverse type refrigerator.

This opinion can be considered correct, but only on condition that we are talking about the principle of operation of the cooling element. If we consider refrigerators, based on their design features, you will notice that there are much more varieties of coolers. They are divided into:

• air coolers;
• ball air chambers;
• Liebig's chambers;
• ball coolers.

An air refrigerator is one of the simplest in its design. It consists of a long glass tube to which the distillation hoses are attached. A device of this type is used only when working with liquids boiling at a temperature of more than 150 ˚C and can perform the function of not only a once-through, but also a reverse cooler. True, it is more accurate to use it as a direct cooling element, since in this case it works much more efficiently. These cooling chambers perform best when working with substances with a boiling point of more than 160 ˚C.

Air cooler

Ball air chambers are best used as a recooler. They are characterized by large heat exchange areas, which is why they have high performance indicators. Ball air coolers are successfully used for the condensation of low boiling point liquids.

The third type of refrigerator is Liebig's chambers. These elements are successfully used both as a direct flow and as a return cooling element. The design of such a chamber consists of a single glass or copper tube. The part is attached to the device with self-tapping screws or by soldering. The refrigerant in the structure is water circulating in the refrigerator body over the inner tube. At this time, there is a steam of moonshine inside it.

The last type is ball type coolers. They are used only as a reflux condenser. Due to the presence of spherical expansions in the steam flow, turbulence is created, which has a positive effect on the quality of cooling. The refrigerant supply in this design is carried out from the bottom up. Due to its design, the ball refrigerator allows you to introduce additional substances directly into the chamber where the moonshine steam is located.

As we can see, there are many types of coolers. Some of these are used exclusively in the chemical industry - these include ball and ball air chambers. Others, such as Liebig cameras, have been successfully used in home brewing apparatus. In such cases, the best solution would be to use the device as a once-through cooler. What are the pros and cons of a device with such a principle of operation, and what are its advantages over coolers of the reverse type - we will consider in more detail.

2

The direct-type cooler distiller has both advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages is the ease of making a refrigerator with your own hands. You don't need to buy additional materials or tools to work. The second important advantage is the ease of use of the device at home.

In addition, the direct-flow refrigerator is very easy to maintain - for preventive or major repairs of the device, you do not need to carry the moonshine still for repair. A moonshine still with a refrigerator of this type is very easy and convenient to store.

Moonshine still with direct-flow refrigerator

Among the advantages of a once-through cooler, it is also worth noting ease of transportation. Due to its uncomplicated design and the absence of fragile parts, the device is not afraid of strong shocks. As a rule, direct-type cooling elements are made of stainless steel or copper, less often - of glass. This gives an absolute guarantee that the device will not be attacked by chemicals in the moonshine.

Among the obvious disadvantages of a direct refrigerator, one can single out the lack of the ability to improve the design. So, reverse-type refrigerators have a more complex design, which contains additional fixing elements. With their help, you can attach other devices to the device that will help make moonshine of a higher quality of purification. Additional modules also help to produce homemade whiskey or cognac, as well as medicinal that is popular among our compatriots.

3

Even a beginner in home brewing knows well that no distiller can do without high-quality cooling. Making this part of the moonshine with your own hands should be taken very carefully, since not only the temperature of the finished moonshine depends on the result of your work, but also the performance of the entire apparatus.

The first important nuance of a direct-flow refrigerator is the need for refrigerant to flow towards the steam flow entering the tube. After that, the processed water is immediately replaced by a new liquid, which is why a device of this type, in fact, is called direct-flow. Having understood these simple principles, you can start making a refrigerator with your own hands.

Refrigerating chamber of direct flow type

To begin with, we take a PVC tube, no more than 4 cm in diameter.It can be purchased at any plumbing store. The length of the product should not exceed 30 cm. Otherwise, the moonshine unit will be quite problematic to transport even disassembled. In addition to the pipe, we also need several plugs and couplings. Do not forget to stock up on a bellows liner, which will act as a core. We fasten the eyeliner to the plugs, and then insert our fittings into the casing. Next, we place the device in a tin can, which will serve as the body of the refrigerator.

The next step will be the installation of the refrigerator directly into the distiller. To do this, you can use different installation methods. The main thing is that this element of the apparatus is removable and allows you to apply a sufficient amount of sealant. As a rule, installation with a nut thread is considered the best option. After installing the refrigerator, abundantly lubricate its joints with a sealing compound and start checking. To do this, on one side of the tube, we connect the hose for the fluid supply, and the second part we put on the outlet of the recycled refrigerant.

When testing the device with a cooler for the first time, it is categorically not recommended to turn on the maximum water pressure. It is best to open the fluid supply to 30% of the maximum allowable. Next, we carefully observe the integrity of the structure. If you find a leak, turn off the water and fix the problem. Once you have achieved perfect operation of the refrigerator and the entire moonshine as a whole, pour cold water into the distillation cube and begin distillation. Thus, we will completely clean the system and finally make sure that it is working properly.

As you can see, making a direct-flow cooling element with your own hands is not at all difficult. Having spent 1 hour of their time on this, even a beginner can make a device. As a result, we will get an inexpensive refrigerator for distilling moonshine at home.

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When creating a moonshine still, a number of primary questions arise, and one of them is what type of cooler to choose for it (coil or straight-through) and how to make the device with your own hands.

First of all, you need to decide what the refrigerator is in essence and what function it performs, what structure and principle of operation it has, how the material from which it is made affects its properties, and what exactly is the difference between a coil and a direct-flow model.

After that, having weighed all the pros and cons, you can start making a unit for steam condensation, but for this you need to delve into the issue in more detail.

A refrigerator for a moonshine still is one of the three main units in the —device of a moonshine still — along with and —hoses—.

It is located at the end of the system, always after the distillation column or. The task of the refrigerator is to cool the vapors in order to condense them to a liquid state for subsequent withdrawal from the system, which is the final stage.

Device and principles of operation

There are two main schemes for a refrigerator for a moonshine still. The first assumes the passage of steam through a spiral-wound steam line - a coil, while it is located inside a tank filled with a cooling liquid - water.

The strengths of this type include:

• Compact size.
• Possibility of refusal from running water with a sufficiently large volume of the cooling tank.

The second assumes the presence of a direct steam line and a casing adjacent to its surface, inside which cold running water circulates. The advantages of this type are:

• The absence of condensate plugs, leading to pressure drops in the system, which leads to increased boiling of the wash and, as a result, spray loss. This problem is common with the coil.
• High rate of temperature change in the cooling jacket, it is easier and faster to regulate the intensity of condensation.
• Higher efficiency, resulting in less water consumption to achieve the same result compared to a coil.

The principle of operation of any cooler is based on the heat exchange process. Hot steam, mostly consisting of ethanol and water, gets into the tube of the refrigerator and comes into contact with its walls, which have a lower temperature than itself.

As a result, the temperature of the steam begins to drop, and alcohol and water begin to condense, while the tube begins to heat up on the contrary. In order to maintain a low temperature of the tube, which is a necessary condition for rapid condensation, on the other hand, running cold water is washed over it, taking away the heat obtained from the steam.

The choice of material for the refrigerator

Both the first and the second type of cooler for a moonshine still can be made by hand. And since a heat exchange process takes place in it, the best material for these purposes is copper, which has a high level of heat transfer.

The main alternative material is food grade stainless steel, which, although inferior in thermal conductivity, has a higher chemical inertness, greater wear resistance and is somewhat cheaper.

It is not recommended to use aluminum, which has good heat transfer, affordable price and relative ease of processing due to its ability to actively oxidize, which will inevitably lead to the ingress of aluminum oxides into the moonshine.

Reinforced-plastic pipes are very popular in the manufacture of coolers, which are suitable for the manufacture of both a coil and a direct flow. The main condition is that the polymer part must be made of a chemically inert material.

A glass refrigerator for a moonshine still of both the first and second types is almost impossible to make at home, it is easier to buy such a product ready-made, especially since the price of this material is more than moderate.

At the same time, it must be used very carefully due to its fragility, but glass has absolute chemical inertness, and also allows you to observe what is happening inside the unit, which contributes to a better regulation of the distillation process of moonshine.

How to make a direct-flow refrigerator for a moonshine still with your own hands

Critical fabrication of polymeric materials and metallic elements for coolers is gaining in popularity due to its combination of good functionality, reasonable cost, and relative ease of manufacture, especially when compared to welded models.

So for a refrigerator made of polypropylene pipes and fittings, which will cost about $ 10, you will need the following materials:

The manufacturing process proceeds as follows:

When arranging all connections, do not forget to use a sealant. And how to make, which is an alternative type of cooler, you can find out in a separate article.

Small subtleties

• The optimal length for a metal straight-through, used on a small moonshine still with a cube of 25-30 liters, is 50-60 cm.
• The thinner the wall of the copper pipe, the faster the heat is transferred to the coolant, so a thickness of 1 mm is preferred.
• The one-sided gap between the pipe and the casing must be at least 1-1.5 mm.
• When selecting a polypropylene pipe, you should pay attention to the thickness of its wall in order to withstand the internal gap. So, for a pipe with an outer diameter of 20 mm, the wall is 3.5 mm thick, which determines the inner diameter of 13 mm. A 25 mm polymer pipe has a wall thickness of 4.2 mm, which corresponds to an internal diameter of 16.6 mm. The product is selected in accordance with the copper tube and its dimensions.
• More efficient operation of the cooler involves the movement of steam towards the flow of water, therefore, the inlet in the refrigerator should be the one that is farther from the inlet with steam.
• The spatial arrangement of the refrigerator should be such that the condensate flows freely into the collection container. It is either vertical or diagonal. Thus, the cooler works with high efficiency and is protected from the formation of condensate locks.
• The copper tube must be cleaned after each distillation, for example with a brush and hot water, otherwise toxic copper sulfate will begin to form under the influence of oxidative processes.

The choice of a refrigerator for a moonshine still should be based on its capacity. This applies to both the structural features of the unit and the choice of material.

The best option for any moonshine still remains a direct-flow refrigerator with a copper heat exchange element, while the casing of such a cooler can be made from a water supply or sewer pipe to save money.

The main alternative remains food grade stainless steel, which has a huge depreciation resource and high chemical inertness, but it is difficult to process, as a result of which independent production is rather complicated and requires both skills and special equipment.