This article discusses the basic diagrams of the simplest moonshine stills that you can make with your own hands in a short time. The designs are available for home production, are productive and, most importantly, safe to use. All materials for making devices are sold in stores at an affordable price.
The design of any moonshine still is based on the process of distillation - purification, separation of a mixture of liquids of different densities and chemical compositions into fractions. Our fraction, which we are going to get at home, is called moonshine, or raw alcohol, with a strength of 60 to 90 degrees.
The raw material for making alcohol in its classic form is a fermented mixture of sugar and alcohol yeast - mash. The alcohol content in the original solution reaches 14%. It is theoretically impossible to obtain more; a further increase in the concentration of ethyl alcohol inhibits the activity of yeast fungi and fermentation stops naturally.
All recommendations from experts on prolonging fermentation by adding various chemical and biological substances to the mash are from the evil one. Under no circumstances should they be used in practice. The optimal composition of mash is not exactly canonized, but has been tested in practice a thousand times - water, sugar, yeast. Old jam, expired caramel or syrups are sometimes used as sugar-containing components. This is not forbidden. Apart from imparting a specific smell to moonshine, they will not cause any further harm.
How does a moonshine still work?
The circuit of a moonshine still is very simple and is no different from a laboratory distiller. Its structure is described in detail in any chemistry textbook or laboratory equipment reference book, and the necessary drawings are also there. It consists:
- from a container for raw materials (mash);
- refrigerator;
- pipelines.
More advanced designs are equipped with a variety of devices - reflux condensers, bubblers, carbon or wood filters. Their structure and purpose will be discussed below. A home moonshine still can be easily converted into full-fledged professional equipment for the production of high-quality alcohol, the purity of which does not differ from the product of factory distillation.
The advantage of using moonshine stills at home when producing homemade alcoholic beverages is evidenced by sad statistics - most alcohol poisonings occur when drinking vodka from stores. The fact is that the production of counterfeit vodka is on an industrial basis. The raw materials used for it are alcohols of unknown origin, most often synthetic, which have nothing in common with wheat or yeast alcohol.
They affect the human body completely differently than good food distilled alcohol, and can threaten not only health, but also life, even with moderate use. Not very high-quality moonshine can only lead to a severe hangover. Therefore, let's talk about how you can brew high-quality moonshine at home, which you can drink without any special consequences (if in moderation).
The simplest moonshine still from a saucepan
The design of the most primitive distillation apparatus is simple, like everything ingenious. At the same time, it works completely normally, efficiently and safely. A do-it-yourself moonshine still is made from an ordinary five-liter saucepan (you can take a larger container), a 5-10 liter plastic bottle and a meter-long piece of copper tube with a diameter of 4-5 mm.
The simplest moonshine still from a saucepan
The handle is unscrewed from the lid of the pan and a fitting is screwed into the resulting hole, which is secured from the inside with a nut. Such fittings can be purchased at any hardware store. The diameter of the fitting is selected according to the diameter of the hole for the handle. If it is too small - less than 4 mm in diameter, then you will have to drill it out. After using the lid as a part of a moonshine still, the fitting can be removed and the handle put back in place.
We use a silicone tube of a suitable size as a steam line. It is quite flexible and durable, especially since it does not interact with alcohol vapors and is resistant to high temperatures. The smell and taste of moonshine does not change when passing through a silicone pipeline. This is confirmed by the fact that some industrial manufacturers of moonshine stills quite actively use silicone as seals and pipelines.
We make the refrigerator from a piece of copper tube, twisted into a coil with a diameter of about 8-10 cm. It is inserted into a plastic bottle with a cut off bottom, installed upside down, and comes out through a hole in the lid. Water is poured into the bottle, mash into the pan, everything is assembled into one structure and the moonshine still is ready for use.
To seal, the lid is pressed against the sides of the pan with clothespins, and the entire perimeter is coated with medium-thick flour dough. When heated, it hardens and becomes an effective sealant. You can use small carpentry clamps as clamps, and for the seal, use a silicone hose cut lengthwise with a diameter of up to 1 cm.
A home-made moonshine still is inexpensive, quick to assemble, and safe to operate. Inconveniences arise with the need to frequently replace water in the refrigerator - at least after 20-25 minutes of operation, and with the quality of the product. The moonshine obtained in this way will need to be distilled again. The productivity of the device is quite high - up to 1.5 l/hour. From 5 liters of mash you should get up to 1.5 liters of strong moonshine.
A do-it-yourself moonshine still of a more advanced design can be made in a few hours, if you do not take into account the time for purchasing purchased components - fittings, nuts, silicone and copper tubes. If you don’t have a suitable 30-40 liter pan, you’ll have to buy that too.
It is advisable to use a pan made of stainless steel or enameled. Aluminum is not suitable for various reasons. Two holes are made in the lid of the pan for a threaded fitting with a diameter of ¾ inches and for a pin thermometer. It is necessary to install a thermometer - only by completely controlling the temperature in the distillation cube can you obtain a high-quality product.
Distillation temperature
The peculiarities of moonshine brewing are that in the mash, in addition to alcohol, a number of accompanying substances with very unpleasant properties are formed, which worsen not only the taste and smell of moonshine, but also have a toxic effect on the human body. The lion's share of hangovers comes from these “supplements.”
If the distillation temperature conditions are observed, most of them can be eliminated. From the very beginning of the process, at a mash temperature of up to 60C, about 0.5 liters of the resulting liquid (you can’t call it moonshine) is taken and poured into the sewer. It consists of compounds with a boiling point lower than alcohol. It includes:
- methyl alcohol;
- acetone;
- acetaldehyde;
- ethers.
The selection of alcohol for consumption begins at a temperature of 65C and occurs in the range of 70-83C, which is maintained throughout the distillation.
Agree, it will be very difficult to work here without a thermometer.
Dephlegmator and bubbler
The lid of the pan is pressed against it with clamps around the perimeter. You will need 5-6 pieces. To increase the holding force and distribute it correctly, a clamping ring cut from plywood or durable plastic 0.5-1 cm thick is installed on the lid.
The lid is pressed with clamps
The outer diameter corresponds to the diameter of the pan collar, and the inner diameter depends on the configuration of the lid and the location of the steam line fitting and thermometer. The cover is installed on a seal made of silicone hose.
The dephlegmator is a vertical section of a ¾-inch copper tube about 40 cm long. Its role is to separate the heavy fractions of steam and condense them before entering the main steam line. The essence of the work is that the tube heats up unevenly and its upper part is colder than the lower.
As the steam rises, substances with a high boiling point (“fusel oils”) condense and flow down, back into the mash. In its action, the reflux condenser column is similar to a dry steam filter, which is not used in this design of the apparatus. But it is very appropriate to install a bubbler here.
Bubbler design
Sparging (bubbling) - mixing a liquid using gas or steam bubbles. At the same time, the level of vaporization increases due to an increase in the evaporation surface and the chemical composition of the liquid is leveled. In a moonshine still, the bubbler is used as a filter, flavoring agent and process accelerator.
Its design is quite simple, and manufacturing is not a problem even for a novice craftsman. The basis is a glass jar with a capacity of 2-3 liters with a screw cap. For devices with a cube capacity of up to 25 liters, a 1-1.5 liter jar is sufficient. Two holes are cut in the lid for tubes with a diameter of 0.5-1 cm, which are inserted with silicone seals or a screw connection with a lock nut. The device must be sealed.
Glass jar bubbler
The tube from the entrance side is made long; it does not reach the bottom of the vessel by 1.5-2 mm. The outlet pipe is 1-2 cm long below the lid. The lid is screwed tightly onto the jar and connected to the steam line. A silicone hose of suitable diameter or a stainless corrugated tube is used as a steam line. The second option is better for technical and hygienic reasons.
The long tube connects to the outlet of the cube, the short one leads to the refrigerator. Reverse connection may cause an explosion. The bubbler is a single-acting device.
A bubbler works like this - vapors coming through a long tube condense and settle to the bottom in the form of a liquid. This happens until the section of the tube is immersed in the liquid. The escaping vapors form bubbles, and the liquid begins to “boil”, although its temperature is much lower than 100C. The bubbling occurs due to gas pressure.
Alcohol vapor rises up and enters the refrigerator, and the heavy fractions of the fusel remain in the jar. They are unsuitable for further processing and are poured into the sewer. They mainly consist of poisons.
You can install several sequential bubblers on the device - this will only improve the alcohol yield. The number of bubblers does not affect the distillation speed. You can put aromatic herbs or other substances into the bubbler - orange or tangerine peels, mint, lemon balm, St. John's wort, oak bark. In this case, it will also serve as a flavoring agent. This simple device allows you to purify moonshine by 50 percent or more.
Fridge
A device of this design is suitable for working with both a refrigerator for running water and any other modification. A cooler for running water can be made from a plastic plumbing pipe or a piece of stainless steel pipe with a diameter of 100 mm and a length of up to 1 m. The ends of the pipe are closed with plugs, two fittings are welded or glued into the walls - inlet and outlet, matching the diameter of the water hose. The movement of water is reverse - the inlet is at the bottom, the outlet is at the top.
In the absence of running water, any open container of 50-70 liters and a copper or stainless steel coil is used as a refrigerator. This type of refrigerator works efficiently, but is rather bulky and requires a large area for maintenance during operation.
All-metal device of block construction
Making such an installation at home is quite problematic. You will need an argon welding machine and the ability to work with stainless steel. Otherwise, its design is simple and the operating scheme is no different from an industrial distiller. Drawings of such an installation can be found on the Internet on sales sites for industrial moonshine stills.
The device consists of:
- containers for mash, which simultaneously serve as a housing on which all other parts are mounted;
- reflux condenser columns with Panchenkov nozzle;
- bubbler;
- flow refrigerator.
The entire “mount” is assembled in the form of one block located above the body of the device. The cover with the column and refrigerator is screwed to the neck of the case with 5-6 bolts through a silicone gasket. The lid contains a thermometer and an explosion valve.
The diameter of the reflux condenser column is 40-50 mm. It is welded to the lid, or screwed onto a ¾-inch diameter fitting. The second option is more technologically advanced and easier to use. Practice shows that threaded connections are much more convenient than welded ones. Homemade moonshine stills are constantly being improved as they work. It is much easier to attach or remove any knot if it is threaded.
Several stainless steel wire meshes wound into a ball, pieces of glass tubes or stainless stamping waste are installed in the column. It is difficult to buy a real Panchenkov nozzle, but its imitation works quite effectively.
From the column, the vapor flows to a collapsible bubbler equipped with a drain valve, then to a flow-type refrigerator. The capacity of the cube can vary from 10 to 30 liters. For ease of carrying, handles are welded on both sides. The productivity of such an installation is about 2 l/h. When using a beer keg as a cube, you get another very interesting design.
How to make a simple moonshine still with your own hands
Nowadays, given the large amount of counterfeit alcohol in stores, more and more of our compatriots are leaning towards making moonshine at home. Nowadays, the law does not provide for punishment for moonshine brewing for personal purposes, so this is a good solution for those who want to have 100% high-quality alcohol at their feasts. Today, stores offer a huge variety of different moonshine stills, ranging from the simplest distillers to almost professional home mini-distilleries. The price also ranges from quite acceptable to very impressive amounts.
But still, for a novice moonshiner it is better to use a homemade moonshine still. Firstly, it will be cheaper than buying ready-made equipment. Secondly, without much understanding of moonshine equipment, you can ruin expensive equipment, and in the process of making a moonshine still, you will begin to understand what is needed for what and how exactly distillation occurs. Thirdly, and this applies not only to beginners, when buying a homemade moonshine still in finished form, you will not be sure of its quality or you may even run into a fake.
In this material we will try to reveal in as much detail as possible all the intricacies of how to make a moonshine still at home. We will consider the classic version of the distiller. Using it, you are unlikely to be able to make exclusive or exotic drinks like Calvados or whiskey, but it is time-tested, simple, reliable and inexpensive to assemble.
Design of the simplest moonshine still
The simplest scheme of a moonshine still consists of a distillation cube and a refrigerator. The mash boils in the distillation cube, and alcohol vapors settle in the refrigerator, resulting in the formation of moonshine. However, this simple moonshine still will saturate the drink with fusel oils and other harmful impurities. To get rid of them, you need to add something else to the design, or, as it is also called, a reflux condenser. We will tell you how to make a moonshine still from available materials, with minimal financial investment.
Alembic
So, the first element we will look at is the distillation cube. A distillation cube is a container in which the mash will boil during the distillation of moonshine. What can it be made from?
Most often in old, still Soviet devices, there is an aluminum cube. The distillation cube was made from a flask or can, in which milk was previously transported. It is not recommended to use such material for the manufacture of a moonshine still, because aluminum partially reacts with various acids and alcohol in the mash. In addition to the fact that unnecessary impurities appear in moonshine, with frequent use the aluminum still begins to leak after a short time and fails.
Enameled dishes. This material is neutral to acids and alcohol. If used carefully, without hitting or scratching, it can last quite a long time even with frequent use. However, it is quite difficult to seal a moonshine still from a pan well. Craftsmen have also learned to make cubes from a milking machine tank for cows, but this option is unlikely to suit a city dweller.
The most reliable option is food-grade stainless steel. Such a cube will serve for a long time; it does not come into contact with the mash, which eliminates additional harmful impurities in the finished product. However, cubes made from this material are quite expensive, and often ordinary galvanized steel is sold under the guise of stainless steel, and this is also not so durable.
You can also use a copper container as a cube, but as a rule, this is too expensive an option for a moonshine still.
The volume of the distillation cube must be selected according to the volumes in which you intend to produce moonshine. Ideal for household needs from 25 to 35 liters.
It is important to follow one rule! Never fill the still completely, it should be filled to about 80%. This is done for safety reasons, so that when boiling, the pressure in the cube does not exceed the permissible value and the cube does not burst. When choosing a container for the distillation cube, pay attention to the width of the neck. It should be large enough to make it convenient to pour the mash and wash the cube after distillation.
Don't forget about the size of the container either. The cube must be placed on the stove, be stable and not interfere with access to the entire apparatus.
You can make an electric moonshine still. For him, a distillation cube is made from a pressure cooker. It has a small volume, but it has its advantages - there is no need to use a stove, since it has its own heater, and it is initially sealed. You only need to make a hole in the lid for the steam outlet tube.
A milk can, preferably made of steel, is best. This is the simplest option. Just be sure to change the rubber gasket under the lid to silicone, because alcohol vapor absorbs harmful substances from rubber. This will certainly affect the quality, taste and smell of the finished product.
How to do it yourself: remove the rubber gasket, then apply silicone sealant to the edges of the lid and leave to dry. Repeat several times. Place cellophane on the neck of the can and close the lid. Keep it this way until completely dry. This will make an excellent silicone seal.
Moonshine still refrigerator
The refrigerator in the moonshine still plays a very important role - it is in it that the alcohol vapors condense and the finished product flows from there. To make a refrigerator, it is enough to understand how the principle of its operation works.
There are two types of refrigerators: direct-flow and coil. A straight-through refrigerator consists of a straight metal tube that is placed inside a pipe with a wider diameter. Water flows continuously through this pipe, acting as a refrigerant. You can make a simple refrigerator for a moonshine still with your own hands from a copper tube with a diameter of up to 10 mm and a polypropylene pipe with a diameter of more than 20 mm. Fittings with plugs are screwed onto the polypropylene pipe, and holes are drilled into them with a diameter similar to that of a copper pipe. The copper tube will need to be inserted into these holes and seal the cracks. The copper tube is connected to the distillation cube, and the fittings are connected to the water tap.
Coils are made of glass, copper, aluminum or food grade stainless steel. Copper and aluminum have good thermal conductivity and are easy to make a coil from. But they have disadvantages - they are oxidized by alcohol vapor, so they must be cleaned with vinegar or citric acid after each distillation. It is impossible to make a glass coil yourself; you can buy it in a special store. However, they are very fragile, so it is not recommended to use such devices. Food steel does not oxidize and does not release any substances into the finished product, however, the thermal conductivity of steel is three to four times lower than that of copper. The best option is a copper coil. In some countries, copper is even the only permitted material for the manufacture of distillers. But it must be constantly cleaned.
The longer the coil tube, the more contact there is with the cooling element, but tubes that are too long have poor performance. The optimal option is 1.5-2 meters. The inner diameter of the tube is approximately 8-12 mm.
The copper tube must be twisted in a spiral with a small distance between the turns. The coil itself is lowered into a reservoir with a coolant, usually water. Systems can be closed - the water is constantly in the tank and does not circulate, and open - the water is constantly moving. A closed refrigerator is easier to manufacture and uses less water, but its characteristics are worse - even if you change the water regularly, it heats up quickly enough, as a result of which alcohol condenses poorly. Therefore, the losses of moonshine are quite large. An open system is more difficult to manufacture, but moonshine condenses better and its quality is higher.
The simplest and cheapest option is to wind a copper tube into a spiral with an outer diameter of approximately 100 mm, and use a 110 mm piece of sewer pipe as a reservoir. Drill two small holes on the sides of the pipe for silicone tubes leading to the coil, place the spiral inside and close the pipe on both sides with special plugs. They also drill holes for the cold water supply and outlet hoses. The structure must be connected to the water supply in such a way that cold water flows in the opposite direction to the movement of steam.
These elements are designed to clean steam from fusel oils and other harmful impurities. The principle of operation of the device is that the condensation temperatures of these impurities are lower than the condensation temperature of alcohol, therefore, alcohol vapors passing through these devices are cleared of fusel oil vapors.
A steamer can be made from an ordinary glass jar with a screw-on lid. You need to drill two holes in the lid for inlet and outlet of vapors, screw the fittings into them and connect the hoses. After which the lid is screwed onto the jar. The inlet tube must be lowered below the outlet tube by 15-30 mm. Alcohol vapor will escape through the outlet tube, and fusel oil vapor will settle on the walls of the jar. A steamer made in this way is easy to clean and rinse.
The bubbler performs the same function as the steam steamer. The difference is that the alcohol vapor passes through a layer of water. In a bubbler, the inlet tube descends almost to the bottom of the jar, not reaching 2-3 cm. Before distillation, cold water must be poured into the bubbler. The outlet tube must not touch the water.
How to assemble a simple moonshine still
Assembling the device is very simple. A hole must be drilled in the lid of the distillation cube to which a tube must be connected to allow steam to escape. This tube is connected to a steamer or bubbler, and from there it is connected to the refrigerator. A refrigerator with an open cooling system must be connected to the water supply and drain. A container for the finished product is placed or connected under the outlet tube of the coil. The assembly of the moonshine still is complete.
Pay attention to the material from which all connecting hoses are made. It is best to use food-grade silicone; it does not react in any way with alcohol vapors. The main thing is not to confuse it with PVC pipes, which begin to melt from the high temperature and harmful impurities are added to the alcohol vapor. You should also not use rubber, due to the fact that alcohol vapor absorbs harmful substances from this material.
It is not recommended to seal the entire structure tightly after assembly. The tubes must be made easily removable, and the connection must be airtight. If you make the tubes non-removable, then servicing, washing and moving the assembled device will be very inconvenient.
If you wish, you can install thermometers on the still or the distiller itself to make it easier to monitor the temperature of the process.
That's all, the home moonshine still is ready. Now you know how to make a moonshine still with your own hands. You can put in the mash and start distilling; you can get your high-quality alcohol at home.
If you still have questions about making a moonshine still, you can look at photos and videos that explain each step in detail. Descriptions and drawings of all devices can be found there.
Unfortunately, the statistics of poisoning with vodka and other alcohol make us think. Sometimes counterfeit goods that are very dangerous to health end up in stores, so some people have a question about how to make a moonshine still at home. With proper production, you can only get a high-quality product.
General description and principles of operation
The circuit of the moonshine still is simple, like everything ingenious. In design and operation, it is not much different from the distiller used in many chemical laboratories.
Device structure. The main components are as follows: distillation cube: container for raw materials (mash); refrigerator with coil; tube to connect them.
To obtain higher quality moonshine, the device is sometimes supplemented with: a steamer; bubbler; carbon or wood filter.
You can buy a ready-made device. However, many are more interested in assembling it themselves. They even do electrical installations using automation.
Mechanism of operation
The raw material is mash based on sugar or starch. Yeast is also added here. The composition is optimal for the growth of the necessary microorganisms - fungi.
In the process of life they will release waste- alcohols in concentrated form, of which only ethyl is of interest. During distillation the following happens:
- In the distillation cube, the mash is heated and breaks down into liquid and vapor containing alcohols.
- The vapor moves through the tube, the coil. Alcohols are divided into fractions (types).
- In the refrigerator, a container of water, suitable alcohol is cooled and condensed.
The difference between moonshine and rectified
It is worth considering that even if you carry out this procedure several times, using additional devices (filter, bubbler, steamer), harmful impurities will remain. The quality of the product depends only on their volume.
There is a method that allows you to obtain alcohol with a minimum amount of impurities. This is rectification, in which alcohols are divided into fractions in several stages. To carry it out, you will need more complex equipment, which is difficult to make yourself.
The rectificate can be found at the pharmacy: this medical alcohol(95.57%). Moonshine is also called distillate based on its production method.
The following drinks are prepared using rectification:
- vodka;
- liqueurs, etc.
In the process of obtaining rectification properties are lost required for some drinks. For example, the aroma of cognac appears due to fusel oils, so this drink is best made from distillate. It is usually obtained in a professional industrial way. As an option, flavorings are added to the rectified product.
The opinion that rectified alcohol is safer than moonshine is erroneous. The purer the alcohol, the its intoxicating effect is stronger. Molecules move from the blood into the nervous system faster, and harmful products take longer to be eliminated. The poison is better absorbed and comes out harder.
Installation assembly
Distillation cube. Any container with suitable qualities is suitable for a distillation cube. It is often heated on the stove.
The main requirement is tightness. Some weld the container themselves from regular or stainless steel. This option may be unreliable for the following reasons:
- The mash sticks, but there is no way to stir it, since it needs to be sealed.
- When exposed to high temperatures and pressure, poor quality seams will come apart.
Fridge. The quality of the refrigerator as part of the distillation unit determines: operating speed; quantity of product. Refrigeration structures are divided into two types:
- cumulative;
- flow-through
In running water, the water moves, so it does not have time to heat up. The design includes tubes.
- Through the first, water enters the refrigerator.
- From the second - it comes out.
Storage refrigerator- closed container with water. Inferior in quality to flow-through: the amount of condensate and the volume of product are reduced. Cooling is not as effective, which is why there is 15-20% less moonshine.
You can find many drawings of a storage refrigerator for a homemade moonshine still. The simplest design is regular plastic bucket with holes for draining and collecting water and a coil inside. In winter it is especially convenient, as you can collect snow and ice.
In storage containers, the hole for draining should be at the top, for collection - at the bottom. It is advisable to keep the temperature in the distillation cube as low as possible. This will result in less steam and more product.
The moonshine will come out through another hole. To control, try on the wrist. If it’s cool, the cooling system is excellent, if it’s hot, it’s bad. In the latter case, the product will be about a third less.
Coil - tube, placed in the refrigerator and connected to a cube or, if available, to a steamer. The longer, the better the steam is cooled. The following simple manufacturing options are common:
- Copper tube measuring 15-20 mm, screwed onto the base. During winding, it is advisable to fill it with sand to prevent deformation that would interfere with the escape of condensate. To prevent sleep, they plug it with a rod, for example, made of wood. The base is in a vice.
- Siphon hose, the desired length is 2 m. It is also twisted into a spiral. Fastened using nipples, gaskets, nuts. Additionally, a sealant is applied to any coil.
Steamer and bubbler
The steamer is an optional part of the design of a moonshine still, made at home with your own hands.
He is needed for removing fusel oils. It is located between the still and the coil. With its help the following happens:
- The pressure and temperature decrease, so the vapor becomes liquid. The next wave of vapor pushes them out.
- Fusel oils collect on the walls of the vessel. When you repeat the procedure 2-3 times, almost no of them remain.
The drink itself is often called fusel because of its characteristic taste and smell. Fewer amounts of these oils make the product safer for health: The hangover is not so severe.
It is not possible to completely get rid of them during moonshine brewing (distillation). In many well-known drinks, these oils are necessarily left in a certain amount (whisky, rum, etc.). Such products are “advanced” analogues of moonshine. Three steam steamers are often used in a cascade. The advantages here are:
- the moonshine comes out to be of very high quality, with a high degree of purification;
- already on the first distillation the strength is about 80%.
Three containers - the optimal number: if it is less, then the effect will be insufficient; a larger number plays almost no role.
The volume of one steamer is approximately 10 times less than that of a container with mash. It's easy to make. Usually a glass jar of the required volume is taken, and the lid is “modernized” to it.
The lid must be screwed on. Two holes are made in it, for example, with a knife or screwdriver. You need to try to avoid burrs. Fittings are inserted into the holes and secured with nuts. Next, the tubes are put on.
Periodically, the water is drained to avoid it getting into the coil, and then into the moonshine. The steamer is also used for flavoring. Add something to taste, for example:
- berries, preferably dried;
- herbs;
- citrus peels, etc.
Feel free to experiment with scents. They will be barely distinguishable, and more by smell than by taste.
The bubbler is used for the same purposes as the steam steamer. The differences are more related to the design. In the bubbler there is usually liquid, through which the pairs are passed. The supply tube is lowered much lower, almost to the bottom of the container.
Connecting tubes and filters
If flexible hoses are used for connection, it is better to choose silicone ones. If you use PVC pipes, toxic substances will be released upon contact with hot vapors. Externally, these materials are sometimes confused. You can distinguish by some signs:
- A piece of PVC burns with a lot of smoke and an unpleasant odor. Silicone does not smoke, has almost no smell, and leaves behind a light ash.
- The silicone is pleasant and silky to the touch.
- PVC hardens at -10 °C, silicone remains elastic.
Filters for purifying the finished product are made, for example, like this:
- The bottom of a plastic bottle is cut off.
- There are many small holes made in the cork.
- The filter itself is prepared from cotton wool and coal fractions inside. Roll a ball at least 4 cm in length.
Moonshine is passed through the resulting device. Before filtering, the drink must stand in a container with coal.
Selection of materials
In Soviet times, it was widely believed that the best material for a direct-flow distiller was copper. It was easy to find and inexpensive.
However, when alcohol vapor interacts with copper, ethers and aldehydes are formed, which remain in the system. There is always vinegar in the mash. When interacting with aluminum, harmful salts are obtained - alum.
Glass has neutral qualities and does not react. However, this material has a significant drawback - fragility. Food grade stainless steel- perhaps the most reliable option:
- does not react and does not form deposits;
- reliable;
- easy to care for.
Although, in terms of thermal conductivity and ease of making coils, copper is much better. In terms of accessibility, other materials may benefit. The harm from their use is usually not significant. Therefore, a design made from various suitable materials often pays off.
Examples of simple installations
A moonshine still of the simplest design can be made from available materials. The main thing is to follow simple rules and use your imagination.
Moonshine still from a saucepan. Even a regular five-liter saucepan is suitable for the device. It is better to use a pressure cooker as it is more airtight. In addition to it, you need to find: a 5-liter plastic bottle; copper tube: length - approximately 1 meter, diameter - 4-5 mm.
- The handle is removed from the lid. A fitting is inserted into the hole and secured on the inside with a nut. If the hole is small, you need to drill it out.
- A silicone tube will be used as a connecting tube. It is harmless and does not change the taste, so it is often used by industrial producers.
- The refrigerator will be a plastic bottle with a copper tube placed inside. The bottle is turned over and the bottom is cut off. A coil is made from a tube, about 8 cm in diameter. It comes out through a hole made in the bottle cap.
- Water is poured into the mini-fridge and mash into the pan.
- For sealing purposes, the lid of the pan is pressed with clothespins. Its edges can be covered with dough. It will harden when heated. Another clamp option is carpenter's clamps, and the seal is a cut silicone tube.
- The design can become more complicated and improved. For example, there is also a hole in the lid for a pin thermometer.
Can based distiller
Often a large milk can (flask) is used for production. It is initially quite airtight.
The rubber gasket must be removed. The mash will absorb its smell. Instead, it will do food grade silicone gasket.
You can make it yourself from aquarium silicone:
- Apply to the edges of the lid. After complete drying - at least two more layers.
- Ordinary cellophane is placed on the neck of the can, after which the lid is closed. You need to wait a few hours.
Further, a hole is made in the lid under a tube or a long coil. The thickness of the latter is about 12 mm. As a refrigerator, you can use, for example, a specially designed plastic bucket with holes at the bottom for water to flow in and moonshine to come out.
To submit hose used connected to the water supply. Draining occurs through a hole in the top of the tube.
When prepared correctly, moonshine can easily compete with store-bought products. He also has clear advantages: low price and comparative safety.
Attention, TODAY only!
Every novice moonshiner should know the design of a moonshine still, as well as its functions and operating principle. Without knowing all the intricacies of the distillation system, a beginner will not be able to prepare a drink that his guests will appreciate. Therefore, let's look at the operating features and types of moonshine stills in more detail.
1 What does a moonshine brewing apparatus consist of?
A system for distilling and purifying homemade drinks is needed in every family whose members care about their health. After all, with the help of a moonshine still it is possible to produce not only high-quality homemade gin or cognac, but also such popular medicinal drinks as viburnum tincture with moonshine or. With their help, the treatment and rehabilitation process after illness will be faster and more effective.
As the demand for moonshine stills grows, so does the supply from their manufacturers. Trying to surprise their customers, companies equip their systems with the latest technical innovations, making them more powerful and productive. We will look at the design of a conventional moonshine unit, after studying which you will be able to understand all other, more advanced devices.
Typically, a home alcohol distillation system consists of a refrigerator connected to a still. Aluminum milk cans are often used as distillation containers at home. They are quite convenient for this work, as they have sealed lids. To turn ordinary cans into stills, you just need to drill small holes in their lids. Other products made of copper or galvanized steel will also work for this task.
A typical refrigerator for a moonshine still is a copper tube with a diameter of no more than 1 mm. The tube must be twisted and in the shape of a spiral. The refrigerator design can be air or water cooled. It is worth noting that the second cooling method is more effective for the operation of the entire system. That is why most new models of moonshine units are equipped with cooling with running water, which circulates through channels specially designed for this.
Alcohol in such systems quite quickly turns from vapor into a finished liquid. Thanks to the high speed of operation of water-cooled moonshine structures, their owners have the opportunity to produce up to 4 liters of drink per hour. Another important part of a moonshine unit is a steam chamber or reflux condenser. The element is designed to reduce or completely eliminate fusel oils and other impurities that are hazardous to human health. Their presence in the drink leads to severe poisoning, which makes it a prerequisite for the production of a high-quality homemade drink.
Let's summarize: the design of the distillation system consists of a distillation cube and a refrigerator, between which a steamer is built in. All three elements are interconnected by channels through which alcohol obtained from mash passes. In addition, additional tubes are connected to the system’s refrigerator, through which cold running water flows.
2 On what principle does the alcohol distillation system work?
The operating principle of the moonshine still is very simple. However, not all distillation systems work the same. The more technologically advanced the device itself, the more difficult it is to use. To understand how to prepare a homemade drink, you need to start with mash. It is a low-alcohol drink with a cloudy tint, which can be obtained as a result of fermentation of yeast, water and sugar.
This mixture cannot be consumed due to the large amount of fusel oils and other substances formed as a result of their combination with alcohols. This is where we need a moonshine still, all of whose actions are aimed at separating alcohol from harmful fractions and their residues.
The operation of the moonshine unit is based on simple distillation. With the help of this chemical process we obtain a high-quality and safe drink. First, mash is placed in the distillation cube, which gradually enters the steam chamber. There it is cleared of impurities, after which it goes into the refrigerator. In this part of the moonshine still, moonshine vapor is converted into liquid. This is exactly how the process of preparing a natural drink occurs.
Only by knowing about the actions of each of the elements of the distillation system can you and I understand how to use a moonshine still. But do not forget that this is only the most primitive method of preparing natural alcohol. As the number of parts in the design of the distillation system increases, the method of making moonshine also becomes more complicated.
In the circles of experienced moonshiners, there are several important rules that should be followed when preparing alcoholic beverages at home. These include:
- It is not recommended to use the so-called “pervach” - a product formed after heating the mash to 65 ˚C;
- Drinkable alcohol is formed when the mash is heated to 78˚C;
- It is strictly not recommended to heat the moonshine still above 85˚C, otherwise poisonous fusel oils will begin to evaporate along with the alcohols;
- If you notice that alcohol has begun to drip from the coil, then the preparation of moonshine can be stopped.
Each of these rules should be learned by heart and always adhere to them. Otherwise, there will be a risk of being poisoned by your own product, which can lead to irreparable consequences.
3 Types of distillation systems
Due to the desire of manufacturers to interest a potential buyer in every possible way, each of them tries to create a device that would be radically different from the products of competing companies. That is why more and more different moonshine stills are appearing on the market, which are usually classified separately.
The first factor by which systems for making moonshine are divided is their cost. Everything here is very, very simple - the more expensive the material for the unit, the higher the price of the structure itself. Therefore, experts classify distillation units into cheap, mid-price and luxury devices. The latter include systems made of noble materials, the price of which starts from 80 thousand rubles. Devices for making homemade alcohol costing from 20 to 80 thousand rubles. belong to mid-priced devices. All moonshine stills at a lower cost are among the cheap designs.
The next factor by which moonshine stills are divided is their capabilities. Thus, on the market you can find conventional systems that are intended exclusively for creating homemade drinks, as well as “3 in 1” type units ". The latter include systems in which you can produce homemade beer or use them to ferment the components of future moonshine. Such designs include the distillation system, which is well known to the domestic buyer." Japan".
In addition to these devices, mini distilleries have also appeared on the market. The main feature of such designs is the ease of preparing the drink. To get started, just place the mash in the tank of the device, connect the system to running water and plug it into a power outlet. The system will do all the rest of the work to control the temperature and other parameters. At the end of work, the mini-distillery automatically turns off.
And a little about secrets...
Russian scientists from the Department of Biotechnology have created a drug that can help treat alcoholism in just 1 month.
The main difference of the drug is ITS 100% NATURAL, which means it is effective and safe for life:
- eliminates psychological cravings
- eliminates breakdowns and depression
- protects liver cells from damage
- eliminates heavy drinking in 24 HOURS
- COMPLETE RIDGE from alcoholism, regardless of stage
- very affordable price.. only 990 rubles
A course of treatment in just 30 DAYS provides a comprehensive SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL.
The unique ALCOBARRIER complex is by far the most effective in the fight against alcohol addiction.
Follow the link and find out all the benefits of the alcohol barrier
A moonshine still is a complex device used to make homemade alcohol. Due to rising prices and deteriorating quality of alcoholic beverages in stores, the device has become very popular. However, to produce first-class moonshine, novice distillers must understand the design, types and features of the apparatus.
You can buy a moonshine still (distiller) or assemble it yourself. It will be difficult for novice distillers, who are not yet even familiar with the basics, to make a good device on their own. And for starters, you can pay attention to ready-made devices. To grasp the essence and meaning of the process, and subsequently, you can improve the equipment if the need arises.
Types of distillers
Each distiller has its own advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing, you should take into account the volume of the cube, dimensions, power, materials used, and design features.
Distiller components and their purpose
The design of a moonshine still depends on the type and modification of the device. The classic and most popular unit in our time consists of a distillation cube, a reflux condenser, and a refrigerator.
- A dephlegmator connected to the coil is used to filter harmful substances. Methyl alcohol, fusel oils and other heavy components are collected in the sump. The reflux condenser, installed between the still and the coil, is very important for a moonshine still, because some impurities are harmful to health.
- The refrigerator uses a coil to cool the incoming vapor. The resulting mass of alcohol depends on the quality of the component. If the refrigerator is not sealed, the alcohol may ignite.
- A distillation cube, equipped with heating elements or set on fire, is used for boiling. The element may look like a pan, can, or barrel. The main requirement for a distillation cube is tightness.
- A thermometer is necessary to control the boiling of the feedstock. If you do not monitor the temperature, the taste of moonshine deteriorates and quality is lost due to the high concentration of harmful impurities.
Classic devices, made according to a standard design, are equipped with a steam chamber or reflux condenser and a thermometer. Additional elements improve the quality of the drink and simplify the preparation process.
Operating principle of the device
Moonshine is a strong alcohol obtained by distilling a solution of ethyl alcohol, impurities and water. The quality of alcohol depends on the process technology, the quality of the mash and the amount of harmful impurities.
Stages of work
- The primary raw material placed in the distillation cube is heated. At a temperature of 63-65 degrees, low-boiling compounds, such as acetone, methyl, aldehydes, etc., begin to evaporate from the mash.
- The device, when reaching approximately 68-70 degrees, begins to release steam. The resulting ethyl alcohol enters the tube. The optimal temperature is 78-80 degrees. When the norm is exceeded, heavy oily components (fusel) begin to be released.
- Vapor substances flow through a tube into the refrigerator, where the process of condensation occurs and the vapor turns into liquid.
Since harmful substances can get into the finished product, it is recommended to include a steam vaporizer in the diagram (a reflux condenser, or a reflux condenser - that’s all, the names of the same device). Its use in the circuit of a moonshine still will reduce the amount of fusel oils and various harmful impurities. Installed between the coil and the distillation cube.
Features and design of the reflux condenser
A dry steam tank is a fairly simple device and includes a tank for settling, a pair of fittings or tubes and connecting components that ensure tightness. If necessary, you can assemble them yourself. To do this, you need a jar with an airtight screw cap.
Assembling a steamer with your own hands
Selecting a jar. The volume of the reservoir depends on the capacity of the distillation cube and should allow it to accommodate not only the accumulated liquid, but also, if necessary, flavoring and aromatic components.
Installation of fittings. Two fittings are installed in the lid, designed for steam outlet and input. One of the tubes or hoses should reach almost to the bottom of the tank, this will help prevent non-condensed vapors from entering the refrigerator.
Despite the simple device, the presence of a steamer in a moonshine still is necessary. The component serves as an excellent filter and is used in most moonshine stills. The main thing to remember is that it must be airtight.
On some models of factory stills, the liquid from the steamer is returned to the distillation cube, which helps reduce alcohol losses from the raw material. But such a design is quite complex and requires special skills and the use of technical equipment, which makes it difficult to manufacture independently.
Refrigerator Features
There are 2 types of moonshine still refrigerators. The flow-through component is made of a tubular spiral and a sealed reservoir through which cold water passes. The main advantage of such refrigerators is their small size and good performance.
The non-flowing component is made from a fairly large tank with a capacity of 20 liters or more. Spiral-shaped tubes cut into the tank through which steam passes. To operate, the tank is filled with cold water (you can even use snow and ice in the cold season), which heats up during the distillation process. Such a refrigerator is easy to create, but has a noticeable drawback. Warm water must be periodically drained or scooped out and replaced with cold water.
Tubes and hoses
For a homemade moonshine still, you can use stainless metal tubes that are welded to the other components. However, without equipment and skills, assembling such a structure is problematic. The simplest solution is to use silicone hoses with nuts or clamps. When heated, the tube material remains elastic and does not impart a chemical taste to the product.
How to choose a moonshine still?
It will be difficult for novice distillers to make a good and high-quality distiller on their own, so it is easier to buy a unit. But, many factors should be taken into account.
Distiller - moonshine. What you should pay attention to
- Material. Most often, the distiller is made of stainless steel or copper; there are examples that combine both metals in their design. Craftsmen also make devices from aluminum. A stainless steel device is considered the most acceptable due to the properties, price and significant service life of the material. The main thing is that the steel complies with the state regulations and is no thinner than 2 mm. Copper units are much more expensive, but quickly begin to tarnish. Aluminum distillers are not recommended, since the metal affects the taste and can release many harmful substances into the drink.
- Volume of a cube. The reservoir should not be filled to more than 80% of its volume. For example, only 12 liters can be poured into a 15-liter tank. If you distill moonshine no more than 1-2 times a week, this will be quite enough.
- Power. The refrigerator must correspond to the size of the distillation cube, which is not always taken into account by modern manufacturers. A novice distiller should find out not only the productivity of the apparatus per hour, but also the degree of heating and cooling rate.
- Dimensions. The minimum height of a distillation or mash column is 1 m. Such a unit is installed on a stove, which further increases the dimensions. Before purchasing a column, it is important to consider the height of the ceiling.
- Design features. There are solid and dismountable devices on sale. Modular devices are easier to clean and store. The distiller may also have drain valves located on the still, reflux condensers, etc. It is also worth taking into account the type of heating, the device is heated by heating elements below, since it is not placed on the stove.
- Automation. A distiller with controllers greatly simplifies the distillation process. However, if the sensor breaks down, the device becomes inoperable.
One of the main requirements for modern distillers is the presence of a thermometer that allows you to control the correct temperature conditions of the process.
Result:
The popularity of homemade alcoholic drinks is only increasing. Therefore, it should be approached with all responsibility. Each component of the distiller affects the quality of the resulting product, its taste and smell.