If a couple of years ago there was quite an active discussion of the topic “which nozzle is better?”, Today this question is practically closed. The appearance and practical development of the SPN (spiral-prismatic nozzle) resolved these disputes quite clearly. Of course, the use of cut or uncut stainless steel sponges as nozzles remains relevant even now. But this is a “quick fix” option, and rectifiers who use washcloths sooner or later end up with SPN. However, we will mention not only these varieties. What was used before (and sometimes still used in some places today)?
1. Washcloths. Awarded first place for accessibility, low cost and fairly good results in use. When choosing washcloths, the main attention should be paid to the issue of actual corrosion resistance. Therefore, you should not buy a lot at once; you need to check the candidate first. To do this, the washcloth must be “salted”, i.e. cut into pieces, sprinkle with salt and wrap in a wet rag (or the rag should be soaked in brine), leave to lie. If after several days the rust has not appeared, everything is in order, you can start shopping. The number of washcloths should be based on the approximate packing density of 250-280 grams of washcloth per liter of the internal volume of the packed part of the column. You can stuff it either with whole washcloths or by cutting them into pieces. The density of the packing depends on the size of the cutting (there is no need to chop it too much - they crumble), and the quality of separation depends on the density. It will still not be possible to achieve maximum separation with washcloths.
Sponges can also be used as a holding “plug” when filling the column with other nozzles.
2. Raschig rings, balls, ceramics and other repeating elements. These types of packing have long been used in packed columns. The material from which the elements are made can be different - metal, ceramics, glass. The surface is better rough. In principle, a normal nozzle.
3. Sulzer attachment, Panchenkov on-load tap-changer. This type of attachment has long been presented by some manufacturers of household appliances as almost a breakthrough solution. In fact, these attachments have been used in industry for a long time. Compared to the attachments above, these two options (which are essentially the same) provide better separation and are slightly more productive.
Finally, relatively recently appeared
4. SPN nozzles (spiral-prismatic). SPN Selivanenko was the first to appear on the market. At the moment, the topic of creating SPNs has been developed by other manufacturers. A lot of work has been done to create specific SPNs to achieve various goals. Currently, this type of nozzle is the best for use in household columns. According to the results of numerous experiments conducted by rectifiers, the best option in terms of versatility, results obtained and cost is the use of a 10-sided SPN produced in Ukraine - the so-called Diogenes SPN.
You can make the SPN yourself, although for single use it is easier to buy from a reputable manufacturer. The price of a good nozzle on average ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles per liter (1 liter of nozzle weighs about 1.2 - 2.1 kg, depending on the thickness of the wire). Recently I was at a construction fair, I went into a pavilion with moonshine goods, so they asked 1,500 rubles for 450 grams. This, of course, is nonsense. Here is a video on how you can make the nozzle yourself
I will not consider options for using broken glass and other ersatz substitutes as a nozzle, since for those who want to save money, there are washcloths that give quite predictable results and about the use of which there are a lot of reviews.
What is the impact of the attachment on the final result? The nozzle is designed to ensure good retention of the maximum amount of reflux in the form of a film on its surface and at the same time ensure the passage of a sufficient steam flow. After all, it is during the interaction of steam and phlegm that the separation of the alcohol-water mixture into fractions occurs. Thus, the larger the surface area of the nozzle, the better, but the nozzle should not be too “tight” so that the steam path is blocked. As soon as the nozzle begins to “flood” with phlegm, steam will bubble through the phlegm and then choke will occur. Thus, there are several operating modes of the column: “film”, “emulsification” and emergency - flooding. The most profitable mode is emulsification. The main thing here is to find out at what indicators of power supply and extraction in your column it is possible to achieve a stable pre-flood, which does not turn into a choke. For each column, these indicators will be different, since it is impossible to take into account all the nuances, for example, heat loss, heater efficiency, etc.
You can write a lot about the nozzle, even just one SPN, so if you have any specific questions, ask.
Traditionally, copper is used for the production of moonshine stills all over the world. It has a number of properties that all other metals lack. First of all, copper began to be used for the manufacture of stills due to its malleability, corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity. But all the “religious” disputes among moonshiners revolve mainly around the properties of this amazing metal to purify distillates from sulfur compounds and make them more refined. Not the least place in these disputes is given to copper oxides that are hazardous to health on the internal surfaces of the moonshine still. In this material, we decided to shed light on all aspects of the use of copper in moonshine and express our point of view, based mainly on laboratory research.
Why copper for distillation is good
The main and most important property of copper, for which it is so valued by distillers all over the world, is the chemical activity of this material. During distillation, ions and oxides on the surface of copper actively interact with compounds in alcohol vapor, acting as a kind of catalyst for various exchange and redox reactions. As a result, copper takes something from the drink and gives something to it. This is probably where we should start.
Copper takes away
One of the most important redox reactions associated with copper is the interaction of its oxides with various foul-smelling sulfur compounds. The result of this interaction is either an insoluble solid layer on the surface of the copper product, or a soluble coating, which can partially get into the selection (read about this below). As a result, the amount of compounds with an unpleasant odor in distillation products is reduced and their organoleptic properties are improved. The mechanism of “binding” of sulfur by copper oxides has been partially studied.
One of the most foul-smelling sulfur compounds is known to be dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), with an detection level of only 0.1 µg/L, and typical concentrations in fruit and grain alcohols ranging from 1 to 6 µg/L. It has been proven that after distilling alcohol in moonshine stills with copper components, the amount of DMTS associated with a host of unpleasant odors, from rotting fish to boiled cabbage, is reduced to a level below the perception of our receptors. Copper also acts as a catalyst in the conversion of mercaptans (thiols) into less pungent odor compounds. Mercaptans often appear in mash as a by-product of fermentation (especially when the wort is infected with anaerobic bacteria) and have a strong, very unpleasant smell of rotten vegetables.
In the 1980s, a hot topic in distilling was ethyl carbonate (urethane), which was shown to be carcinogenic and concentrated in spirits as they matured. During the study, the scientists discovered that many distillates, especially grain whiskeys and bourbons made in stainless steel columns, contained too much urethane, which only became concentrated during their aging. As it turned out later, copper in the design of distillation and mash columns significantly reduces the concentration of ethyl carbonate in the drink. After this, many manufacturers of noble drinks in the USA and Europe began to equip their columns with copper elements.
The greatest influence of copper on the “binding” of sulfur (DMTS) in conventional moonshine stills is observed in the steam zone during the first distillation and in the still during the second. Prolonged contact of reflux with copper also has a positive effect on redox reactions. Intense reflux in mash columns with copper elements makes it possible to obtain drinks with a lower content of DMTS and phenols, but with a large amount of esters and higher alcohols, which later, at the stage of maturation of the distillate in a barrel, form a complex flavor profile. It follows from this that copper, in addition to purifying moonshine from many dangerous and foul-smelling compounds, also promotes the formation of new substances that form a more pleasant and complex flavor profile of the drink.
Copper gives
There are many scientific studies, including domestic experts, who prove that copper in the steam zone during the first distillation acts as a catalyst for the oxidation of higher acids and allows one to obtain a larger amount of enanthic esters (they form the complex fruity taste of cognac spirits and are desirable in almost all fruit distillates ). When distilling fruit mash in copper stills, 60-100% more esters are formed, 10-15% more aldehydes, and 150-200% more furfural than when distilling in stainless steel stills. In addition, aged cognac spirits contain compounds whose origin is associated with the breakdown of ascorbic acid under the influence of the catalytic properties of copper.
Also, copper in the distillation cube is a catalyst for a number of complex reactions that occur in the still at distillation temperatures - melanoid formation, caramelization, dehydration and cyclization of sugars, followed by their polymerization and polycondensation. As a result, heterocyclic compounds are formed, giving drinks a huge range of aromas - caramel, vanilla, chocolate, nutty, spicy, etc. In other words, copper has a huge impact on the formation of more complex and tasty distillates!
Why copper is dangerous
Simultaneously with the purification and improvement of moonshine, soluble copper oxides are formed in copper moonshine stills, which are toxic and can greatly harm the health of drinkers. To prevent contact of copper salts with food, copper utensils are coated with a layer of tin (tinned). But tinned copper in moonshine stills is of little use - it does not come into contact with vapors or phlegm, and no reactions occur. Dead end? Not really.
Copper oxides can enter the distillate only at the moment of condensation of alcohol inside the copper refrigerator - before this, non-volatile copper salts either settle on the helmet of the alambic and the copper components of the reflux condenser of the mash column, or are washed away by phlegm back into the still. Therefore, using a tinned refrigerator (or one made of stainless steel) solves the problem described above without harming the overall cause. Moreover, a copper refrigerator, which has been proven in laboratory studies, has a minimal effect on the removal of DMTS (but has a positive effect on the conversion of smelly dimethyl sulfide (DMS) into a less aromatic sulfide).
Why copper needs to be cleaned
And now we come to the most important thing - copper must be cleaned. Oxides that gradually accumulate on copper surfaces prevent contact of alcohol vapors with the metal. Redox reactions are reduced to a minimum, and heat transfer properties suffer. There are several simple but effective ways to clean copper from salt deposits, without the need to use any household chemicals, the residues of which on the internal surfaces of the distiller can affect the quality of moonshine:
- Hot barda: To quickly and effectively clean small copper products such as on-load tap changers, copper tubes and tray column caps, they can be dipped in hot stillage (the remaining liquid in the still after distillation) for 10-15 minutes. For the best effect, the stillage can be boiled directly in the still (or poured into a large saucepan if the neck of the still is too narrow).
- Lemon acid: dissolve 25 g of citric acid in a liter of boiling water, rub all oxidized parts with this solution, wait 20-30 minutes and rinse with running water. An ordinary toilet brush (of course, only a new one and intended exclusively for cleaning copper) will help speed up the cleaning process, which is convenient for rubbing in the solution and removing hardened salts. This method can be used to clean all copper elements of the moonshine still, including the coil.
- Cola, Sprite, ketchup: Exotic but effective copper cleaning products. Cleaning is carried out according to the scheme described above with citric acid: the product is rubbed into the oxidized surface, left for some time and washed off with clean water. There is one drawback: copper can absorb odors, which can affect the organoleptic properties of the drink.
To maintain copper in “working condition,” it must be cleaned regularly, ideally after each distillation or when visible deposits appear on the surfaces. It is also recommended to clean the outside of copper elements, which not only affects the appearance of the product, but also maintains its high thermal conductivity. This is especially true for a copper alambic helmet, the walls of which, through air cooling, act as a kind of reflux condenser. For external cleaning, you can use special copper cleaners or use one of the folk remedies.
The outer surface of copper can be polished with a homemade paste based on ordinary flour, salt and vinegar. To do this, mix a quarter cup of flour and a quarter cup of salt, and then add vinegar, stirring constantly, until a thick paste forms. To polish, simply apply the paste using a soft cloth to the copper surfaces, wait about 30 minutes until it dries and simply rinse with water.
conclusions
Copper is, of course, an important component of distilling and it is unlikely that in the near future, despite its obvious shortcomings, large producers and home enthusiasts who are not indifferent to grain and fruit distillates will completely abandon it. However, you need to use it wisely:
- It is advisable to use copper only in the steam zone of the moonshine still - the main refrigerator, where the condensation of alcohols occurs, it is better to tin or replace the copper elements with stainless steel.
- To minimize sulfur compounds (DMTS) and improve the organoleptics of the drink, it is most effective to use copper elements (copper helmet, drawer with copper nozzles, plate column with copper caps, etc.) in the steam zone during the first distillation of the mash. During the second distillation, it is most effective to use a copper still.
- Regular cleaning of the external and internal surfaces of copper products is the key to high-quality and tasty moonshine.
Many people like to drink alcoholic drinks, and some like to make their own. This is not just a way to save money, but an exciting creative process that brings pleasure to many men.
However, distillation is a rather complex process and requires special knowledge and equipment. In order for the moonshine to be safe for health and of high quality, it is necessary to get rid of harmful impurities in the mash. This can be done using several devices.
The Panchenkov nozzle is one of them. With its help, unnecessary impurities are eliminated during the distillation process. In this case, the result is moonshine without odor, fusel oils and without losing strength.
The article will help you understand the advantages, disadvantages, operating principles and features of the preparation and installation of the Panchenkov nozzle.
Device Description
Before considering the features of the operation of the Panchenkov mesh nozzle, it is necessary to briefly describe the procedure for purifying moonshine from impurities - rectification.
This procedure is a repeated distillation of raw alcohol, as a result of which all unnecessary impurities are removed from it, for example, wood alcohol, the use of which can be harmful to humans.
- To purify raw alcohol, it should be poured into the cavity of the distillation cube.
- Next, the container should be placed on a heat source, for example, a gas stove burner, and brought to a certain temperature.
- When a certain temperature is reached, the liquid turns into steam, which circulates through the distillation column and then enters the reflux condenser cavity.
- The condensate then flows down the walls of the distillation column and reflux condenser.
- The column cavity itself is equipped with a Panchenkov mesh, which is combined with stainless steel shavings in distillation units.
It is this feature of the moonshine still that allows you to clean the moonshine, without compromising its strength.
The nozzle, called the Panchenkov grid, was developed by Tupolev OJSC, and the invention was patented. This wire mesh was first intended for high-quality purification of petroleum raw materials for the purpose of its further use as fuel for aircraft.
The mesh itself was made of copper, since this metal absorbs sulfur efficiently and the sulfur does not return back to the purified product. Copper also increases the rate of heating and cooling of the mesh.
Today Panchenkov meshes are actively used in light industry. They are also equipped with premium moonshine stills.
The mesh looks like a rolled copper wire with a special weave, which allows you to conveniently place the device inside the device. The grid parameters can be adjusted independently. It is also easy to clean after use.
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Principle of operation
After heating in the cube of the moonshine still, alcohol-containing vapors rise into the pipe (tsar), where they come into contact not only with the walls, as in classical distillation, but also with the surface of the nozzle, giving off some of the heat to the wire.
As a result, fusel oils and other impurities with a high boiling point condense and flow back into the cube along the walls of the drawer in the form of phlegm (liquid), and alcohol vapors, purified from some of the harmful impurities, continue to move to the cooler, where they condense and enter the receiving container in the form of moonshine .
During distillation, the Panchenkov nozzle reduces the speed of steam flow in the drawer, slowing down the entire process. Compared to a conventional moonshine still, it takes more time to distill the same amount of mash, but the resulting moonshine is cleaner.
In the case of rectification, the on-load tap-changer performs the same function as any other plate or nozzle, providing a simultaneous heat and mass transfer process.
samo-var.kz
reference Information
Adjustable wire nozzle, on-load tap-changer - a scientific development of JSC Tupolev, confirmed by a patent for the invention. It was originally developed to increase the efficiency of refining petroleum feedstocks for subsequent use as aircraft fuel.
- Copper was used for manufacturing, intended to improve the absorption of sulfur and prevent it from entering the already purified product.
- Due to its physical properties, copper acts as a catalyst for the operation of the device, increasing the rate of heating and cooling and reducing the gap between these processes.
- Today, on-load tap-changers are used not only in the flight industry, but also in the production of alcohol-containing products. In everyday life, it is used to make premium moonshine stills, like Grinalko and others.
- Structurally, it is a coiled copper wire with a special weave, which is convenient to insert into a column. The size, density and length are easy to adjust yourself, and it is also easy to pull it out and clean it of absorption products.
Practical use
The use of an improving nozzle can be considered in such a unit as the Favorit moonshine still. It has a reflux condenser column, which is connected to a wave adapter with a flow-type cooler. The column also contains a pre-cooler, which can be switched off.
The package includes a Panchenkov nozzle. The installed hinged structure is collapsible and can also be modified if necessary. This requires the purchase of additional items.
Novice moonshiners claim that the Panchenkov nozzle significantly reduces the flow rate. This is true, but in the end a pure product is obtained faster and of better quality, since batch distillation or rectification is not required.
Although there is a slight decrease in output, this is compensated by a cleaner product in the exclusive Favorit moonshine still and other similar units. In cases where a regular Panchenkov nozzle (RPN) is used, the design of the apparatus can be reduced without reducing the quality of the finished product.
This solution is beneficial for small-sized products, where external dimensions play an important role. Since a superstructure of a meter or more in height will look excessively bulky even in a large kitchen.
A moonshine still using an attachment retains the basic operating principle the same as with the classic layout.
- The only difference is the lengthening of the passage of vapors in the cavity.
- Passing through a pipe with a filler (nozzle), alcohol vapors containing impurities have the opportunity to come into contact with a larger metal surface than when passing through an empty pipe.
- Giving off heat, fusel oils cool, condensing and returning to the cavity of the mash.
- At the same time, the alcohol continues to move further towards the outlet pipe.
- Particles of phlegm can be picked up again and moved to the upper layers of the container, where they once again pass through the on-load tap-changer nozzle and return again.
This way it is possible to prevent unwanted liquids from getting into the finished alcohol or moonshine.
The pipe, like its filler, does not drop in temperature to the level of condensation of alcohol vapor, which ensures their passage into the refrigerator. The role of the nozzle is as a condensation filter for household moonshine stills. It was first used for large industrial units involved in the distillation of oil, alcohol, gas, etc.
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Product benefits
The main positive qualities that the Panchenkov nozzle has are as follows:
- with a simple design, it is possible to achieve maximum cleaning results;
- the cleaning time with the nozzle is significantly reduced, since the process runs in parallel with the production of alcohol;
- it can be placed/taken out inside the drawer in a rolled form;
- can be adjusted according to the degree of filling in the pipe, creating a flow of the required power;
- The material is stainless steel, which can be used for many years;
- If necessary, it can be purchased separately to the one included in the kit.
portaltepla.ru
Disadvantages of use
Many distillers do not want to use this additional filter.
And although the principle of operation of the Panchenkov nozzle allows you to remove harmful impurities from the drink, because of it, the flow rate in the moonshine still is noticeably reduced. However, the majority uses it because they are ready to sacrifice distillation time, ultimately obtaining higher quality and purified alcohol.
Actually, the increase in distillation time is the only drawback that can hardly be called serious.
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Features of the Panchenkov nozzle
Efficiency
A regular wire nozzle is used to increase the degree of purification and allows you to obtain purer moonshine and alcohol by filtering vapors from fusel oils and various impurities.
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Functionality
It copes well with its main task, namely, it creates an extensive surface for heat and mass transfer between steam and reflux during the rectification process.
Convenience
It is convenient to use in almost every moonshine still, which has the ability to place a rolled-up nozzle inside the column of the apparatus.
Ease
The amount of filling of the nozzle in the barrel of the moonshine still can be adjusted independently. The nozzle is easy to remove from the moonshine still for cleaning. An ideal filler for a small distillation column.
panchenkov.ru
Main characteristics of the Panchenkov nozzle
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What can be achieved using the device
- when passing through it, alcohol-containing mixtures are perfectly separated into separate fractions;
- it increases the strength of moonshine;
- it is easy to maintain at home;
- durability, low cost and availability.
However, it must be taken into account that a regular wire nozzle works effectively with a pipe length of at least 35 cm, therefore, it can only be used in household devices of low and medium power.
What’s most interesting is that the Panchenkov mesh nozzle was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in 1981. This product was intended to increase the degree of purification of petroleum feedstock in the production of aviation fuel.
In real conditions, Panchenkov's on-load tap-changer began to be used in home distillers with a drawer and in household distillation columns. Panchenkov's RPN is the second in terms of cleaning level (after Selivanenko's SPN) and the easiest to use nozzle.
Briefly about how it works. After heating in the cube of the moonshine still, alcohol-containing vapors rise into the pipe, where they come into contact not only with the walls of the pipe, but also with the surface of the nozzle, giving off some of the heat to the wire. As a result, fusel oils and other impurities with a high boiling point condense and flow back into the cube along the walls of the drawer in the form of phlegm (liquid), and pure alcohol vapor continues to move to the cooler, where it condenses into the final product.
- The Panchenkov nozzle reduces the speed of steam flow in the drawer, slowing down the distillation process. The distillation time compared to conventional devices with steamers and bubblers increases significantly, but the resulting moonshine is cleaner.
The main wire materials for distillation columns are stainless steel and copper. But copper attachments are more expensive and require constant care - washing after each use.
Making your own Panchenkov on-load tap-changer is virtually impossible, due to the complexity of the weaving and the tolerances and standards that are used at the factory.
samogon-shop24.ru
Preparing a moonshine still and Panchenkov nozzles
- For greater practicality, we combine the 2 processes and boil the Panchenkov nozzle directly in the tank. To do this, pour 4-5 liters of water into the distillation cube, pour 1 sachet of citric acid into it and throw the nozzles inside.
- We assemble the device, connect the cooling hoses and start heating. Heating can be carried out at maximum speed, in this case this does not play a special role.
- After the first drops of water start to flow, turn down the heat slightly and boil in this state for another 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat, remove the nozzles from the cube and wait for the device to cool down.
- We rinse the boiled nozzle again with clean water, and if no defects were found in the apparatus during the first distillation, insert the nozzle into the column and proceed to the first distillation of the mash.
And some more useful tips for novice moonshiners. To avoid troubles when working with the device, we recommend that you read them carefully:
- Try not to leave the device unattended, especially at first;
- Carefully monitor the amount of mash in the cube; if it has completely boiled away, heating the cube must be stopped immediately
- It is very important to constantly ensure that the right amount of water flows into the refrigerator for cooling.
- When distilling on stoves with an open fire, be careful, as strong moonshine tends to burn
- After each distillation, rinse the distiller with warm water.
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How to install and clean the Panchenkov nozzle
The regular Panchenkov nozzle (RPN) made of copper has the most optimal price-quality ratio.
First of all, it is copper. Copper, as it was found, binds sulfur compounds on its surface, which allows you to get a drink that is much more tasty and aromatic, free of hydrogen sulfide odors.
- Due to weaving in a special way in the form of a stocking, folded in half, from four copper wires with a diameter of 0.15 mm and giving a special relief, the Panchenkova on-load tap-changer has a large surface.
- The larger the surface, the more efficient the heat and mass transfer process in the column.
- The excellent thermal conductivity of copper (only better than silver) also makes this process more efficient.
First of all, decide on the length.
It depends on the inner diameter of the column frame. The approximate length of the Panchenkov on-load tap-changer is given below:
- Ø30mm - 15cm
- Ø38mm - 30cm
- Ø51mm - 50cm
- Ø60mm - 100cm
- Ø74mm - 200cm
After cutting off the RPN, roll it up and form a wad, sometimes called a roll or bar. You need to wrap it quite tightly. But with a small drawer diameter (up to 38mm), you shouldn’t overdo it, because... the likelihood of column flooding may increase. At the same time, wads for drawers with a large diameter should be wound more tightly so that they do not fall out of the drawer.
Rolling methods
There are three ways to roll a wad. There is no fundamental difference between them.
Method 1. You can completely roll it into a spiral. In this case, it will turn out more dense. Pay special attention to the beginning of winding so that a through hole does not form along the axis of the wad.
Method 2. Quite often the on-load tap changer is folded like this. Bend approximately one third of the length of the on-load tap-changer and fold it with the remaining part. Then roll it into a “bar”, starting from the point of inflection. The photo shows the process of wad formation.
Bend approximately one third of the length of the on-load tap-changer and fold it with the remaining part. Then, from the bend side, we roll the on-load tap-changer into a “bar”.
Method 3. Often the wad is formed as shown in the photo above, but the on-load tap-changer is first folded in half.
The width of the on-load tap-changer is 10 cm. Accordingly, the length of the wad will be exactly 10 cm. As a rule, there are several wads from the on-load tap-changer in the column of a moonshine still. You can replace all stainless steel wads with copper ones. Or maybe partially. Three copper “bars” are quite enough. Maybe even two. But with a fairly productive device, this may not be enough.
Preparing the device
- After this, wash the “bars” in dishwashing detergent to remove any remaining oil used in its production, and rinse with running water.
- Then etch a little in a solution of citric acid. About 10...20 grams of citric acid per 1 liter of boiling water is enough.
- Stir to dissolve the citric acid (dissolves very quickly) and drop the “bars” into the solution. A few minutes is enough.
- Then remove the Panchenkov on-load tap-changer from the solution and rinse it in running water. All. The preparations are complete.
During operation, due to the interaction with sulfur compounds and other substances of the vapor from the distillation cube, the surface of the nozzle becomes coated. Depending on the raw material, the color can vary from black to silver.
If the coating is very strong, when the on-load tap-changer dries out, it may “coke” and make it worse for mash vapor to pass through in the future, which leads to the column choking. Therefore, after each use, it must be removed from the column with some hook-shaped object, washed and pickled in a solution of citric acid, as described above.
The etching time depends on the degree of contamination. It is etched until the characteristic copper color appears.
Etching should be carried out in a ventilated area. Small dark areas can be ignored. After this, rinse the on-load tap-changer in running water and dry. After drying, the surface may darken, but there is no need to worry.
The service life of the Panchenkov copper on-load tap-changer depends on the frequency of use, the raw materials and the acidity of the mash, and the cleaning time in a citric acid solution.
vse-vino.ru
Prices for Panchenkov nozzle
These nets are sold in many stores in this area; they are not expensive, so the purchase will not put a dent in the distiller’s pocket. One such mesh costs an average of 500-700 rubles. However, the price depends on the parameters. In expensive moonshine stills they come by default, which once again confirms the need for their use.
However, if you have problems finding this mesh or purchasing it, you can use an ordinary household steel sponge. Its efficiency is no lower, and it filters fusel oils just as well.
homedistiller.ru
Device analogues
There are various “household” inventions that people use in the absence of the Panchenkov nozzle itself.
The most popular of them is an ordinary metal sponge, which is sold in almost any household store and costs a penny.
- However, before use it must be tested for corrosion resistance.
- This can be done as follows: first you need to cut it into fragments, wrap them in a damp cloth and sprinkle with salt.
- If within two or three days the washcloth does not become rusty, then you can safely replace the Panchenkov mesh with it.
The second “analogue” is ceramic Raschig rings. It is recommended to use rough rings. Also, the mesh can be replaced by spiral-prismatic nozzles, which are no worse in efficiency than Panchenkov meshes.
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Spiral prismatic fillers have been invented quite recently. SPN Selivanenko was the first of them. Now some modifications of this attachment have appeared, for example the 10-sided Diogenes SPN.
Currently, the spiral prismatic nozzle is considered the best for use in home moonshine stills and distillation columns. For household mash columns and distillers, it is better to use copper SPN; according to some data, it softens the taste of the distillate.
- SPN is made of stainless wire with a thickness of 0.2 0.25 and 0.3 mm.
- Consists of 4x4 segments; 3.5x3.5; 3x3 and 2x2 mm prismatic spiral.
- The smaller the nozzle, the higher the quality of the resulting product, but the lower the productivity, and with a large nozzle, the selection speed increases, but the quality of separation is lower.
The nozzle is poured into the column and lightly compacted every 10 cm; for this it is convenient to use the handle of a shovel. For a household column, it is easier to purchase a nozzle from a trusted seller, because Recently, many fakes have appeared on the market.
The price of the Selivanenko SPN nozzle is about 1500-2500 rubles per liter, 1 liter depending on the type of wire, weighs approximately 1.2 kg.
You can make SPN with your own hands at home. To do this, you need stainless steel wire, a winding device (usually a drill or screwdriver), and the finished cut nozzle must be etched.
- This element passes steam through itself, retaining phlegm on its surface, which settles in the form of a film. This is where the work of dividing the mixture into fractions takes place.
- Increasing the area of the SPN has a beneficial effect on the final moonshine, however, it is important not to create obstacles to the passage of vapor.
- A dense nozzle can block the movement of future condensate.
- If the phlegm layer increases to a critical level, the moonshine still begins to choke.
There are 3 types of choking: film, emulsification and emergency. Thus, it is necessary to select the power so that the device operates in the emulsification system without going into emergency mode.
Washcloths
Sponges occupy a leading position in their use as attachments in columns. The reason is availability and low price. The main rule when choosing is corrosion resistance. Taking this into account, there is no need to make a bulk purchase right away.
Below is a personal opinion on the choice of washcloths and their use
In order for heat-mass exchange processes to occur in a distillation column, the column pipe must be filled with a packing. There is a wide variety of industrial packings for distillation columns. But it is not always possible to get them.
Therefore, as an alternative to the industrial nozzle, in the distillation column, a nozzle made from household washcloths was used for washing stainless steel dishes. Below are photographs of the sponges used and the process of making the packing for the distillation column is explained.
- Washcloths made in China. Used for more than a year, after removal from the column, no traces of corrosion were noticed. Can be used as a nozzle.
- Russian-made washcloths “Chistulya”. They have approximately twice the volume compared to Chinese ones. The Chinese washcloths were later replaced by these. Sponges come from different manufacturers and can be made from different grades of steel.
Sometimes the quality is not entirely satisfactory. During the distillation process, such sponges may cause various changes in the taste and smell of the distillate. Therefore, the choice of washcloths is a crucial moment; not all washcloths are suitable for use as a nozzle.
It is better to use “Chistulya” washcloths in the column.
Cutting and separating the loofah
We take scissors, pierce the washcloth approximately in the middle and cut it in half. The scissors cut rather poorly, we had to shorten the cutting part using sandpaper and sharpen it at the same time. It has become much more convenient to work.
After the washcloth is cut in half, you need to divide it into several more parts. We cut with scissors, straight along the lobe. You should get about 4-5 pieces.
Then we cut the pieces into separate rings with 3-5 turns each. The result is a bulk nozzle.
In the process of cutting washcloths into separate fragments, you get a lot of small rings and other debris.
In order to get rid of unnecessary debris, you can use a sieve with holes of suitable diameter. The diameter of the holes must be selected in such a way that fragments of the nozzle remain in the sieve, and debris is sifted through the holes. As such a sieve, you can use a device like this.
Nozzle dimensions in millimeters. Here are different sizes of attachments cut from different washcloths.
The sizes of the coils, as well as their diameter, are different for different washcloths. Depending on the diameter of the pipe, you need to use different sponges. For pipes with a small diameter of 25-35 mm, use scourers with a minimum coil size. For larger diameter pipes, it is better to use scourers with larger coil diameters. This will make the cutting process faster.
The pipe is filled to the top with nozzle. All that remains is to insert the grille and solder the adapter to connect to the reflux condenser.
Sometimes this substance is used for other purposes, such as creating a water plug. When filling the device with another nozzle.
alkoinfo.net
Ceramic Raschig rings
Raschig rings are ceramic attachments that are widely used in modern industry. The nozzles work as follows: absorption occurs on the surface of the nozzles when they are placed in the absorber.
Ceramic tips for effective absorption must meet a number of specific requirements:
- they must have a high specific surface area,
- as well as significant free volume,
- and also have a low specific gravity in order to produce minimal pressure on the supporting structures and provide little resistance to the gas flow,
- effectively distribute liquid over the surface and are characterized by excellent corrosion resistance to the environments in which they will be located (most often we are talking about acidic and alkaline environments).
Raschig rings (ceramic nozzles) are intended for mass transfer, heat transfer, as well as modern highly efficient rectification and separation industrial equipment (chemical and oil refining industries).
They have a number of distinctive characteristics and must meet some specific requirements.
- Among them we can distinguish a large specific surface area and a small specific gravity.
- There must also be a sufficiently large free volume, the ability to provide little resistance to gas flows, and the ability to distribute liquid well.
- An equally important indicator is resistance to the corrosive environment in which the nozzles are located.
Raschig rings are classified as one of the subtypes of ring attachments. Externally, these are cylindrical nozzles with thin walls. The outer diameter of such devices is most often equal to the height of the ring itself. This parameter varies from 25 to 150 millimeters.
The market is also saturated with other, more modern, attachments, which are in many ways better than Raschig rings. These are Pall and Berl devices. This fact is due to the fact that Raschig rings are very simple and do not have any additional devices.
But this is their advantage, since the nozzles are quite easy to manufacture and cheap. Today they are widely used in practice and are most often used in many enterprises.
articleland.ru
The main stages of moonshine brewing
The rules of moonshine establish 4 main stages of preparing this wonderful drink:
- Preparation of raw materials.
- Fermentation.
- Distillation of mash.
- Purification of the resulting drink
- Flavoring is an optional but recommended step to enhance the taste and give it a bright aroma.
For those who are just learning the basics of moonshine brewing, it is advisable to have a fully equipped apparatus, which includes:
- hydrometer to determine the strength of the finished drink;
- thermometer to control distillation temperature;
- pressure gauge - a device for measuring pressure in a distillation cube.
Distillation process
Moonshine brewing technology is not limited only to this stage, but this is precisely the mechanism for obtaining ethyl alcohol from fermented mash.
For this purpose, a moonshine still is used - it can be either homemade or factory-made.
The mash itself is poured into a sealed distillation cube, where it is heated to a certain temperature. The purity and content of the drink depends on how correctly the temperature is maintained at each stage.
The whole process can be divided into the following stages (distillation):
- Intensive heating to a temperature of 66-68°C, when the first impurities begin to separate. Next, the temperature is gradually raised to 78°. It is important to do this slowly so that some of the mash does not splash out.
The drink obtained during the first distillation contains more than 50% of harmful impurities, including acetone and fusel oils. Its consumption is fraught with food poisoning and even death.
- Maintaining the temperature at 78-82° is the longest stage during which the main part of the ethyl is released. After the second distillation, the product can already be consumed, but if you do not use a steamer, the concentration of fusel oils is still very high.
Periodically check the alcohol content in the collection with a hydrometer or the old-fashioned way - setting it on fire on a spoon. As soon as the liquid stops burning, turn off the heating.
- In the third distillation millet, the temperature is increased to 87-90°C so that the separation of heavy fusel milk begins.
Throughout the entire moonshine brewing process, control the temperature in the refrigerator (coil) - it should not rise above 30°C. This balance is ensured by constant circulation of cold water.
portaltepla.ru
Types of moonshine stills
The choice of a moonshine still must be made based on its functionality and practicality. Let's look at what types of moonshine stills there are, the main criteria that determine the price and set of options:
- Operating principle (rectifier, distiller);
- The material from which it is made;
- Volume of the distillation cube;
- Cooling method;
- Power (if heating elements are present)
- Capacity liters per hour
Distiller
The operating principle of distillers is simple. First, the alcohol-containing liquid is heated to the boiling point of alcohol, and then the vapor containing alcohol is cooled. Throughout the entire distillation process, maintain a certain temperature regime, since when it fluctuates, fusel oils enter the drink, spoiling the smell and taste.
A distiller for moonshine is chosen if it is important for the drink to convey the aroma of the raw materials used in the preparation of the mash. Suitable for making whiskey, cognac, Calvados, rum and aromatic vodka. Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting low cost, ease of operation and maintenance.
A distillation column is capable of almost completely purifying the final product from fusel oils and other impurities.
The quality of the raw materials from which the mash was prepared does not matter because... There is almost no organoleptic quality in the final drink, and the alcohol percentage is 96.6%. Distillers cannot produce such a result even with repeated distillation. This alcohol makes wonderful tinctures and vodka.
Rectification is the separation of binary or multicomponent mixtures due to countercurrent mass and heat exchange between steam and liquid.
- The principle is as follows: alcohol-containing vapors rise upward and are cooled by a refrigerator located at the very top of the column, return downward in the form of reflux and meet with rising steam, mass heat transfer occurs, and the alcohol concentration increases.
- Below is a selection unit with which you can control the amount of alcohol taken and change its quality; the slower the selection, the purer the alcohol at the outlet.
Most modern devices have two modes (distillation and rectification); by slightly changing the configuration of the equipment, you can prepare a distillate or rectified product, which is very convenient.
Alambik
Alambiks - classic distillers with the upper part of the distillation cube in the form of a dome - are of keen interest to potential buyers. In practice, only distillation cubes made of copper have advantages over other devices. They produce a product with the best organoleptic properties.
Almost all alambiks are made by hand in Mediterranean countries (France, Spain, Italy) and are expensive. They can often be seen in drinking establishments specializing in the production of exclusive alcohol.
They shine and impress visitors. For this money it is easier for the average person to buy a mini moonshine factory with a high degree of automation.
Distillation volume
You need to decide what volumes you are going to process and how often. The more productive the model, the larger, heavier and more expensive it is.
Pay attention to the power of the cooler. It should correspond to the volume of the cube and the heating power or be higher (in this case it will be possible to change the cube to a more capacious one).
Therefore, in order to choose the right home moonshine distiller, you should get advice not only about performance, but also about the maximum possible volume of the cube, the recommended heating and cooling intensity.
For example, from 10 liters of mash with a strength of 12%, after double distillation with separation of the head and tail fractions, you will get approximately 1.8 - 2 liters of 40% distillate; based on these data, decide how much mash you need to process to obtain the amount of alcohol you need.
What material should the device be made of?
The debate over whether a moonshine still should be made of copper or stainless steel has been going on for a long time.
Often, the advice of experienced winemakers boils down to the fact that the best home distillers must be made of copper. In fact, each material has advantages and disadvantages.
Copper
- The main advantage of copper is considered to be the ability to absorb sulfur oxide, which makes the folk drink too “fragrant”.
- In addition, copper has high thermal conductivity, and, therefore, greater productivity and less water consumption required for cooling.
- And of course, copper moonshine stills look expensive and presentable.
Unfortunately, behind the advantages there are no fewer disadvantages:
- Price. If the purpose of purchasing a device is to save money, it makes no sense to buy expensive copper equipment.
- Difficulty of care. Due to the adsorption of sulfur oxide, plaque forms on the surface of the device. It must be removed after each use, which is quite labor-intensive.
- Life time. Copper is not as strong as stainless steel. Most supporters of copper stills still use steel stills, since the copper bottom burns out quickly.
Stainless steel
Apparatuses and distillation cubes made of stainless steel occupy high places in the ranking. It is necessary that the steel not only does not rust, but also complies with GOST standards of the food or medical industry.
- An important factor is the thickness of the material. The optimal parameter is 2 mm. Such models of home moonshine stills are durable, affordable and easy to use.
- In devices made of thin steel up to 1 mm, the mash will burn and give the final product the taste of burnt porridge.
- Distillation cubes with a wall of 3-4 mm. in practice they have no particular advantages. At the same time, they weigh 50-70% more and cost at least a third more.
In order to get rid of sulfur compounds, it will be enough to fill the column with a copper nozzle and you will get a result no worse than with a device made entirely of copper.
Design features and additional equipment of a moonshine still
Also, the choice of moonshine still must be made taking into account the method of heating the structure.
- If a gas stove is used, there are no special design requirements for home use, only the height of the assembled device, it may not fit on a gas stove, the hood will interfere, or something else.
- For induction and electric cookers, it is necessary to choose containers with a flat bottom; specifically for an induction cooker, the cube should have a thick ferromagnetic bottom.
The presence of an emergency release valve for excess pressure (without this module it is not safe to operate a moonshine still).
The presence of a thermometer is necessary to measure the temperature at all stages of production, control of which creates a final drink that is optimally suited to specific preparation technologies.
Demountable modules are easier to clean. It is better to opt for a cube design with a wide neck, into which you can easily put your hand and rinse thoroughly after use.
- For rooms with insufficient height, you can purchase a cube with a built-in shade or additionally buy an induction hob; they are not that expensive, and heating is very efficient and fast.
- For a dacha, where there are often problems with cold water, types of moonshine stills that do not require running water are suitable.
An electric moonshine still with automation, on the one hand, simplifies the process, but on the other, complicates operation. Even if one controller fails, the entire device will cease to function.
dom-vinokura.ru
Conclusion
Now you know what the Panchenkov nozzle is, the advantages of using it, and the cost. If you are already distilling moonshine at home, then be sure to use this mesh. This simple and primitive device really helps to clean moonshine from harmful fusel oils, the entry of which into the body will certainly harm your health.
The Panchenkov nozzle is a stainless steel or copper mesh designed for purifying alcohol vapors from harmful fractions and impurities. Installed directly into the drawer (pipe between the distillation cube and the refrigerator). Designed for column-type devices (will not work with conventional distillers). Costs from 200 to 1000 rubles, depending on the material and manufacturer.
The mesh is installed directly into the drawer and is a kind of filter. The alcohol vapor that comes from the distillation cube passes through this nozzle and is partially condensed. Some of the harmful impurities remain on the mesh and then flow back into the cube in the form of reflux, while purer alcohol vapors move on.
It turns out that the Panchenkov nozzle partially cleanses the steam from harmful fractions, taking them on itself. It serves until the weaving begins to fall apart (from 1 to 1000 distillations).
Made of stainless steel 
From copper
Does this attachment make sense and how effective is it?
In our subjective opinion, The Panchenkov grid has low operating efficiency and is of little use.
Rectification is quite enough to purify moonshine from all harmful fractions, so we don’t see any point in somehow complicating the design of the column or slowing down this process due to which wire mesh.
If you have nothing else to do, you can install a grid. But it may not be delivered. That's the whole point.
The wire mesh is installed directly into the column frame.
How to properly install a Panchenkov grid in a moonshine still
There is nothing complicated about this. Let's take the classic grid length 30-70 cm depending on the thickness of the column and evenly twist it into a tube. Then we place this tube in a circular motion quite tightly in the drawer.
It is necessary to achieve such a density that it does not move along the pipe and at the same time allows air to pass through.
A good video was prepared by the author of the channel HANhi, who clearly explained and showed how to use this attachment correctly. It turns out that the original name of this device is: regular Panchenkov wire nozzle (RPNP). A lot of useful information that will be useful to listen to.
Copper or stainless steel: which is better to choose?
Copper is effective only in one case - when distilling grain mash. This metal will trap sulfur particles that form in this type of mash. Due to this, cleaning will be carried out more efficiently.
In all other situations, give preference stainless steel:
Copper, stainless steel and an alloy of these two metals.
- Several times cheaper.
- Easier to clean.
- Does not oxidize.
There is also a combination nozzle, which is made of 50% stainless steel and 50% copper.
If you make grain distillates infrequently, then there will be no point in it.
How to properly clean the Panchenkov nozzle
Depending on the type of metal, the procedure will vary.
- Stainless steel cleaned with ordinary running water. Wash it thoroughly under the tap, dry it and you can continue to use it.
- WITH copper work is more difficult. After each distillation, it is necessary to boil the nozzle in water with the addition of citric acid (10 grams per liter). After boiling for 5 minutes, rinse the device under running water and dry thoroughly.
There is no need to use mechanical methods (brushes, sponges, etc.) for cleaning. There is a high probability of spoiling the weaving, which, in turn, will negatively affect the effectiveness of the mesh.
Is it possible to use a mesh on a regular distiller with a steamer?
There is a hypothesis that the presence of a Panchenkov nozzle will have a positive effect on the quality of moonshine. This is justified only in one case and then with an explanation: when distilling grain mash and using a small copper mesh.
In all other cases it is useless and there is a chance to do everything even worse. The volume of the steam tank decreases, and this reduces the efficiency of its operation.
Panchenkov’s moonshine still is a column-type distiller. The device does not particularly stand out among other devices. The reflux condenser column is connected to the refrigerator through a curved adapter. The column itself is equipped with a cooler, which, if necessary, is turned off.
New products include mesh attachments that can be easily disassembled and modified. You can actually make this entire device yourself.
The efficiency of the moonshine still is determined by the presence and correct choice of nozzle. Usually preference is given to a regular Panchenkov nozzle. This twisted wire, in the form of a roll, is inserted into the frame of the distillation column.
It has advantages:
- Its presence helps to separate the mixture into separate fractions.
- Increases the strength of the drink when brewing moonshine.
- Easy to use at home.
- Availability to use.
There is only one drawback. This nozzle is used only in moonshine stills of small dimensions, since it can be inserted into a pipe no larger than 30 cm.
Technical specifications:
- Wire thickness - 0.13mm
- The gaps between the turns of threads are maximum 1 mm.
- The weaving pattern of the threads is zigzag.
- The diameter of the drawer is from 3 mm to 30.
A regular Panchenkov wire nozzle was developed for the purification of aviation fuel raw materials. However, it has found practical application in moonshine stills with a drawer. Its use reduces the height of the column, which is an important condition in the absence of a large territory. It is not always convenient to use a device with a height of 1 m.
It is possible to make such a mesh with your own hands, but this requires a special machine that will provide the necessary tolerances during manufacturing.
Ratification procedure
The nozzle located in the drawer, constantly in contact with steam. This increases the contact surface. Now it comes into contact not only with the pipe, but also with the metal thread. The efficiency of the device increases several times. Sivukha, being a high-boiling liquid, condenses, flows back into the original container and again takes part in the distillation process. This process continues continuously.
The drawer, together with the nozzle, does not lower the temperature until the alcohol condenses, so the vapors, moving further, reach the refrigerator. The Panchenkov grid is a filter that purifies moonshine.
The moonshine still has a flat bottom with a large column diameter. On such a scale the possibility of clogging is excluded. Assembling the device is not difficult. All gaskets provide sufficient tightness. A powerful refrigerator provides the necessary heat exchange. At the outlet, the condensate temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. Distillation speed is 3 liters of moonshine per hour.
Spiral-prismatic nozzle
Selivanenko’s nozzles were the first to use spiral-prismatic meshes. Subsequently, such developments were supported by other manufacturers. Externally, it is a spiral prism that is inserted into the drawer. In modern columns, their use is considered the most effective. Based on research, the most optimal option is the use of a ten-sided spiral-prismatic nozzle.
You can make SPN yourself.
This element passes steam through itself, retaining phlegm on its surface, which settles in the form of a film. This is where the work of dividing the mixture into fractions takes place. Increasing the area of the SPN has a beneficial effect on the final moonshine, however, it is important not to create obstacles to the passage of vapor. A dense nozzle can block the movement of future condensate. If the phlegm layer increases to a critical level, the moonshine still begins to choke. There are 3 types of choking: film, emulsification and emergency. Thus, it is necessary to select the power so that the device operates in the emulsification system without going into emergency mode.
The use of such material in devices is very convenient, since it allows increase the percentage of moonshine purification. The copper filler can be easily adjusted to obtain a quality product. The advantage of this material is that copper is able to absorb sulfur. The properties of copper are such that it can heat or cool condensate at an accelerated pace. The end result is an increase in the operating speed of the device.
Washcloths
Sponges occupy a leading position in their use as attachments in columns. Reason – availability and low price. The main rule when choosing is corrosion resistance. Taking this into account, there is no need to make a bulk purchase right away. A small batch of material is purchased, which is cut into pieces, sprinkled with salt and wrapped in a damp cloth. The check is carried out over several days. If there is no rust, you can make the main purchase.
Then the washcloths are cut into pieces, not particularly small ones, because the material can crumble. They clog the pipe of the apparatus. The density should be in relation to 250 grams of sponge per liter of water.
Sometimes this substance is used for other purposes, such as creating a water plug. When filling the device with another nozzle.
Installation and washing of distillation column screens
The mesh is in rolls, the width of which ranges from 5 to 10 cm. The length can reach 100 cm. The parameters used depend on the dimensions of the device. In some cases, the mesh can be cut.
The installation process is carried out in two ways. You can fold the mesh in half and roll it into a wad and push it into the drawer. Another method is to simply roll it into a tight tube and, turning it, put it into the pipe of the device. It is removed back using tweezers.
Nozzles are rarely washed. This happens when mash gets into the pipe and carbon deposits occur. If it was stainless steel, then boiling is allowed.
If the material used is copper, then the system must be cleaned constantly for preventive purposes.
To wash the grid of distillation columns, the following method is used:
By using different types of attachments, you can significantly improve the quality of the final product. The efficiency of the device increases sharply. The running speed increases. The resulting moonshine is no different in quality from the white alcoholic drink sold in the store.
