Materials for making a distilling cube
For, to choose the best material, it is necessary to determine the aggressive environment, in which the distilling cube will work. And for this, in turn, let's find out, why do you need this cube at all.
Alembic
The design of the moonshine machine is mainly based on this element. An airtight container for heating the brew is an important part of it, which regulates productivity. The larger the volume of the cube, the greater the amount of aperitif obtained.
The selected container is filled with ready fermented liquid, which is placed on a heat source and brought to the boiling point of the contents. Sometimes a distilling cube is an ordinary pressure cooker, can or flask with a capacity of 10 to 50 liters. The required volume is calculated by the formula:
V alcohol = ((V cube - 0,25 V cu) – 0,8 V cu) – 0,2 V cu
- 0,25 V cube - the volume is not filled;
- 0,8 V cube - volume, filled with bard, waste after distillation;
- 0,2 V cube - the volume of the main and tail fractions.
Braga are used as internal sources for heating (tubular electric heater), and external (electric, gas stoves). Therefore, the physical characteristics of the tank should be as follows:
- thick walls, retain heat for a long time;
- solid bottom, does not deform from regular temperature changes;
- tightness.
Chemical properties of hot brew, as an active substance dictate restrictions on the use of materials, from which distilling cubes are made.
After analyzing the chemical and physical characteristics, necessary for the favorable and safe use of the material, identified several possible options.
Distillation cube made of copper and stainless steel
- Copper. Excellent material for making moonshine makers. Every alchemist has known since the uneducated Middle Ages, that a copper jug or jug is the best container for distilling essential oils. So, moonshine then did not know and did not think. Copper distilling cube is a good topic, that due to the properties of the metal placed in it braga is further cleaned of harmful impurities. The big downside is that, that copper apparatus, which is called alabamic, at cost and in the retail network almost an order of magnitude more expensive, than steel.
- Aluminum. Scientists have long established, that this metal dissolves, oxidizing, getting sour, saline or in an alkaline environment. Excessive amounts of aluminum in the human body accumulate in the brain and cause anemia, inattention and even cystitis. In the West, the use of aluminum utensils in the home has already been abandoned. Aluminum containers are still widely used in our kitchens, as for cooking, and for home brewing. For the sake of justice, you can calm yourself down, that metal, covered even with a thin film of Al oxide, harmless. But where is the guarantee, that during operation of the same aluminum farm can the film will not be erased.
- Glass. Distillation cubes made of this material in the form of flasks can often be found on sale. It's good, which is not oxidized in any environment. That is, the distilled liquid does not receive additional harmful components from the material of the tank. Another positive point is that, that the whole process can be observed through the transparent walls of the device. To the negative properties, which must be taken into account, buying a distilling glass cube, refers to its fragility. The glass may crack with a sudden change in temperature, crash with careless handling. in addition, glass containers are not large (from 5 to 17 liters), and this limits the amount of distillation.
From "A" to "I" about the dry steamer
Stainless steel is the most popular material for the cube
Because:
- utensils and, in particular, distillation cubes made of stainless steel are highly resistant to sudden changes in temperature. They do not deform or crack, like glass;
- stainless steel sheets are able to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures;
- stainless steel tanks do not react chemically with the components of the brew, as is the case with aluminum. This eliminates not only the presence of foreign flavors and odors of the product at the exit, but also the presence of harmful components;
- a stainless steel distilling cube stands in 8-10 times cheaper, than the same, made of copper. You can do it yourself.
Summing up our reasoning, a simple conclusion can be drawn. Stainless steel is the most popular material for the distilling cube.
For, to engage in the manufacture of fine spirits, cognacs, brand, as well as distillation of essential oils, the craftsman will need an expensive alabama. It also has a distilling cube, and the whole device is made of copper.
Do not use aluminum containers, so as not to turn distillation distillation processes of poison.