DIY moonshine stills drawings. How to make a moonshine still with your own hands. Turning a pot into a moonshine still

Do-it-yourself moonshine still is an original Russian, traditional creation of folk thought. Craftsmen manage to make installations that ensure the production of a final product that is not inferior in quality and purity to industrially produced strong drinks. With the right choice of design and careful manufacturing, you can get a fairly simple device for use that can meet your own needs for high-quality and cheap alcohol.

If you assemble the device according to the instructions below, you will be able to produce alcoholic drinks that are head and shoulders above the quality of store-bought counterparts.

At its core, any moonshine still is a home device for distilling raw materials with alcohol content into a high-strength alcoholic drink (moonshine). As a starting product, you can use any mixture that contains ethyl alcohol - this is mash, low-quality wine, alcohol with impurities (raw), etc.

The purpose of using a moonshine still is to produce an alcoholic drink with an ethyl alcohol content of at least 60-70%. At the same time, the final product must be free of impurities that are dangerous to humans, spoil the taste and impart an unpleasant odor.

The operating principle of a moonshine still is based on the fact that alcohol actively evaporates at temperatures at which water remains liquid. As is known, evaporation of water occurs when it boils, i.e. at a temperature of about 100 ºС, while alcohol begins to turn into steam already at a temperature of 55-60 ºС. The intensity of its vaporization increases with increasing temperature.

In the moonshine still, it is necessary to ensure a temperature above 55 ºС, but below 90 ºС.

Alcohol vapor must be removed from the surface of the water, and their transformation back into liquid is ensured by condensation, i.e. contact of hot steam with a cold surface.
The final stage consists of carefully collecting the resulting droplets of alcohol, after which it can be purified from harmful impurities.

The classic design of a moonshine still should include such basic parts as an evaporator and a condenser.

The evaporator is a container where the raw material is heated to the desired temperature.
A condenser is a container with a cooled surface on which condensation is released.

Additional but necessary parts in the design of the device include an element for removing alcohol vapor from the evaporator, a container for collecting condensate and control devices.

In addition, it is important to ensure proper heating of the raw material into the evaporators and constant cooling of the condensing element. Cleaning is ensured by filters and the addition of various sorbents.

What is taken into account when designing

According to the principle of operation, homemade moonshine stills are classified as distillation-type devices, i.e. use the mechanism described above, in contrast to the industrial production of alcohol, where distillation columns are used, based on the separation of raw materials into fractions. When designing a moonshine still, the following main characteristics are taken into account:

Structural elements

A homemade moonshine still can have different shapes and sizes. Its design can be very simple, made temporarily from improvised means, or quite complex, with process control. The device must include the following required elements:

Making an evaporator

How to make a moonshine still with your own hands? The solution to this problem begins with the creation of an evaporator, i.e. distillation cube. Most often, ready-made containers with a volume of 15-30 liters are used for this purpose.

Stainless steel

The best option is stainless steel intended for food purposes. You can successfully use ready-made household vessels made from this material. Homemade containers are made from stainless steel sheet 1-2 mm thick using welding. When forming a homemade tank, it should be remembered that during operation, in addition to high temperature, excess pressure is created in it, which can reach 0.5-0.7 atm, which requires particularly high-quality welds.

The manufacture of a distillation cube is carried out in the following order.

A container of the required volume is taken ready-made or welded.
An important condition is the presence of a flat bottom if it is installed on a tile or burner.
A cover is installed on top, in which a hole is drilled to attach a coil or steamer.
With an internal diameter of the coil tube of 11-13 mm, a hole with a diameter of 22 mm is drilled and a pipe thread (half an inch) is cut.
The lid is installed on the tank with the joint sealed.

In the case of a collapsible structure, rubber gaskets are used, and in the manufacture of a stationary structure, sealing is ensured by silicone sealant.

During the distillation process, it is desirable to control the temperature that is provided in the evaporator. To install a thermometer, another hole is drilled in the lid of the distillation cube to insert a thermocouple or install a thermometer.

A convenient option for a distillation cube is a pressure cooker. It has one important drawback associated with its small volume, but it is quite suitable for your own needs. The main advantage of this design is the presence of good tightness. Modification is required only in the part of drilling the hole in the cover. A completely ideal option is a multicooker, which provides heating and maintaining the temperature in a given mode.

Making a capacitor

A do-it-yourself condenser or refrigerator for a moonshine still includes 2 main parts - a coil and a cooling source (cooling compartment). The quantity and strength of the final product depends on the correct functioning of the refrigerator.

The coil can be made of non-ferrous metals, stainless steel or glass.

The dimensions of the tube for the coil are selected according to the following parameters:

Inner diameter. Increasing it leads to an expansion of the contact area with steam, which increases the productivity of the device, but affects its dimensions and significantly complicates manufacturing. The recommended inner diameter of the tube is 9-13 mm.
total length. Here again there is an alternative. A longer length increases the condenser area, but at the same time the resistance to flow increases, which slows down the speed of the process. It has been practically established that the optimal length is in the range of 1.6-2.2 m.
Wall thickness. The smaller this parameter, the easier it is to cool the system, but the strength of the element decreases. The use of a tube with a thickness of 1-1.2 mm is considered normal.

The cooling compartment must ensure that heat is removed from the coil in a constant manner. In principle, cooling can be provided by ice, air or water flow. The most commonly used is water.

There are 2 options for submitting it. Is it a closed or open system.

In the first case, the container is filled with cold water. Cooling occurs until it warms up, after which the coolant is replaced with a new portion.
The second option is considered more effective, because cooling is provided by running water.

Step by step

The manufacture of the refrigerator is carried out in the following sequence.

A metal tube of the optimal size is filled with sand to prevent deformation and is wound in the form of a spiral onto a cylinder with a diameter of about 30-36 mm with a turn pitch of 11-14 mm.
The sand is poured out and the spiral is washed under running water.
Next, the cooling compartment body is made from a metal or plastic pipe with a diameter of 76-82 mm. Connections for supplying tap water are installed on the compartment body.
Then part of the coil is passed inside the compartment, the ends of which are hermetically sealed.

Both ends of the coil remain free, one for connection to the distillation cube or steamer, the other for discharging the finished product.

How to make a steamer

The steamer and the bubbler play the same role; their manufacture does not differ significantly from each other. There are still important conditions for their functioning. The volume of elements should be 9-11 times less than the volume of the distillation cube.

They are made in the form of a piece of pipe or a small metal container. At the ends of the steam chamber, fittings are installed for connection with the coil and the evaporator cover.

The bubbler is connected to the coil at the upper end, and the lower end is lowered through the hole in the lid of the cube so that there is a gap of about 25-30 mm to the bottom of the container.

How to provide heating

To carry out the process of distilling raw materials into moonshine, it is important to ensure reliable heating of the distillation cube. It is provided in the following ways:

Moonshine is considered a traditional drink, and when prepared well, it can compete with factory-made drinks. A moonshine still helps to prepare it, the manufacture of which can be done with your own hands.

Although there are many home distillers of different price categories on the market, experienced moonshiners prefer to make the equipment themselves or order it from trusted craftsmen using their own drawings and diagrams.

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

Scheme of operation of a moonshine still with a steamer

Connecting elements

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

You should not “tightly” weld all the tubes together; this simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the device, but during cleaning it causes a lot of problems.

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

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

Left - silicone, right - PVC

To branch turns, change from one diameter to another and connect different parts in metal pipelines, fittings and unions are used, which can be found in plumbing stores or at construction markets. Fittings made of brass, bronze and stainless steel (the best option) for heating systems that can withstand high temperatures and pressure are suitable for the manufacture of a moonshine still. For sealing purposes, the use of heat-resistant glue and cold welding is allowed, the main thing is to avoid rubber gaskets.

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

Sealing with dough is a touch of ancient traditions followed by scraping :)

The assembled moonshine still must be sealed. If steam leaks through the tubes, it is better to stop distillation, allow the equipment to cool, repair the breakdown, and only then continue distillation. Depressurization is not only dangerous due to fire, but also leads to significant losses of moonshine (10-70%).

Alembic

It is a container in which the mash boils during the heating process. Options:

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

Enameled cookware is neutral to acids and alcohols. When used correctly (without bumps or scratches to the enamel) it can last 3-5 years even with regular use.

Food-grade stainless steel is the best and most reliable option, but stainless steel cubes are expensive; they often sell ordinary galvanized or nickel-plated steel under their guise, which is not so durable.

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

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

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

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

We should not forget about the dimensions. At a minimum, the distillation cube must be placed on a stove or other heating element, be stable and not block the access to the entire apparatus. This is the basis of safety precautions.

3. Selecting a suitable container. Often, home moonshine stills use containers that were originally intended for other needs: milk cans, pressure cookers, or large enamel pans.

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

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

You can’t distill a lot of mash in a pressure cooker at one time - the volume of the cube is too small

Enameled pans are convenient because the spent mash can not be poured, but can be immediately put into distillation as is (this is wrong, since the heated sediment increases the amount of harmful impurities in the moonshine and worsens the aroma and taste). The disadvantage of the pan is that it is difficult to seal the lid.

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

A can with built-in heating elements is cheap and practical. There are two holes on the top for steam and a thermometer.

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

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

Can refinement technology:

1. Remove the rubber gasket from the cover.

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

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

Result

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

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

To extend its service life, wash the can after each distillation with soap and plenty of running water. The use of soda and other cleaning products is strictly prohibited.

Moonshine still refrigerator

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

Coil parameters

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copper coil is the best, but requires regular cleaning

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

The optimal length of the coil tube (before the bend) is 1.5-2 meters.

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

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

Suitable coil thickness is 0.9-1.1 mm.

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

All other things being equal, the vertical arrangement of the coil is the most correct, since the condensed moonshine flows into the receiving container by gravity, without creating obstacles to the movement of alcohol vapor. Steam can be supplied to a vertical coil from above or below. To minimize resistance, it is correct to direct the steam to the top.

Refrigerator tank parameters

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

Air Cooling - Beautiful Looks, But Low Efficiency

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

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

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

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

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

Making a refrigerator (cooler)

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

Sequencing:

1. Fill the coil tube with sand, soda or other dry, bulk material so that the metal does not flatten when curling. If you don’t have bulk materials on hand, you can simply fill the tube with water and freeze it.

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

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

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

4. Release the ends of the finished coil. Pour out the sand and rinse with water under pressure.

5. Install pipes for water supply and drainage on the cooler body.

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

Ready assembled cooler

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

Steamer and bubbler

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

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

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

Bubbler in a moonshine still– a device designed to pass alcohol vapor through a layer of liquid (water). Structurally, it differs from a steam steamer only in the presence of water in the container before distillation begins (not always), and in the fact that the steam supply tube is lowered into the can almost to the bottom. The purpose and principle of operation of the bubbler are the same as that of the steam steamer.

Connected steam tank

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

Advantages of a steamer (bubbler):

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

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

If the output moonshine is strong, for example, even 80-90 degrees, then this does not mean that the drink is well purified, there is simply water left in the steamers and (or) bubblers, which should have condensed in the coil, reducing the strength of the distillate. All harmful impurities that can be cleaned with a steamer remain in the first jar, and in subsequent jars only water is removed from the moonshine. You should not think that in terms of the degree of purification, 6-8 steamers can replace rectification or fractional distillation; this is physically impossible.

How to make a steamer or bubbler

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

You will need:

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

Instructions:

1. Mark the diameter of the holes at the intended connection points: attach the fittings to the cover and circle them with a marker.

2. Make holes. The easiest option is to move an awl along the drawn lines until the metal of the lid is rubbed through.

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

Inner side

Outer side

Bubbler manufacturing sequence

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

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

There is only one drawback of bubblers and steamers from a jar - there is no drain for the accumulated liquid (you have to unscrew it), and during fractional distillation it is advisable to clean the container before collecting the “body” (the main fraction).

A more complex steamer with drain

Methods for heating a moonshine still

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

Flaws:

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

Distillation in the fresh air with wood. What kind of device, what color of moonshine

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

Advantages:

quick temperature change (high controllability);
possibility to install automation and insulate the cube.

Flaws:

solid particles can burn to the working surface of the heating elements; careful filtration of the mash is required before distillation;
Electric heating is often more expensive than gas heating;
From time to time the heating elements burn out.

3. Induction cooker. It runs on electricity and can be stationary or portable (used more often in moonshine).

Advantages:

low inertia – quick change of heating intensity;
good temperature control - induction cookers are equipped with automation, no need to install separate units;
in comparison with heating elements, the entire surface of the bottom of the cube is evenly heated; burning of the mash occurs in rare cases.

Flaws:

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

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

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

Installing thermometers in a moonshine still

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

Three types of thermometers are used in moonshine stills (according to the principle of operation):

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

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

During distillation, you cannot rely entirely on the readings of the thermometer, especially the first time, when the operating modes of the homemade moonshine still have not yet been tested. Temperature values are auxiliary data. At the exit, the moonshine should be cold or at room temperature, and during fractional distillation, divide the output into fractions correctly by pure alcohol, sugar content in the mash or by smell (method of experienced distillers).

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

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

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

Attention! When starting up for the first time, a home moonshine still should be tested by distilling water, and not immediately filled with mash. Distilling water is safer, immediately shows problems (if any) and thoroughly rinses all parts of the structure.

If you assemble the device according to the instructions below, you will be able to produce alcoholic drinks that are head and shoulders above the quality of store-bought counterparts.

In the moonshine still, it is necessary to ensure a temperature above 55 ºС, but below 90 ºС.

Alcohol vapor must be removed from the surface of the water, and their transformation back into liquid is ensured by condensation, i.e. contact of hot steam with a cold surface.
The final stage consists of carefully collecting the resulting droplets of alcohol, after which it can be purified from harmful impurities.

The classic design of a moonshine still should include such basic parts as an evaporator and a condenser.

The evaporator is a container where the raw material is heated to the desired temperature.
A condenser is a container with a cooled surface on which condensation is released.

Additional but necessary parts in the design of the device include an element for removing alcohol vapor from the evaporator, a container for collecting condensate and control devices.

In addition, it is important to ensure proper heating of the raw material into the evaporators and constant cooling of the condensing element. Cleaning is ensured by filters and the addition of various sorbents.

What is taken into account when designing

Structural elements

Making an evaporator

Stainless steel

The manufacture of a distillation cube is carried out in the following order.

A container of the required volume is taken ready-made or welded.
An important condition is the presence of a flat bottom if it is installed on a tile or burner.
A cover is installed on top, in which a hole is drilled to attach a coil or steamer.
With an internal diameter of the coil tube of 11-13 mm, a hole with a diameter of 22 mm is drilled and a pipe thread (half an inch) is cut.
The lid is installed on the tank with the joint sealed.

In the case of a collapsible structure, rubber gaskets are used, and in the manufacture of a stationary structure, sealing is ensured by silicone sealant.

Making a capacitor

The coil can be made of non-ferrous metals, stainless steel or glass.

The dimensions of the tube for the coil are selected according to the following parameters:

Inner diameter. Increasing it leads to an expansion of the contact area with steam, which increases the productivity of the device, but affects its dimensions and significantly complicates manufacturing. The recommended inner diameter of the tube is 9-13 mm.
total length. Here again there is an alternative. A longer length increases the condenser area, but at the same time the resistance to flow increases, which slows down the speed of the process. It has been practically established that the optimal length is in the range of 1.6-2.2 m.
Wall thickness. The smaller this parameter, the easier it is to cool the system, but the strength of the element decreases. The use of a tube with a thickness of 1-1.2 mm is considered normal.

The cooling compartment must ensure that heat is removed from the coil in a constant manner. In principle, cooling can be provided by ice, air or water flow. The most commonly used is water.

There are 2 options for submitting it. Is it a closed or open system.

In the first case, the container is filled with cold water. Cooling occurs until it warms up, after which the coolant is replaced with a new portion.
The second option is considered more effective, because cooling is provided by running water.

Step by step

The manufacture of the refrigerator is carried out in the following sequence.

A metal tube of the optimal size is filled with sand to prevent deformation and is wound in the form of a spiral onto a cylinder with a diameter of about 30-36 mm with a turn pitch of 11-14 mm.
The sand is poured out and the spiral is washed under running water.
Next, the cooling compartment body is made from a metal or plastic pipe with a diameter of 76-82 mm. Connections for supplying tap water are installed on the compartment body.
Then part of the coil is passed inside the compartment, the ends of which are hermetically sealed.

Both ends of the coil remain free, one for connection to the distillation cube or steamer, the other for discharging the finished product.

How to make a steamer

They are made in the form of a piece of pipe or a small metal container. At the ends of the steam chamber, fittings are installed for connection with the coil and the evaporator cover.

The bubbler is connected to the coil at the upper end, and the lower end is lowered through the hole in the lid of the cube so that there is a gap of about 25-30 mm to the bottom of the container.

How to provide heating

To carry out the process of distilling raw materials into moonshine, it is important to ensure reliable heating of the distillation cube. It is provided in the following ways:

Since ancient times, people have been engaged in moonshine brewing, distilling mash or other low-alcohol liquids into strong and pure alcohol, using various distillation devices, which at first were very primitive. The designs of moonshine stills have changed for the better over time, in parallel with the development of technology and the growth of knowledge about physical processes. They have gone from the simplest structures made of cast iron and wood to the most complex stills of the “distillation column” type, and today, thanks to this, we can independently make a moonshine still that will serve us faithfully.

However, enough historical digressions, since you are reading this, you are interested in becoming the owner of your own and, moreover, a fairly high-quality moonshine still. In this article we will share with you our experience on how to make one yourself for your own needs and what materials to choose for this.

DIY moonshine still

Container for distilling mash

Material

Aluminum, stainless steel, enamelled steel and copper can be used as a distillation tank, but there are some caveats to consider. Aluminum vats are considered short-lived compared to other materials. Copper is too expensive, and purchasing a large container made from this metal anywhere, although possible, will certainly cost you a pretty penny. Stainless steel is the best choice for your device, however, when purchasing a container or metal for its manufacture, you must ensure that the stainless steel is intended for the food industry according to GOST.

Volume and dimensions of the container

The volume and dimensions of the container are one of the most difficult issues that you will have to decide for yourself. First of all, the volume of the still depends on the volume of product you intend to obtain, as well as the number of distillation operations you intend to perform. If you have enough free time, you can, with a relatively small container, produce the same amount of moonshine as with a large one, simply by repeating the production cycle. Last but not least, the size of the distillation still depends on whether you have the space to accommodate a large tank both for storage and during the distillation process of the drink. In any case, when choosing the volume of the container, expect that during distillation the tank should be filled with mash no more than 80%.

Selection of capacity

You may ask, what can be used as a tank? For containers in Soviet times, aluminum milk cans were most often used. This technical solution had many advantages, such as: a fairly large volume of the container (40 liters), a lid that reliably covers the opening of the container and can withstand the necessary pressure, as well as a fairly wide neck that allows cleaning the container after distilling the product. Don’t forget about the convenience of carrying and preparing mash in these cans. These containers themselves are well sealed, and the only element that needs to be upgraded in terms of sealing is the rubber seal under the lid. By itself, it holds pressure well during distillation, but, reacting to high temperature, it adds an unpleasant odor and harmful substances to your future alcoholic drink. You can simply replace it with silicone sealant or wrap the rubber seal with FUM tape and boil it in water for about 1 hour.

Of the commercially available containers, large enamel dishes - boiling pots, pots, etc. - can also serve as a distillation cube. The main advantage of this choice also implies its disadvantage, the ease of cleaning as opposed to the complexity of sealing the tank. This option is quite durable, the main thing is to be careful when handling the container and avoid impacts that could lead to chips of the enamel. Another option for using kitchen utensils as a mash tank is old pressure cookers; their undoubted advantage is the presence of excellent sealing. However, given the initially small capacity, we cannot recommend this option to every one of our readers.

Stainless steel containers are an excellent choice for anyone who decides to start making moonshine, primarily because stainless steel intended for the food industry does not react chemically with the alcohol produced and, therefore, there is no need to worry about the presence of iron oxidation products in moonshine . If you can’t get a ready-made container and you end up with a DIY tank, check the quality of the welds. The welds must withstand a pressure inside the cube of about 220 Pa, otherwise unpleasant surprises cannot be avoided.

Cooling unit

This element of the design of a moonshine still is critical; the quality of the cooling unit, of course, directly depends on the quantity and quality of the resulting strong drink. The unit itself consists of two main elements: a cooling tank and a coil (a spiral-shaped tube).

Material

In order to make the most complex part of the cooling unit - the coil, it is necessary to use a heat-conducting material that does not react chemically with alcohol and its vapors. Copper is the best material for making a coil, since it is a very thermally conductive and practically non-oxidizing metal; moreover, this metal is quite soft and can be easily processed in a home workshop. The only slight drawback to using a copper tube as a coil is the need to clean it after completing the distillation cycle with citric acid or vinegar. The next highest thermal conductivity is aluminum, which is more than 1.5 times worse than copper in this parameter, but its more serious drawback is greater oxidation than copper and other options. Food grade stainless steel is often used as a material for the coil. In terms of thermal conductivity, stainless steel is more than 3 times worse than copper, and difficulty in processing can also be noted as a disadvantage. Sometimes such exotic options as a glass coil are used; of course, it is difficult to make it yourself, but it can be purchased as part of some laboratory equipment. A glass coil does not react at all with alcohol, but is very fragile and has low thermal conductivity.

Dimensions

When choosing parameters, it is necessary to adhere to the principle of the “golden mean”. For example, the longer the tube, the better the cooling of steam, because the larger the contact area with the cooled substance, but the higher the pressure inside the tube, which means the lower the distillation speed. The larger the diameter, the lower the pressure and the better the cooling, but the more difficult it is to cool the tubes themselves (more water for cooling), and the more difficult they are to process. The recommended length of the copper tube before twisting into a spiral is one and a half to two meters, the internal diameter is desirable within ten millimeters, the wall diameter is about one millimeter (a small error is allowed).

Coolant

The temperature of the coil is lowered with water, ice and air. Cooling with water is most often used; such cooling, in turn, is divided into cooling with running water and cooling in a non-flowing container (the coil is simply lowered into some container filled with water). Cooling in still water is easier to implement, but it is less efficient, which is why the output of moonshine is smaller and of poorer quality. Flow-through ones are more complicated, they require much more water, but the result of distillation speaks for itself. Moonshine should come out of a good cooling unit at room temperature, or even a little colder. If the coil is located in a flow-through tank, then it is advisable to place it so that the coolant circulates towards the steam, pump in from below, and drain from above, thus reaching a temperature minimum at the outlet of the coil.

Manufacturing of the cooling unit

In order to make a cooling unit, we need a tube made of copper, aluminum or stainless steel (for the coil) and a metal pipe with a diameter of 80 millimeters. When choosing a tube for the coil, we will use the previously given dimensions. The length of the tube is 1.5 -2 meters with a wall thickness of about 1 mm and a diameter of 8-12 mm. Just below you can see a drawing of the assembled unit; on the drawing it is labeled “refrigerator”.

Next you need to do the following:

You need to pour sand or some other bulk material into the tube you have prepared and compact it tightly. If you don’t have anything like this at hand, and the temperature outside is sub-zero, or you are the happy owner of a huge refrigerator, then pour water into the tube, close the holes tightly and freeze the water inside the tube. This is done so that when bending our tube does not flatten.
If you used sand, tightly plug the ends of the tube with wooden cylinders, or completely rivet them. Use a rod with an outer diameter as shown in the drawing.
Insert the end of the tube into the nut welded to the rod and wind it around the pipe.
On a cooler made of a pipe with a diameter of 80 mm, install pipes for supplying water to and removing it from the cooling unit.
Place the coil in the pipe body, weld it on both sides and seal it thoroughly.

Once you have made the cooling assembly, you are almost finished with your moonshine still. All you have to do is supply water to the cooling unit and connect it to the distillation cube. To connect to the distillation tank, it is advisable to use silicone tubes, but in no case rubber or PVC. It is very easy to distinguish a silicone tube from others. If you set it on fire. it does not smoke and leaves behind a light powdery ash. The silicone hose is fixed on both sides with clamps. Any type of hose can be used to supply and drain water.

Attention, TODAY only!

The design of a moonshine still is not particularly complex; for this reason, some craftsmen make devices literally “on their knees.” And device manufacturers are coming up with more and more new designs that should provide people with high-quality alcohol. Moonshine stills have been known to mankind for quite a long time; some of them were familiar to the Egyptians back in the 3rd century. In Rus', similar devices appeared a little later - in the 16th-17th centuries.

Classic version

What exactly is included in the design of the device and what are its parts responsible for?

Design principle of the classic model:

A moonshine still of the correct design must certainly have a distillation cube and a container for storing mash. The cube must be made of durable material, preferably stainless steel, but it is permissible to use an aluminum can as a distillation cube. An aluminum milk storage can is best used for this purpose as it has a sealed lid. If the cube is made of stainless steel, then it tolerates contact well with aggressive substances, alcohols and fusel oils. Aluminum is not as stable as stainless steel, so over the years, harmful substances that are formed during the oxidation of aluminum can enter the mash.
The thermometer helps maintain the temperature: the fact is that during the boiling process, fusel oils and water evaporate at one temperature, and alcohol at another. For this reason, it is worth monitoring the indicators and avoiding overheating, since it is dangerous for moonshine and can affect its quality.
The device is also equipped with a coil - it acts as a connecting element. It is through the coil that alcohol-containing vapors pass, which arise during the heating or boiling of the mash. The vapor enters the steamer from the coil and is converted into a ready-to-use product.
The role of the vaporizer is to clean alcohol-containing vapors from fusel oils and other harmful substances. The dry steam tank is often called a deflector or sump. Passing through the device, harmful substances settle in the steam chamber. But this part of the device can not only clean alcohol from impurities, it is often used to add a certain aroma to the drink. Orange or lemon peels are placed in the steamer to give the moonshine additional piquancy, pleasant taste and smell.
A refrigerator is a zone in which condensation is produced and the vapor is converted into an alcohol solution. If we are talking about a device that has a connection to running water, then cooling occurs due to its circulation, and if there is no access to water, then use a container filled with cool liquid.

Moonshine still design

But good alcohol can be produced not only with the help of a moonshine still; ratification columns are often used to obtain high-quality alcohol.

Ratification column and its structure

Many people think that the ratification column is the apparatus for distilling moonshine, but in reality this is not the case. A ratification column is a device that has a unique structure and differs from a device for producing moonshine from mash in that it allows you to obtain high-quality alcohol with a strength of up to 90 degrees.

In the production of tinctures, liqueurs and other strong drinks, a ratification column is indispensable, since only this device can be used in the production of such drinks.

To understand the principle of operation of the device, it is worth considering what the ratification column consists of and what are the features of its design.

The device has:

A container that heats up during operation of the device.
Distiller with nozzles and cooling device.
There is also a column in the design.

Today, such devices are used not only for the production of alcohol. The ratification column has found application in pharmacology, the oil industry and other industries.

The operating principle of the column is as follows:

The container containing the mash or solution is gradually heated, and the liquid is brought to a boil. During the boiling process, abundant steam is released.
The steam that appears during the boiling process gradually rises as a result of rising temperatures; the steam flows through the column. It “gains strength” due to attachments that increase heat transfer.
The steam reaches the cooling device and distillation converts the vapor mixture into alcohol. The liquid returns back, it flows down the column again, nozzles are involved in this process.
As the liquid moves down the column, it encounters vapor and goes through distillation a second time. Thanks to the repeated distillation process and contact with vapor, the quality of the main product and the strength of the drink increases. This ultimately allows you to obtain alcohol with a strength of up to 90 degrees.

The design features of the ratification column ensure its high productivity. Naturally, this device cannot be compared with a high-power moonshine still. But it is worth noting that given the column’s ability to produce high-quality alcohol, it is not much inferior in characteristics to a home brewing apparatus.

However, any device has its pros and cons, but for those who like to produce alcoholic beverages at home, a ratification column or a moonshine still are essential devices.

Naturally, the devices are quite expensive; the price of a good apparatus for the production of strong drinks can reach 20–30 thousand rubles. But some people successfully solved this problem and made their own moonshine still from improvised materials. What is the operating principle of these devices?

Manufacturing of moonshine stills

It’s not easy to make a moonshine still with your own hands, but don’t despair, the devices of some devices are so primitive that even a beginner can assemble them with their own hands without certain skills.

Everyone knows that most often devices are made of stainless steel, since it is durable and resistant to acids, alcohols and solvents.

A homemade moonshine production plant at home can have the following varieties:

You can make the device from a can, which is used for storing and transporting milk. Instead of a can, you can take a flask or any other container. The can will play the role of a distillation cube; it will be equipped with a flow-through coil or a refrigerator, which is basically the same thing. The refrigerator is made of copper tube. To improve product quality, it is worth attaching a steam steamer to the structure.
The second type of device can also be assembled from a can for storing milk; it is equipped with a powerful refrigerator of five tubes, which increase the reliability and efficiency of the device. In order to obtain the highest quality alcohol, a steamer is attached to the apparatus.
For experienced engineers, a device made entirely of stainless steel is suitable. Its advantage is its compactness and the possibility of complete disassembly. The design is very interesting, it is full of unique engineering solutions and ideas. In addition, the device will help to expel high-quality alcohol due to the fact that it is equipped with a double steam chamber.
You can make a device for dispensing strong drinks from any pot you have in the house. The saucepan is supplemented with a tube, which serves as a refrigerator, and a steamer, in which harmful substances, fusel, settle.
In 2–2.5 hours you can assemble a moonshine still from a glass jar and a coil. If you need to enhance the quality of the product, then you will have to attach a steam steamer to the device. Despite this simplicity of design, the device will help produce alcohol of good quality. But, naturally, its productivity is low.
If you combine a glass jar and a computer cooler, you can make a device for distilling moonshine. An attempt to abandon water cooling leads to its replacement with a small fan. And the jar will act as a distillation cube. This device is simple in design and can be assembled in just a few hours.
But this is not the simplest device that was created by craftsmen. If you take a bucket, pour mash into it, cover it with a bag, make a small hole in it and fill it with water and ice, you can get a device for preparing alcohol-containing drinks. Such a device will help distill alcohol from mash, but the quality of the drink obtained in this way leaves much to be desired. Instead of a bag with a recess, you can use a bowl of cold water that will float on the surface of the bucket and cool the mash. But there must certainly be a container above the mash, in which the alcohol vapor will condense, turning into the coveted moonshine.

The desire to create a device for the production of moonshine does not always end in success, although the design of the device is simple. But it has certain features, for this reason there is a risk of spending money on raw materials, time, and getting nothing as a result.

For those who are not good at constructing devices for converting mash into alcohol, you can use special kits. They contain all the parts that are necessary to assemble the device and also instructions - it will help you understand the design features and do everything correctly.

Today in stores you can easily find devices that are equipped with all the necessary parts. Such kits are cheaper than the assembled device.

If you want to create a device for producing alcohol with your own hands, then you should approach the process with all responsibility. You should not skimp on the source code and you need to think through all the design features in advance, make drawings, or at least find samples on the Internet. Only by thinking through all the features of the device down to the smallest detail can you not only make the device yourself, but also ultimately get the pleasure of assembling the device and distilling alcohol. And also subsequently enjoy the result of your labor!