Regular Panchenkov wire nozzle (RPN) - concept and features of operation. Use of a Panchenkov nozzle in a moonshine still Regular Panchenkov nozzle operating principle

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.

Home-made alcoholic drinks are popular. For many, home distilling is a hobby of sorts. The mash column is an analogue of an industrial distillation apparatus, but in a smaller version. To obtain high-quality raw alcohol, it uses a Panchenkov nozzle. Varieties of this device allow you to purify alcohol from harmful impurities.

A specially woven mesh made of metal and used in distillation columns is called the “Panchenkov nozzle” after the inventor. To understand the principle of its operation, let us remember how the process of alcohol rectification itself proceeds. The cavity of the distillation cube is filled with mash and heated over low heat. Alcohol vapor generated during the boiling process passes through the coil, where it forms liquid condensate. The liquid is discharged into a container to collect the finished product.

The use of a Panchenkov nozzle does not change the course of the process, but the path of passage of alcohol-containing vapors is lengthened. Upon contact with the metal mesh, fusel oils settle on it, and then return to the mash in the form of condensate. The steam, partially purified from harmful impurities, goes further to the film reflux condenser, where more active cooling occurs. As you can see, the principle of operation of the Panchenkov nozzle in the mash column is similar to the steamer that is installed in moonshine stills. The mesh, which fills the cavity of the drawer, allows you to clean the resulting moonshine without compromising its strength.

Technical characteristics of the mesh used as a nozzle:

thread thickness - 0.13 mm;
gap size - up to one mm;
type of weaving - “knitted stitch” (zig-zag);
weight - 45–55 grams;
length - 40 cm or 100 cm;
width - 5 cm or 10 cm;
drawer diameter - from three to 30 mm.

The material from which the nozzle is made is stainless steel or copper.

Why do you need a Panchenkov nozzle in a mash column?

Originally, regular copper wire packing was intended for the purification of aviation fuel in distillation columns at oil refineries. The development belonged to the Design Bureau named after. Tupolev. The use of Panchenkov's on-load tap-changer made it possible to obtain high-quality fuel without hydrogen sulfide impurities. In home devices for the production of strong alcoholic drinks, Panchenkov's on-load tap-changer serves the same function. It allows you to clean the vapors passing through the distillation column from the fusel oils and other harmful components present in them.

Advantages of the nozzle

Most premium home devices use a Panchenkov nozzle. It provides high efficiency in separating an alcohol-containing mixture into fractions. The advantages of the device include:

ease of operation;
low cost;
durability;
possibility of adjusting the packing density;
easy maintenance (cleaning, replacement).

The use of a Panchenkov grid in a moonshine still allows you to obtain a drink of high strength and degree of purification.

This alcohol purification technology also has its drawbacks. The Panchenkov nozzle can only be used in drawers with a maximum diameter of up to 30 mm, that is, it is suitable for installations of low or medium power. When using the device, the speed of steam passage decreases, which slows down the entire process.

Which material is the best nozzle?

The main material from which filter meshes are made is stainless steel. Nozzles made from it are much cheaper and easier to use. Accordingly, its use reduces the cost of all equipment. Steel mesh is rarely cleaned, after it gets into the frame or the mash burns. Steel on-load tap-changers can easily be replaced with ordinary washcloths, which are used when washing dishes.

Attachments made of copper wire are also available for sale, but their prices are higher than for steel on-load tap-changers. Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, which significantly increases the efficiency of the cleaning process. But nozzles made of such material require careful care, since copper quickly oxidizes. The on-load tap changer should be washed and dried after each use. But many distillers prefer nozzles made of this material, since they improve the taste of the drink.

How to install and clean the Panchenkov nozzle?

The finished Panchenkov mesh is supplied in rolls, the width of which can be 5 or 10 cm, and the length - from 40 cm to one meter. A narrow nozzle is easier to use, but the roll can always be cut into two equal parts. The density of the packing depends on the parameters of the frame, as well as the design of the column; the dimensions are usually indicated by the equipment manufacturer. Having cut a piece of the required length, it is twisted into a wad. You need to wind it tightly, so that there is no hole in the center.

There are two ways to stuff the drawer with wire mesh:

Fold the cut piece in half, then twist it into a wad and, turning along the vertical axis, push it into the pipe.
Roll the nozzle into a spiral, rolling from one edge to the other like a roll. The density will be higher.

In practice, how you install the mesh will not change much, so you can use any method. Prepared wads should be washed with dish soap to remove any remaining oil. Then the nozzle is etched with citric acid. Take 10 grams of powder per liter of water, this is a level teaspoon. A mesh is placed in the solution and boiled for several minutes, then washed with water and dried.

When inserting the nozzle into the pipe, keep in mind that packing that is too tight can prevent the free circulation of vapors, which will lead to increased pressure in the system and an explosion. When dried, the deposit that forms on the mesh becomes coked and prevents the passage of steam. To prevent this from happening, the “rolls” need to be cleaned periodically. To rinse the Panchenkov nozzle, you need to remove it by picking it up with tweezers. The same citric acid allows you to remove residual fusel oils.

How to make an analogue of copper mesh with your own hands?

It is difficult to make a copper Panchenkov nozzle yourself without the appropriate equipment. Therefore, home craftsmen often use ordinary scourers for washing dishes, which are made of steel or copper. It takes 8–10 pieces for a meter-long pipe. Before stuffing, the washcloth is pulled out into a sausage and inserted into the drawer, then pushed deeper with a stick. You can combine the Panchenkov nozzle with filling or combine wads from different materials.

Before using copper wool, they should be checked for authenticity. This can be done using a regular magnet. If there is no reaction, then the sponge is indeed copper and will provide the required cleaning quality. Steel products are tested for corrosion resistance by placing them in a strong saline solution for several days.

When experimenting with nozzles for cleaning moonshine, do not forget about safety precautions. The apparatus should not be left unattended during the distillation process. Monitor the condition of the nozzles by regularly cleaning them and replacing damaged ones.

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 until the device cools 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Currently, the production of homemade alcohol is increasingly gaining popularity. And in order to obtain a high-quality product, you need not only certain knowledge and a good moonshine still, but also some additional devices with which you can significantly improve the quality of the product. Panchenkov's regular wire attachment is one such device.

The advantages of using the Panchenkov nozzle are as follows:

the purification of moonshine from harmful impurities during the distillation process is improved;
the strength of moonshine increases;
The on-load tap-changer has a low cost;
characterized by ease of maintenance.

Historical reference

The Panchenkov nozzle was developed and patented in 1981 by the legendary Tupolev Design Bureau for the purpose of more detailed purification of petroleum products in the production of aviation fuel. Previously, only copper wire was used in the design, which has high thermal conductivity and perfectly absorbs sulfur in petroleum products.

Later, the on-load tap-changer began to be used for the production and purification of home-made moonshine, installing it in a drawer or a special chamber of a moonshine still, for example, like Finland Extra.

Operating principle of the Panchenkov nozzle

RPN (regular wire nozzle) Panchenkova is a mesh sheet made of copper or steel wire, which is rolled into a roll before installation in the drawer.

Heated mash vapors enter the drawer and come into contact not only with its walls, but also with the on-load tap-changer, giving off their heat. As a result of this process, vapors of impurities whose evaporation temperature is higher than that of alcohol begin to condense and flow back into the distillation cube, while alcohol-containing vapors continue to move.

It is worth noting that nozzles made of steel and copper purify raw materials from impurities, but they are used under different conditions. It all depends on the type of mash. Panchenkov's copper on-load tap-changers are mainly used in the processing of fruit or grain mash. And they require cleaning, preferably after each use.

If sugar mash is used in the production of moonshine, then sulfur impurities do not appear during distillation, therefore it is not advisable to use expensive metal; it is enough to install a stainless steel Panchenkov nozzle.

Installation and cleaning of the Panchenkov nozzle

If we talk about installing this device in a distillation apparatus, then the nozzle must be folded in half, then rolled into a tight roll, which is carefully screwed into the drawer. To improve the quality of the final product, it is recommended to use several rolls of on-load tap changers, inserting them into the drawer one after another.

For a drawer with a diameter of 1.5 inches - 30-35 cm;
For a drawer with a diameter of 2 inches - 50 cm.

Important! The nozzle is not rolled very tightly, since a roll that is too tight can plug the column, and when distilling the mash, the device can simply explode.

Removing the device is very simple - carefully grab the edge of the nozzle with tweezers and pull it out.

As you can see, installing and removing the nozzle is very simple; as for care and cleaning, it will also not be difficult; for this you need:

Place the used nozzle in water and bring to a boil;
add citric acid (10 g per liter of water);
rinse in clean running water;
dry - the on-load tap-changer is ready for reuse.

Moonshine brewing is a complex process in which it is necessary to take into account various nuances in order to obtain a high-quality drink. Experienced distillers believe that if during distillation it is possible to increase the purity, quality and strength of moonshine, then any available devices should be used, and Panchenkov’s on-load tap-changer is no exception.

Today, many connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages prefer to create an alcoholic product at home. One of the reasons is that homemade alcohol is of higher quality, stronger and purer than some of its analogues available in stores.

However, to obtain the desired result, special equipment, skills and knowledge are required. To ensure that the drink does not have a strong odor and does not contain harmful impurities (fusel oils), experienced moonshiners use various devices and additions to the apparatus. The latter includes the Panchenkov nozzle (regular wire nozzle).

What is a Panchenkov nozzle

A regular wire nozzle or Panchenkov mesh is a patented scientific work of Tupolev OJSC, which appeared in 1981. Initially, the on-load tap-changer was manufactured for technical purposes and for the purification of petroleum feedstock.

Panchenkov's on-load tap-changer consists of copper and is characterized by high thermal conductivity and high-quality absorption. Therefore, later it found its application in the production of alcoholic beverages. Nowadays, among users of distillation columns, the mesh is considered the easiest to use and the best in terms of purification (after Selivanenko’s spiral-prismatic nozzle).

The nozzle is a wire rolled into a wad. The weaving of the on-load tap-changer allows you to place it in the moonshine device so that during the process of preparing the product you can independently set the necessary parameters. In addition, the roll is easily removed from the column and cleaned for reuse.

Copper reduces the heating and cooling time of the nozzle, and also absorbs sulfur and prevents it from entering the purified alcoholic beverage.

Technical characteristics of the Panchenkov mesh:

weight - from 45 to 55 g with a width of 10 cm and a length of 40 cm;
weaving - zigzag or spiral;
thread thickness - 0.13 mm;
distance between threads - less than 1 mm;
The inner diameter of the drawer, recommended for use, is 35 cm.

This addition to the moonshine still allows you to expand its functionality. Using a grid allows you to:

combine distillation and purification of an alcoholic product;
reduce cleaning time;
obtain the highest quality product without impurities;
create a flow of the required power by adjusting the location of the on-load tap-changer;
extend the life of the device.

Among the disadvantages of the Panchenkov nozzle, moonshiners note an increase in the time for distilling alcohol, which is associated with the purification process.

How the device works

During the process of preparing an alcoholic beverage, the boiling point inside the moonshine still increases and vapor moves into the drawer.

The latter settle on the pipe and interact with the Panchenkov nozzle, giving it some of the heat. As a result, phlegm (liquid with harmful impurities at elevated temperatures) is produced, which flows back into the cube. In addition, purified alcohol-containing vapors are formed. When placed in the refrigerator, they condense and transform into moonshine.

Thus, the copper mesh for the moonshine still functions as a heat and mass exchanger, just like other devices in the form of washcloths or plates.

When using a Panchenkov nozzle, the operating principle of the device changes somewhat, since the speed of production and movement of steam in the pipe decreases and the moonshine process slows down. However, users do not consider this nuance to be a major disadvantage.

Practical use

The Favorit moonshine device is equipped with a regular Panchenkov nozzle. The operating principle of the device allows you to avoid the need for repeated distillation or rectification, and also ensures the formation of a high-quality alcoholic drink.

When using a film-type mash column, moonshiners receive a pure product with a strength of up to 94% of revolutions.

The Panchenkov grid is also used in other distillation columns, which are constantly modified, reduced or increased in size. But it should be remembered that regular attachment is effective only if the length of the drawer is 35 cm or more.

How to make a mesh for a moonshine still with your own hands

Some users of moonshine stills make the Panchenkov on-load tap-changer with their own hands. However, in practice, such an activity turns out to be economically unprofitable.

Creating a mesh for a moonshine still requires special means for winding and compliance with generally accepted rules and tolerances.

How to install and clean the tap changer

Before installation, it is necessary to determine the size of the on-load tap-changer, which depends on the diameter of the distillation column pipe.

So, for a 30 mm drawer, a mesh with a diameter of 15 cm is required. If the diameter of the pipe is 60 mm, then the length of the nozzle should be 100 cm.

A wad should be created from a mesh of a given length. There are different ways to do this:

The nozzle is completely rolled into a spiral into a tight roll, from edge to edge. At the same time, make sure that no gap is formed in the middle of the wad.
The mesh is folded in half, and then, starting from the point of inflection, a wad is formed.

The finished roll is inserted into the pipe to operate the moonshine device. In order to get the nozzle, you need to pick it up with your fingertip or tweezers.

Removing the Panchenkov on-load tap-changer is required to clean its surface, since a silver or black coating forms during the preparation of an alcoholic beverage. Heavy contamination impairs the functionality of the nozzle and the quality of the moonshine.

To clean the mesh you need to follow simple steps:

Fill the on-load tap-changer with water and put it on the fire to boil.
Add citric acid (10 g per 1 liter of water) to the boiling liquid.
Mix the contents thoroughly.
Drain the water and rinse the mesh under running water.

If after washing the nozzle has acquired a copper color, it means it is ready for reuse. The service life of the mesh is determined by the frequency of its use and cleaning, the quality of the raw materials and the acidity level of the moonshine.