A distillation column is a special apparatus that is designed to separate liquids with excellent boiling points. Such devices are mainly used in industry, however, sometimes a do-it-yourself distillation column is made for home use.
Basically, the design is used in the process of home brewing. The principle of its operation is to separate pure alcohol or moonshine from the original liquid. It happens like this: raw materials are poured into the tank of the column and heated to a certain temperature. During the boiling of the liquid, steam is released, which settles in the upper part of the device, condenses and collects in an additional vessel, and the unused liquid is returned back to the tank.
Naturally, in order for a do-it-yourself distillation column to turn out to be of high quality, it is necessary to choose the right material for manufacturing. If all the elements are carefully selected, and the design of the device is made without errors, then the result shouldget pure alcohol, which does not have impurities, smell and foam. Therefore, the manufacture of the device, its design and circuit should be given increased attention.
Do-it-yourself distillation column is made in accordance with the scheme. Moreover, it has much smaller dimensions than an industrial apparatus, which can have a height of more than 20 meters. A distillation column made at home, the device of which cannot be called simple, consists of many elements. First of all, you need to purchase a steel pipe, the length of which is about 120-150 cm. A liter thermos can be used as a dephlegmator. You will also need adapters that will connect the pipe to the tanks, a heater for the nozzle part of the device, a stainless steel sheet for the manufacture of support washers, a small tube used as a water outlet and a refrigerator. It should also be noted that steel must be safe for he alth, that is, it could be used in the food industry.
Tools you will need a hammer, an electric drill with drills, pliers, a file, sandpaper, a soldering iron with solder or flux, tap adapters, small diameter rubber tubes and a thermometer.
Homemade distillation column is made according to a certain technology. The pipe must have the required length, and its edges must be trimmed. A special adapter is used to connect the pipe and the distillate unit. The connection of the pipe and the cube must be soldered, and the place of soldering subsequently requiresstripping. Next, you need to make steel nozzles that are poured into the pipe to the very top.
Now a support washer is inserted into the pipe, into which the narrow end of the selection is inserted. The junction is also soldered. The next step is to thermally insulate the pipe.
The thermos, which will be used as a dephlegmator, must be disassembled and the bottom removed. The inner flask should be pulled out of the outer one, and the vacuum lid of the thermos should be removed. In the flask, you need to make a hole in the center of the bottom of the element and in the central part of its back side. Insert a pipe into the upper hole and solder it there. Next, the bottom is put on the flask. In the outer flask, holes are also made for the pipes for the removal and supply of water. They are located at the top and bottom of the flask. The joints must be soldered. In the distillate selection unit, you need to make a hole for the thermometer sleeve.
The do-it-yourself distillation column is made with careful observance of safety rules. Naturally, protective gloves, clothing, a mask and a respirator are used during work. After the manufacture of the device, all adhesion points must be washed with a solution of water and soda and rinsed with running water.
