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Distillers “D-Still” are presented by the online store “Best SAM” in sizes 1,5 and 2 inches with sides 500 and 700 mm. The store itself is positioned as a supplier of components and accessories for self-assembly or modernization of moonshine stills. This determines reasonable prices and a wide selection of components.
1,5″ BC D-Still
Let’s start with the 1,5-inch D-Still BC model. The quality of assembly, welding and processing, according to the owners, does not cause negative emotions. Rather, on the contrary, buyers say that there are either no seams at all, or they are polished to the conscience. However, there is a simple explanation for this: the manufacturer uses flat clamp fittings that mask the welds. Yes, and reduces the cost of the design as a whole.
Let’s take a closer look at the design and start from the sore point of most manufacturers – from the dephlegmator.
Dephlegmator
The one and a half inch D-Still BC is equipped with a 20 cm dephlegmator with 4 steam tubes with an internal diameter of 10 mm. Water is supplied through pipes with a half-inch thread.
Thermal power is sufficient for operation with both STC and OLTC. The dephlegmator can utilize 1250 W with a margin. The steam speed will not exceed 3 m/s. Thus, throughout the entire operating range of a one and a half inch column, the reflux condenser promises stable operation.
But, alas, there is a small detail that spoils the overall picture: the lack of partitions. The presence of partitions not only increases efficiency, but also lengthens the path of water, contributing to its better heating. This, in turn, allows less supercooling of the phlegm.
Nevertheless, this dephlegmator is operational, which is a rare case for domestic manufacturers!
Refrigerator
The refrigerator with a length of 400 mm has 4 tubes with an inner diameter of 10 mm and 3 partitions inside. Its utilization power at a nominal water flow is about 3 kW. Good refrigerator for home use.
Removable nose problem. A cheap detail, but it can create problems for the device in Potstill mode.
The fact is that in Potstill mode, the refrigerator is at a slight angle to the horizon. The tube board of the refrigerator is made flush with the clamp. The central location of the finished product drain pipe indicates that if the angle of inclination of the refrigerator is less than about 30 degrees, then the resulting puddle of product will begin to block the refrigerator pipes. As a result, an atmospheric communication tube will not help in this case. This cannot be called a disadvantage, but rather a nuance that needs to be paid attention to.
Tsarga
The device in the basic configuration can come with drawer sides of 500 and 700 mm.
The manufacturer positions the D-Still as a beer-column type apparatus and quite rightly believes that in this case such a length is sufficient. But in additional accessories it provides the opportunity to purchase drawers of any size in increments of 100 mm: from 100 to 1500 mm inclusive. That is, for every taste and for any task.
In addition to the drawers, neoprene insulation 4 mm thick is offered at quite affordable prices.
Features of the D-Still 2” package
Naturally, a more powerful column requires a more powerful dephlegmator and refrigerator. In the two-inch version, the number of pipes has been increased to 7, everything else has remained unchanged.
As a result, the reflux condenser became capable of utilizing up to 2200 W of input power with an acceptable steam velocity in the tubes of less than 3 m/s. When working with SPN and, accordingly, a power of about 1800 W, the steam velocity is about 2,5 m/s. This is enough for stable operation.
The refrigerator allows you to dispose of up to 5 kW of power at a nominal water supply.
Pretty decent features.
Stills
The cube does not go directly with the columns. The manufacturer leaves the opportunity for the buyer to purchase it separately, completing it to taste. BestSam positions the basic boiler as a complete analogue of the Luxstahl boiler. However, he claims that the cube is made of stainless steel AISI 304 (08X18H10), unlike Luxstahl, which is known to be made of cheaper AISI 201 (12X15G9ND). However, both brands have sanitary and epidemiological conclusions on the possibility of using in the food industry.
Boiler wall thickness 1 mm, multilayer ferromagnetic bottom 4 mm allowing the use of induction heating. Silicone handles and displacement markings make them easy to use.
Boilers with volumes of 20, 24, 37,50 and 71 liters are offered.
Naturally, the cover is too thin and needs to be replaced. There are two options to choose from:
- Lid for LuxStahl cauldrons 3 mm thick, complete with 1,5 or 2 inch clamp, thermometer nipple with 4 mm probe and completely out of place pressure cooker blast valve. Standard and annoying mistake. However, this cover is also standard and is included in the LuxStahl boiler kit from almost all manufacturers of moonshine stills. It’s probably contagious…
- The second cover is domed, designed for the most popular 24 and 37 liter LuxStahl boilers or analogues with a clamp for a 1,5-ra, 2- or 3-inch column. Its thickness is 1,5 mm, it is made of stainless steel AISI304 (08X18H10). Sufficiently strong and reliable, it can be equipped with a nipple for an electronic thermometer and the same useless blast valve from a pressure cooker.
The lids are attached to the pan through a 4 mm silicone gasket using a clamp 1 mm thick for boilers up to 37 liters and 1,5 mm for 50 and 71 liters. The lock of collars is adjustable.
As standard and on request, the boilers are equipped with a drain outlet with a ½-inch thread and a 2-inch heating element clamp. You can also additionally purchase an adapter for a stainless steel heating element with a height of only 15 mm and a false bottom.
False bottom, of course, is not a masterpiece of design thought, but still … Thickness 1,5 mm, holes 1,5 mm, 4 legs 45 high or through an adapter – 85 mm, folding handle.
The disadvantages of the cubes are standard: a safety valve that does not correspond to the operating conditions, the rivets of the handles of the cubes that are not scalded from the inside, careless processing of welds.
Not scalded handles of heavy cubes will loosen over time and the rivets will become leaky.
Power regulator
Among the numerous additional equipment, it is worth noting the power regulator based on RM-2, which allows you to work with heating elements up to 3 kW, maintaining the stability of the output voltage with an accuracy of 1 Volt.
Equipped with a power regulator with a single-pole circuit breaker and active cooling of the triac with a fan. It is distinguished from competitors by a lower price of about 800-1000 rubles (as of December 2018).
conclusions
Both the 1,5” and 2” D-Still mash columns deserve attention. Sufficiently well-designed and manufactured reflux condensers and refrigerators put them among the best mash columns.
Despite some shortcomings, these columns can be safely recommended for purchase.
Reviewed by IgorGor.