Spetsnaz is one of the most popular Dobrovar devices. The manufacturer positions it as a multifunctional dephlegmator with a negative angle of inclination and states that the device can be used as a powerful distiller and as a dephlegmator as part of a beer or distillation column. In this review, we will find out which of the promises are true.
The Spetsnaz distiller is produced in two types: 40 and 50 mm, with a clamp or threaded connection. That’s right – these are the most common column diameters today. A coil or shell-and-tube is used as a refrigerator, and in the same diameter, the manufacturer claims that there is no difference.
For convenience, we will summarize all the technical characteristics in one table, fortunately, Dobrovar is proud of them and does not hide them.
| Value | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Productivity during the distillation of mash (l / h) | 5 | 6 |
| Raw alcohol distillation capacity (l/h) | — | 9 |
| Distillation power (kW) | 3,5 | 5 |
| Maximum power (kW) | — | 7 |
| Productivity at rectification (l/hour) | 0,9 | 1,1 |
| Recommended rectification power (kW) | 2 | 2 |
| Product temperature in relation to cooling water temperature | not higher | not higher |
| Dephlegmator length (cm) | 50 | 50 |
| Coil length (m) | 3,5 | 4 |
| CCT tubes size (cm) | 8pcs 0,8×20 | 9pcs 0,8×20 |
| Dephlegmator height (cm) | 20 | 20 |
Contradictions. For a capacity of 5 l/h, heating of 2,5 kW is sufficient, and for 6 l/h, 3 kW. Probably, they heated it on a gas stove, and measured the power by eye. Or is it really such a big heat loss? No, in fact, this is the most common potsteal. However, there is no doubt that these reflux condensers will provide such performance during distillation.
By the way, why are devices called dephlegmators? The reflux condenser must condense one part of the steam, and pass the other part further into the selection for the main refrigerator. “Spetsnaz” is not trained in this, the charter does not allow. This “reflux condenser” condenses all the phlegm and delivers a product with a temperature no higher than that of the cooling water.
So, under the guise of a dephlegmator, a capacitor is hidden. It’s like comparing a Mexican jerboa and a Shanghai leopard!
General characteristics
The workmanship of the Spetsnaz apparatus is decent, the welds and surfaces are well processed.
Stills
The configuration offers tanks from 17 to 51 liters. Quite modern models made of stainless steel grades AISI 304 (walls, top) and AISI 430 (ferromagnetic bottom). Wall thickness – 1 mm, top – 1,5 mm, bottom – 2 mm. Moreover, all surfaces are reinforced with stiffeners, which makes the cube durable. Throat diameter – 120 mm, handles and lambs are made of heat-resistant plastic.
A fitting for an electronic thermometer with an internal diameter of 6 mm is embedded in the steam zone. The tanks are equipped with drain cocks. The fitting of the heating element can be made on request with a threaded 1¼ or a 2-inch clamp. A plug is included in both cases.
There is also a blast valve, but it is located on a thick 1,5 mm cover with a small 10 cm side.
All cubes have a bottom diameter of 26,5 cm and differ only in height. This is bad – with an increase in volume, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the bottom. With normal boiling without uncontrolled foaming, these tanks can operate at a power of no more than 2,5-2,7 kW. Moreover, the higher the cube, the less this power will be. True, the situation is saved a little by the fact that, with a normal bulk of 2/3-3/4 volume, the tanks have a decent steam zone.
The capabilities of the Spetsnaz distiller are significantly higher than the capabilities of the tanks that come with the kit.
At high heating powers, an additional drawer side will have to be installed as a dry steamer to protect against splashing on large-capacity cubes.
Loads
Drawers are offered in lengths of 500, 750 and 100 cm, which are made both on threaded and clamp connections. At 20 cm from the bottom, the drawers have fittings for electronic thermometers or temperature sensors with a diameter of 8 mm; they can also be initially equipped with different nozzles. The workmanship is high.
From the additional configuration, it is possible to note the presence of a basket for aromatization – a very useful and necessary thing.
Criticism
If we stopped there, we could conclude that Spetsnaz is a good distiller, and in combination with a 23-liter cube, recommend it for beginner distillers. However, Dobrovar persistently positions it as an element of a beer or distillation column. At the same time, it rightly recommends using small drawers with RPN to strengthen the distillate, and longer ones – from 1 to 1,5 meters with SPN to obtain rectified alcohol.
Nuance – the manufacturer claims that the product leaves the reflux condenser with a temperature equal to the temperature of the cooling water, which means that this is the temperature of the phlegm returned to the column. Not close to the boiling point, as after traditional dephlegmators, not slightly supercooled, as happens on all devices with external phlegm return, but with a temperature of +15-20 °C.
As a result, a large part of the column and expensive packing will leave the heat and mass transfer processes and will deal with the consequences of this design solution. How much phlegm will flow down the column until it can be warmed up to working condition? And this is not the worst.
The main problem is that the highly volatile fractions, with great difficulty, after repeated re-evaporation, the columns that have risen up fall under a cold shower. Then, having condensed, they fall together with phlegm almost to the very bottom, where, having again evaporated, they enter the next attempt to get into the selection. A cold shower in the selection zone mixes everything, disrupts the separation of fractions along the height of the column. What is the quality of the product? That’s right, very low. Well, performance drops a lot.
With any dephlegmator for a 40 column with a SPN packing, the working capacity is about 1100-1200 ml / h, and for 50 mm – 1600-1800 ml / h. When using Spetsnaz, even in advertising, the manufacturer modestly talks about 900 and 1100 ml / hour.
Reducing the water supply to the dephlegmator will not help – the phlegm will still supercool, flowing along the cold walls of the coil or shell-and-tube, but the steam will begin to break through the communication tube with the atmosphere. This is simply a design feature that makes it highly undesirable for use with packed columns.
Isn’t the price of originality high? Especially since the consumer pays.
conclusions
- “Dobrovar Spetsnaz” complete with a 23-liter cube is suitable as a conventional distiller (moonshine still) for beginner moonshiners.
- Due to design errors, the device cannot effectively perform the function of a dephlegmator in distillation and beer columns, since in fact it is a condenser, not a dephlegmator. As a result, with a relatively high strength of the drink, the quality of its purification will be low.
- Modifications or upgrades are not possible.
Reviewed by IgorGor.