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Those who are fond of making homemade alcohol are probably familiar with a special nozzle for screening out impurities. The original device was invented by the Soviet physicist Panchenkov in the 50s. the last century. It is curious that initially the device had a completely different purpose and was used exclusively for fuel stratification.
Over time, the invention of a talented scientist interested home cooks and began to be used in moonshine for rectification (purification) of alcohol.
What is it and the principle of operation of the Panchenkov nozzle
The device looks like a tightly woven fabric of metal fibers – steel or copper. To purify alcohol, it is placed in the side of the moonshine still, after being twisted into a tight roll.
When entering the tube, the alcohol vapors come into contact with the nozzle and transfer part of the heat to it. As a result, volatile impurities with a high boiling point accumulate on the walls and drain, while the purified ones move further.
Home cooks for these purposes often adapt an ordinary stainless steel kitchen washcloth, if necessary, connecting several of these products and easily adjusting them to specific needs. As for the Panchenkov nozzle, its parameters are unchanged: the device is manufactured in factory conditions with molding according to a specific template.
The nozzle has a rather dense weave and it should be selected for a specific unit, since the characteristics are not adjusted.
When, where and how to use the Panchenkov nozzle
Nozzles made of copper and steel perform the same function – they purify alcohol vapors and increase the strength of the final product.
But they are used for different types of raw materials:
For the distillation of fruit or grain mash, the copper version is better suited, since it not only cleans the vapors, but also neutralizes sulfur compounds, accumulating them on itself.
For sugar mash, cheaper stainless steel devices are suitable, since sulfur derivatives are not formed in such a product.
It should be borne in mind that for the effective operation of the device, the obligatory presence of a reflux condenser is required, which should be located higher and provide irrigation of the nozzle. Otherwise, the use of the device is meaningless.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Panchenkov nozzle
When used correctly, the “pluses” of the Panchenkov nozzle are more than the “minuses”. Main advantages:
High degree of purification of the drink from impurities.
Strengthening the strength of the product.
Affordable price and ease of use.
As for the disadvantages, then it is only one – a decrease in the speed of distillation.
The feasibility of using a Panchenkov nozzle depends on the experience of the moonshiner and the level of cleaning required. Many professionals successfully use homemade stainless steel appliances, others prefer the factory version, some combine both methods.
Installation methods and nozzle care
Install the nozzle in one of two ways:
Fold in half, roll up and screw into the drawer side.
The device is twisted without bending in half, which increases its density.
You should not get too carried away with increasing the density, since rolls that are too tight can lead to adverse consequences – clogging the column and the explosion of the alembic.
After use, the device is pulled out of the apparatus with tweezers and cleaned. To do this, the nozzle is placed in a solution of citric acid, boiled for 15-20 minutes and washed with clean water. After these manipulations, the product is ready for further use.
Relevance: 13.12.2018
Tags: vodka, mash, moonshine