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The composition of the moonshine still includes both mandatory and auxiliary elements. The thermometer belongs to the latter. Its use is optional, but highly recommended.
What is a thermometer used for?
With the help of a measuring device, it is much easier to separate the distillate into fractions: “heads”, “body” and “tails”.
Experienced moonshiners often do this “the old fashioned way”, focusing on external indicators: smell, volume, combustibility, etc. However, such methods are not particularly accurate and are hardly suitable for beginners.
To obtain accurate data, the thermometer is placed on the lid of the cube or the pipe leading to the evaporator.
You can put an additional device on a steamer or refrigerator.
In addition to helping in the separation of fractions, the device allows you to control and adjust the heating temperature.
What are thermometers for moonshine
Bimetallic
Inexpensive instruments in a metal case, with a probe and a round measuring scale under glass.
Often supplied with the distiller: built into its lid.
Such a device is easy to install on your own, it does not require special care: replacing batteries or connecting to the network.
The main advantage: the reliability of the design, the ability to withstand shocks, falls, high pressure and temperatures.
“Minus”: approximate indications and limited resource. After some time, the device can “false”.
However, the deviations are insignificant (up to a few tenths of a degree), so they do not significantly affect the operation.
Electronic and digital
The devices are equipped with a thin probe 15–20 cm long or a remote meter sensor for convenient operation.
The probe is usually lowered directly into the wash, and the device itself is installed in the “cold” part of the distiller.
Such a thermometer requires close contact with the medium: the thermometer must be immersed in a liquid or well blown with steam.
Main advantage: high accuracy of readings. The error is no more than 0,1 degrees, when installed in a capsule – about 1 degree.
The disadvantage is the relative fragility: when dropped and hit, it can fail.
One of the best options for moonshine with a wide range of operation: from -30 to +500 ° C.
It can be used not only during distillation, but also in the preparation of mash.
It usually runs on batteries, but some models require an electrical connection.
Glass alcohol or mercury
Classic options, familiar to everyone.
The main advantages are accuracy and reliability, especially when it comes to Soviet models.
But there is a significant drawback: fragility. For this reason, glassware is rarely used in home brewing.
To avoid damage during operation, the device is usually placed in a capsule – a special glass.
Non-contact infrared
The most advanced option, but not the most successful.
In moonshine stills, it is used extremely rarely: due to the lack of direct contact with steam and mash, the readings can be very different from the real ones.
The cost of such devices is comparable to the price of electronic thermometers.
Which thermometer for moonshine to choose
During the distillation process, you can use any of the listed devices, with the exception of non-contact ones.
The most affordable option is a bimetallic thermometer; it is often included in the package of factory devices.
Electronic is considered the most accurate, but it costs more.
As for glass, it should be used only as a last resort, if there are no other devices. This is a very fragile device that must be provided with a protective shell.
When choosing a measuring instrument, it is important to pay attention to the operating range.
It is desirable that the upper bar be at least + 120-130 ° C.
For glass options, it is usually at around +100 ° C.
Some mercury models can withstand higher temperatures, but they are also more expensive.
Relevance: 02.12.2019
Tags: vodka, mash, moonshine