Table of Contents
What is the purpose of a dephlegmator?
A dephlegmator is a device arranged for the partial condensation of a multicomponent vapor stream. The vapor stream flows vertically upwards and the condensate (condensed vapor) runs back down under the influence of gravity.
Do you need a dephlegmator?
For most applications, dephlegmators are not necessary. Many craft distilleries do not even employ the use of this technology. However for some applications, like making very high proof neutral grain spirits or fuel alcohol, they are useful.
What does dephlegmator mean?
Definition of dephlegmator : an apparatus used in fractional distillation as a partial condenser to cool the mixed vapors and thus condense the higher-boiling portions.
What is reflux condenser?
A reflux condenser, also called a vent condenser or knockback condenser, is a vertical tube-side condenser in which the vapor flows upward, as indicated in Figure 11.7. These units are typically used when relatively small amounts of light components are to be separated from a vapor mixture.
What does a bubble plate do in a still?
Bubble plates are used to create more reflux in the column, ultimately to create multiple distillation cycles during one run. In review, a distillation column is phase change occurring over and over until it reaches the final the final condenser. The Bubble Cap is the main factor of creating the phase change.
Do bubble plates Strip Flavour?
A distiller with a fuel alcohol permit would use this to make fuel alcohol rather than an open, non-reflux column. This reason for thi is because bubble plate columns are designed to offer higher average proof while simultaneously stripping nearly all of the flavor from the final product.
What is a reflux still?
What Is a Reflux Still? A Reflux Still is essentially a Column Still. It typically generates a much higher proof, yet much less flavorful alcohol, than a pot still. The width and height of your reflux system will greatly determine the purity of your product and the speed that it produces distillate.
Is a bigger condenser more efficient?
Again, as expected the condensation rate of the HP condenser is sufficient to condense all vapor generated by the increased evaporation rate, decreasing product loss. So there you have it. Experimental proof that the bigger the condenser, the better for your distillation.
How many bubble plates does it take to make vodka?
During distillation our British wheat spirit evaporates and passes through each of the six bubble plates in turn. Each time the vapour passes through a bubble-plate it condenses back to a liquid and drips back down the column. Only the cleanest of spirits makes it to the top of the sixth bubble-plate.
What happens if you oversize a condenser?
Since an oversized AC is too powerful for your home, it will quickly cool your home then shut off, which can raise your energy bills and wear out your AC (from all the starts and stops).
What is the difference between a reflux condenser and dephlegmator?
Dephlegmators use warmer/hot water (and generally more surface area) to selectively condense higher weight compounds, and causing more specific separation of components. While a typical reflux condenser does allow you to control the reflux ratio and keep your plates/packing filled, it isn’t as finely tuned.
What is a dephlegmator in a still?
Today, many distillers are using stills equipped with dephlegmators (also sometimes called “reflux condensers”), attachments that sit at the top of a column to provide additional reflux capacity. What’s reflux?
What happens to the heat removed in the dephlegmator?
A substantial part of the heat removed in the dephlegmator is transferred to the coolant at a higher temperature than was possible when the fractionation was done entirely in the conventional column. (See also Condensers; Distillation .)
What’s the point of a reflux condenser?
While a typical reflux condenser does allow you to control the reflux ratio and keep your plates/packing filled, it isn’t as finely tuned. It’s why a lot of German stills use hot condenser water to feed their dephlegmators, rather than a separate cold water feed.