How to use a steam wax melter: rules, pros and cons of the device

Every beekeeper needs a wax melter. He needs this device, regardless of the number of hives available. The device can be bought ready-made or made independently. Today, quite a lot of varieties of such structures are known. One of the most common options is the steam model. It is important to know how to properly use the steam wax melter.

Pros and cons of a wax melter

The main purpose of the device is to melt the wax. The bee product is able to melt, like paraffin.This happens at temperatures above +70 degrees. A wax melter is a container in which used honeycombs are melted. The resulting wax is filtered, poured into molds and left to harden.

The use of a wax melter has the following advantages:

1. A chance to get a lot of wax. Moreover, its amount depends on the duration of processing.
2. No contact with boiling water. This helps prevent wax emulsion.
3. Keeping the workplace clean.
4. Obtaining a quality product without extraneous additives. Subject to the technology, it is not necessary to re-melt the wax circles.

The disadvantages of wax melters include:

1. High cost.
2. The need for constant control of the process.

How to melt wax with a steam wax melter

It's not too difficult to melt wax with a wax melter. At the same time, this process has certain features depending on the design.

Sunny

Such a device is a simple device for melting wax. The principle of its application is based on the use of solar energy. The device includes a rectangular steel case, in which there is a fitting with a tin pallet. From above, the structure is covered with a glass lid.

The structure must be placed at a slight angle - approximately 15 degrees relative to the horizon. This provides more efficient exposure to sunlight. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve high-quality melting and dripping of the wax mass.

Under the influence of the sun's rays that pass through the glass, the cells heat up to +70 degrees.The wax melts in them, is filtered through the mesh and falls into the tray. Processing of raw materials is required in sunny weather, when the air temperature is more than +25 degrees. This type of wax melter is perfect for a nomadic apiary.

Electric steam room

Before melting the wax, fill the steam generator with water. It is poured up to half the container. There should be free space on top for steam to form. Frames must be installed in the basket of the wax melter. Then heat the water with a heating element.

When the liquid begins to boil, steam will accumulate and enter through the hose into the wax melter. Under the influence of elevated temperatures, honeycomb melting will begin. As a result, liquid wax will drain through the filter mesh, accumulate on the tray and flow into a special container through the drain tap.

High temperature

Almost in all high-temperature wax melters, the heating of wax raw materials is carried out with the help of water vapor.The melting of the mass begins at a temperature of +65 degrees. When heated, the steam reaches +100 degrees. It easily penetrates into the raw wax and heats it up to the desired performance.

After melting the wax raw material, it flows into a special tray. Strained zabrus should be put in bags or on a wire rack. After melting the wax, merva remains.

The wax melter is a useful device that allows you to give the wax a liquid consistency and clean it of impurities. For the process to be effective, it is important to choose the right device and follow the recommendations for its use.

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