Beekeeping

DIY honey decrystallizer: types of devices and how to dissolve the product

DIY honey decrystallizer: types of devices and how to dissolve the product
Anonim

Honey decrystallizer is a special device that ensures the transition of a crystallized bee product to a liquid state. Such equipment operates according to certain principles and is arranged in a special way. It is sold ready-made. It is also possible to make a honey decrystallizer with your own hands. In doing so, a number of recommendations should be taken into account.

What is honey decrystallization?

This term is understood as the reverse process of crystallization. It implies the liquefaction, or dissolution of the product. This effect can be achieved through heating. The process includes following these rules:

  • Maintaining optimal temperature parameters. It is important that the indicators are sufficient to liquefy the honey, but do not violate its properties. The optimum temperature range is from +28 to +40 degrees. Such indicators provide an equilibrium state when new crystals are not formed. Crystallization occurs at +14-15 degrees, and melting - at +50. It is strictly forbidden to exceed the upper limit.
  • Duration of exposure. The processing time depends on the volume of the product. The larger its quantity, the longer it will liquefy. The composition in a small jar is enough to put near the battery or place in a water bath.

The principle of operation and the device of the decrystallizer

To start the process of transition of the honey mass into a liquid, it needs to be heated. This is the basis of the mechanism of operation of decrystallizers. Heating is carried out in various ways. However, all devices withstand temperatures of + 40-50 degrees. For this purpose, they are equipped with thermostats and temperature sensors.

Modern appliances designed for large amounts of honey are based on creating a heating zone over the entire surface of the container. This effect can be achieved with the help of electric heating using products that resemble underfloor heating.

There are models, the principle of which is based on heating the product from the inside. There are also decrystallizers that resemble the principle of microwave operation. However, they have not found wide industrial distribution.

Varieties

Today there are quite a few varieties of decrystallizers. Each of them has certain features.

Submersible (spiral)

Such products are presented in the form of spiral devices that are made of metal tubes. The spiral is introduced into the honey mass from above. In order not to exceed the temperature of the composition, the heating part must be completely covered with it and not come into contact with air.

Before immersing the spiral in the bee product, a notch must be made. Then you should lower the spiral and cover it with honey nectar. Under the influence of heat, the process of decrystallization is carried out, and the mass becomes softer. Gradually the spiral plunges down. When it hits the bottom, the honey will have the right consistency.

Outer (flexible)

Such a device is made in the form of flexible plates made of artificial materials. Inside these elements are heating elements. In fact, they are large electric heating pads. Some models work on the basis of the use of infrared radiation.

Expensive products are equipped with the option of temperature control using thermostats.

In addition, they reliably isolate the heated container from the environment. Depending on the size, decrystallizers can be used to heat different containers.

Case (cassette)

Such products are made in the form of metal boxes with heating elements that are located on the inner walls.

Selection rules

To choose a decrystallizer, it is important to consider the volume of honey and the distinctive features of the design:

  • Spiral models are suitable for home use. Such products are affordable and take up minimal space. The disadvantage of such structures is the need for purification, since they need to be immersed in a honey composition.
  • Case and flexible devices provide non-contact decrystallization. This means that they do not need to be immersed in the honey mass.
  • Devices based on the principle of infrared radiation are characterized by uniform heating and low energy consumption. This helps save money.

How to DIY

The decrystallizer has a simple design, so you can easily make it yourself. This helps to get the device with optimal parameters and save a lot.

Heat chamber

To make such a device, you need to allocate an entire room for decrystallization. Its height should be small. A thermal chamber is needed in the manufacture of honey on an industrial scale. Inside, the room needs to be sheathed with foam.

To get and maintain the desired temperature, you will need electric heaters and a fan heater. The advantage of this method is the simultaneous processing of a significant amount of product. At the same time, energy costs are very significant.

Warm room

With large volumes of honey production, the easiest method will be to prepare a separate room for a decrystallizer. The heat source is conventional electric heaters. To distribute the temperature more evenly, use fans. It is recommended to control the temperature parameters manually, since the heaters cannot be turned off remotely.

Bath as a decrystallizer

Since ancient times, a water bath has been used as a decrystallizer. It is important to bear in mind that this method is only suitable for a small amount of honey.

How to use it

When processing and storing honey, it is necessary to take into account the main temperature parameters of the change in the aggregate state of the product.The mass intensively crystallizes at a temperature of +14 degrees. This process slows down with a decrease or increase in indicators. With parameters from +28 to +40 degrees, honey is in a state of equilibrium. At the same time, new crystals do not appear, and existing ones do not change their structure.

If the temperature exceeds +40 degrees, the crystals dissolve and the honey changes its consistency. At the same time, the product retains its benefits if the temperature of exposure to it does not exceed +50 degrees. These features must be taken into account when using the device.

The decrystallizer is an effective device that is used to change the consistency of honey. To get the desired texture and at the same time preserve the benefits of the bee product, it is important to choose the right device and strictly adhere to the temperature regime.

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