The honey decrystallizer is a special device that ensures that crystallized honey returns to its liquid state. Such equipment works according to a certain principle and is designed in a special way. It can be bought ready-made or made independently. Equipment for honey decrystallization can be of different types.
What is honey decrystallization?
Decrystallization of honey is the opposite of crystallization, that is, it involves liquefaction (dissolution). This result is achieved by heating. Therefore, this device is also called a honey comb.
The process involves following a few rules:
- Temperature. The correct temperature is one of the most important moments of decrystallization. It should be sufficient to thin the honey, but not violate its properties. The best option - 28-40 degrees - it is such a temperature regime that provides an equilibrium state when the formation of new crystals ceases. Honey crystallizes at 14-15 degrees, and melts at 50 degrees. The upper limit cannot be exceeded.
- Time of processing. The duration of decrystallization directly depends on the volume of the product. The larger it is, the longer it will liquefy. For a product in a small can, it’s quite enough for some time to be near the battery (another source) of heat or in a water bath.
The device and principle of operation of honey decrystallizer
Design features of honey decrystallizers depend on their variety. In any case, the equipment is one or more heating elements that are immersed in the honey mass or provide external heating of the container with it.
The principle of operation of honey decrystallizers is extremely simple. The device is plugged in, heated (fully or partially). An increase in temperature softens the honey mass, gradually it all becomes liquid. Subject to the correct temperature conditions, the properties of honey are preserved.
One of the most important elements of a decrystallizer is a temperature sensor and a thermostat. Such devices allow you to control the temperature of the process and maintain it at the proper level, which is one of the main conditions for proper decrystallization.
Varieties of decrystallizers
Honey decrystallizers involve several design options. In each case, there are peculiarities on which to base your choice.
Submersible (spiral) decrystallizers
Such equipment is a metal tube formed into a spiral. It is immersed in the honey mass, where it provides decrystallization due to heating.
The size of the spiral decrystallizer depending on the diameter of the container with honey
An indispensable condition of the technological process when using a spiral is the complete immersion of its heating part in honey and the absence of contact with air. To facilitate immersion of the heating element of the decrystallizer in crystallized honey, a recess is first organized. The spiral dipped there is covered with a honey mass seized for excavation.
When the spiral immersed in the honey mass heats up, honey is first decrystallized around its heating part. When heated, the honey mass softens, so the spiral gradually sinks deeper. The completion of the decrystallization process is indicated by the achievement of the bottom spiral.
A kind of spiral decrystallizer is a cone model. It resembles the boiler externally, only the diameter of the turns narrows downward, forming a cone. This option is used only in everyday life, as it is intended for small volumes of honey.
A kind of spiral honey decrystallizer. Appearance is akin to a boiler.
External (flexible) decrystallizers
Such equipment resembles a large electric heating pad. The device is a flexible plate made of synthetic material, inside of which there are heating elements. They provide infrared radiation, due to which heating occurs.
An external decrystallizer is used as a wrap for a container of honey. Its maximum volume directly depends on the size of the decrystallizer. It can be designed for both a 40-liter flask and a 200-liter barrel. But for domestic needs, the model used for a three-liter jar or can is suitable.
Case (cassette) decrystallizers
Such equipment is a large metal box. The heating elements are located on its inner walls - in fact, these are 4 thermo-active cassettes connected to each other and forming a closed space.
Case decrystallizers are often a collapsible design, which simplifies their storage.
How the case decrystallizer looks and works is described in the video below:
How to choose a decrystallizer?
When choosing a decrystallizer, it is necessary to focus on the volumes of honey, as well as design features:
- spiral models are convenient for home use - the equipment is inexpensive and takes up little space;
- the lack of spiral and conical decrystallizers is the need for cleaning, as they are immersed in the honey mass;
- flexible and housing devices are attractive by non-contact decrystallization, that is, they do not require immersion in a liquefied product;
- decrystallizers with infrared radiation attract even heating and less energy (energy savings).
It is impossible to say unequivocally which decrystallizer is better than the others. The choice should be focused solely on individual needs. The beekeeper must have such equipment: most varieties of natural honey crystallize within 1-2 months, which greatly complicates the packaging of the product. At the same time, decrystallization can improve the presentation - most consumers prefer a more liquid product.
DIY making
The decrystallizer is simple built, it can be made independently. This allows you to get equipment with individual characteristics and significantly save. There are several manufacturing options for decrystallizers.
Old fridge
Inside, you need to install a heating element (infrared film or lamp), and to control the temperature, mount a thermostat with a sensor. He will maintain the desired temperature in an impromptu decrystallizer. The amount of honey processed is limited only by the size of the refrigerator used.
The advantage of this method is that thermal insulation in the refrigerator is already provided.
Wooden case
Case equipment can also be made of wood. For thermal insulation, you can use isospan. Temperature control is also provided by a temperature controller and a sensor.
The advantage of this option is the implementation of the housing of any configuration and size. Loading containers with honey can be vertical or horizontal.
Heat chamber
This option involves the allocation of a whole room for decrystallization. Its height should be small. This is appropriate for large-scale production of honey. Inside the room is sheathed with foam sheets. To achieve and maintain the desired temperature regime, electric heaters and a fan heater are used.
The advantage of this method of decrystallization is the simultaneous processing of a large amount of product. At the same time, energy costs are also great.
Warm floor
The inner surfaces of the foam box must be covered with a heat-insulating material (usually isospan) wrapped in an infrared floor (film material), a temperature sensor should be removed, and the necessary parameters set.
What this option of a decrystallizer looks like is shown in the video below:
Decrystallizer is an important equipment in the production of honey. There are several variations for different purposes. The decrystallizer can be made independently.