Knowing how to heat wax in a wax melter can produce a high quality product
In small beekeeping farms, wax is obtained in different ways. How to heat wax in a wax melter or use improvised means, each owner chooses based on his needs. In apiaries located in the hot regions of the country, solar wax melters are relevant. In areas with a temperate climate, other methods of obtaining this valuable substance are considered more preferable.
Wax extraction methods
There are some features of dry processing:
- there is no direct contact between the wax raw material and steam or water;
- its temperature can rise due to solar energy or the use of infrared emitters;
- heating of the walls of the equipment used with hot steam is possible;
- the resulting wax has a minimal water content, but may contain plant gums or dyes.
And here is how wax is heated in a wax melter in a different way. The wet method is based on the direct effect of hot water or steam on the wax raw material, since when it is steamed or boiled, the amount of wax obtained increases. It contains more water and impurities than other wax extraction methods due to the soluble pollutants contained in the feedstock. In addition, while stirring with hot water, the emulsification process can begin.
How to heat wax in a wax melter: basic methods
Raw wax can be processed by heating it in the sun, or hot water, steam, and other heat carriers can be used for this purpose. Each device differs in characteristics and conditions of use.
Solar wax melter
It is quite easy to get a valuable product with a solar wax melter. Moreover, you can do it yourself. However, the raw material in this case should have a high waxiness index. This wax melter is a box with a high degree of thermal insulation and a high back wall, covered with a glass frame.
This is how wax is drowned in this wax mill:
- The device is installed in an open area, in direct sunlight.
- Wax raw materials are placed on a baking sheet located inside the box.
- Infrared rays passing through the glass heat the raw material to 95 ° C, which causes the wax to melt and flow down the baking sheet into a special container. On a hot day, while ensuring the continuity of the process, up to 4 kg of wax can be obtained on such a simple equipment.
The amount of wax obtained when using a solar wax melter directly depends on the waxiness of the raw material. Honeycombs of the 2nd and 3rd grade on this equipment should not be processed.
The advantage of a solar wax melter is the use of solar energy. The disadvantages include the high content of wax in the waste.
Electric steam wax melter
Low-grade wax raw materials are processed in apiaries in steam wax melters.
This is how wax is usually melted with such steam devices.:
- a grate is installed in a tank with a water jacket (or electric heaters built into it), on which the feedstock is laid;
- when the wall temperature rises, the raw material heats up;
- if the water in the jacket boils, the steam entering the container affects the raw materials, resulting in the release of wax;
- then the wax gradually flows into the mold.
In the process of work, the raw materials are mixed, and sometimes oppression is imposed on it. But all the same, regardless of how to use the steam wax melter, a lot of wax remains in the furnaces, about 40%. The Research Institute of Beekeeping has developed an electrically heated steam wax furnace. This equipment can process not only prepared raw materials, but also together with frames.
In cold regions, electric wax melters are often used, which are made from juicers:
- The steam generation tank is connected to the body by means of a hose that can withstand high pressure.
- A special mesh is placed in the lower part of the body, on which the merv and the bar for melting are laid out.
- The frames on a platform located slightly higher are installed with the upper bar up.
In order to heat the wax in the steam wax melter as quickly as possible, the apiary owners use electricity. Install special electric heating devices - heating elements.
High-temperature wax melter for apiaries
Any wax material, including dry, comb trimmings, wax melts can be used for dry processing in a high-temperature wax melter at 140–150 ° C. This will not take much time, and the quality of the wax will be high, similar in hardness to Kapan wax.
Modern high-temperature wax melters are manufactured in factories, they work permanently, but they can also be transferred, since the lid is sufficiently securely fixed to the body. Such devices weigh more than 10 kg.
How can you heat wax without a wax melter?
Before starting work on smelting wax without a wax melter, you need to prepare the raw materials. The frames are cleaned of wax, all raw materials are crushed. It is filled with water, the temperature of which is 40 ° C, and it must remain stable throughout the day. It is changed several times as necessary. Rainwater or other soft water is used, which contains practically no dissolved salts and alkaline earth metals.
Melting wax with water
In this simple way, wax and old foundation are cleaned from various impurities and impurities. You can even use raw materials that are slightly moldy.
Actions are performed in a specific sequence:
- In a container made of aluminum or stainless steel, place old honeycombs and foundation, a bevel. Leave for a day or more. Make sure the water is warm all the time. The water is changed and, if necessary, topped up. Its volume should be at least one third of the volume of the pot or basin used.
- A container with raw materials filled with water is placed on a gas burner or other heat source and brought to a boil. Then the heating temperature is lowered.
- The duration of the processing process is determined by the state of the raw material. If mold is seen in it, it will take about two hours.
- The wax obtained in this way is poured into another container with a drain and at the same time filtered. Then a load is placed on top of it and clean dishes are placed down.
- The cooled semi-finished product is cleaned of debris and melted again to a liquid state. The floating particles of dust and dirt are removed with a slotted spoon.
The wax extracted from raw materials in this way does not crack and does not react to sudden changes in air temperature.
Cleaning wax in a jar
A small amount of wax raw material can be melted very quickly in a regular glass jar, you just need:
- Pour water up to 8 cm into the pan. Place a special support on the bottom or simply put a rough cloth, fold it several times, and place it on a heat source.
- As soon as the water starts to heat up, put a jar of wax raw materials in a saucepan, and then, while boiling the water, stir regularly.
- As soon as the substance becomes liquid and homogeneous, the process is stopped.
The melted wax is poured into pre-prepared forms and left for a day in a warm room. And only after it has completely hardened, it can be put into the refrigerator for long-term storage.
Melting wax in the microwave
Wax raw materials are sometimes reheated in the microwave. Although the portions are small, the total volume can be significant. The main thing in this method is the processing speed. The raw materials are preliminarily crushed, put into special dishes designed for cooking or heating them in microwave.
The more powerful the microwave, the less time the wax melts:
- 1000 W - 40 seconds;
- 850 W - 45 seconds;
- 650 W - 60 seconds (1 minute).
When reflowing raw materials in the microwave in order to obtain wax, do not cover the dishes with a lid.
Recommendations for self-melting wax
Wax materials intended for overheating are stored in a dry, well-ventilated room, the temperature in which does not exceed 10 ° C.
People involved in the melting of wax raw materials should be in overalls - waterproof overalls, aprons, mittens, rubber boots. Eyes must be protected with special glasses.
Work on the extraction of wax, as well as others, using open fire, is carried out in special places, the distance from which to buildings is not less than 50 m. There should be fire-fighting equipment, water and sand in sufficient quantities nearby.