Wax refinery: how to apply in beekeeping

Many beekeepers are wondering how to melt wax with the least amount of time and money. At the same time, delving into the search for information about various mechanisms, do not get the expected result. That is why it is worth to consider this issue in more detail.

Features of the use of the device in beekeeping

Wax refinery - one of the devices that facilitates the work in the apiary. From the very name it is clear that wax is mined through exposure to raw materials of high temperatures. But the principles of operation and the quality of the product depend in many respects on the type of structures, of which there are a large number.

Any device can be made independently, as well as purchased in a specialized store. If you want to do it yourself, do not forget about the exact calculations and schemes.

The main types of wax for beekeeping

We have already noted that raw materials are processed at high temperatures. Water and even electricity can be sources. Depending on them, they distinguish the following types of devices:

• solar;
• steam;
• centrifugal;
• electric

A significant plus of the listed types is that they are easy to make yourself.

Steam room

Its design is significant in that the wax is melted from the frame. This mechanism can be made independently, but you can buy it.

And its price will depend on the manufacturer and the material (stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum).

Water is poured into the lower compartment of the tank through an extension tube (it is located in the funnel). The amount of water depends on the volume of the structure.

The tank is placed in the tank with raw materials. When boiling water steam comes out through the tube.

Melting under the influence of steam, the wax flows through the mesh and into the upper bottom of the structure.

Solar

Solar waxing is a box in which the front wall (20 cm) is located below the back (10 cm). Boards for the manufacture of structures should have a thickness of 2-2.5 cm.

The cover is made of two parts. The wooden part serves to cover the wax furnace while it is not in use.

The second is glazed frame (usually with one glass, less often - with two). In order for the frame to fit snugly to the body, you need to use hooks. Two parts are mounted in the drawer: a “trough” and a tin-coated metal pan. That is where the wax will be placed. The very same design set on a wooden pole.

It is recommended to make a cross to facilitate the rotation of the wax pot. Sometimes the design can be set at an angle so that the penetration of sunlight is greater.

Wax raw materials to be melted, put on the grid, which is located between the frame and the metal pan. The grid does not allow the ingress of various impurities, larvae, etc. At the same time, the raw materials should not touch the glazed frame.

Thanks to the sun's rays, the air under the glass heats up, the wax melts and drops in small portions to the baking sheet, from which it flows down in the “trough”.

In general, solar wax refining can be differently upgraded by you to improve performance. For example, if you paint it black, the absorption of sunlight will increase.

On average, in clear weather and an air temperature of +19 degrees Celsius, the wax refinery can be heated to 120 degrees. It should not be left in the same place, it is necessary to turn in the direction of the sun's rays, so that they pass through the glass. Do not forget to clean the grid from dirt.

Centrifugal wax refinery

The mechanism works by means of a centrifuge and steam generator. The raw material is put in the bag and with the rotor rotating, the steam heats the raw material. In the process of kindling wax enters through the extension tube.

Electric wax refinery

This is an improved version of the solar. The disadvantages of the latter are that it is impossible to exercise constant control over the angle of inclination, there are limitations on the time of day, and there is also no possibility of constant monitoring of the melting temperature. Therefore, to improve performance, heaters are added that replace the sun's rays.

Top tips and tricks for choosing

Each of the presented species has its advantages. For example, solar wax refining is cheaper than the rest. Steam allows you to extract the best quality wax. Electric is not limited to the time of day, and centrifugal reduces the duration of the process.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then in the solar wax refinery there is no possibility to regulate the temperature, which affects the quality of the product. The other two (centrifugal and electric) are quite difficult to manufacture on their own. If we talk about specialized stores, the price for these types of wax stoves is high. Ideal option can be called steam.

Is it possible to heat wax without waxing

Of course, to obtain such a valuable product it is not necessary to buy or make various devices. Therefore, below we will look at how to melt the wax at home.

There are several ways. The most common can be called "steam bath". Need to take two pans.One should be bigger so that the other can fit in it, where the wax will be directly located. In a large poured water. Next, it is necessary to boil and put on top of the tank with wax. Remember that the fire must be reduced and always ensure that nothing boils. Must be melted in a metal dish. If possible, use a kitchen thermometer.

If there is a question about how to melt wax at home with large quantities, then use two containers with a volume of up to 20 liters. It is important to insulate them and not to neglect the safety rules.

Anyway, wax refinery - This is an obligatory element in the household of a professional beekeeper.

Because it is this device that gives such a useful source product that can be used both for medical purposes and in household affairs.