Every beekeeper needs a wax grinder. He needs this device regardless of the number of hives he has. The device can be purchased ready-made or made independently. Today there are many varieties of such structures known. One of the most common options is the steam model. It is important to know how to use a steam wax melter correctly.
Pros and cons of wax refiner
The main purpose of the device is considered to be melting wax. The bee product can 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.
Using a wax grinder has the following advantages:
- Possibility to get a lot of wax. Moreover, its quantity depends on the duration of treatment.
- No contact with boiling water. This helps prevent wax emulsion from forming.
- Maintaining cleanliness of the workplace.
- Obtaining a high-quality product without foreign additives. If the technology is followed, there is no need to re-melt the wax circles.
The disadvantages of wax melters include:
- High price.
- The need for constant monitoring of the process.
How to melt wax using a steam wax melter
Melting wax using a wax melter is not too difficult. Moreover, this process has certain features depending on the design.
Solar
This 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 body, which contains fittings with a tin tray. The structure is covered with a glass lid on top.
The structure must be installed at a slight angle - approximately 15 degrees relative to the horizon. This ensures more efficient exposure to sunlight. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve high-quality melting and drainage of the wax mass.
Under the influence of sunlight that passes through the glass, the honeycombs heat up to +70 degrees. The wax melts in them, is filtered through a mesh and ends up in a tray. It is necessary to process raw materials 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
Before you start heating the wax, you should fill the steam generator with water. It is poured to half the container. There should be free space at the top for steam to form. You need to install frames in the basket of the wax melting device. Then use a heating element to heat the water.
When the liquid begins to boil, steam will accumulate and enter the wax furnace through the hose. Under the influence of elevated temperatures, the honeycomb will begin to melt. As a result, liquid wax will flow through the filter mesh, accumulate on the tray and flow into a special container through the drain valve.
High temperature
In almost all high-temperature wax furnaces, the heating of wax raw materials is carried out using water steam. Melting of the mass begins at a temperature of +65 degrees. As the steam heats up, it reaches +100 degrees. It easily penetrates the wax raw material and heats it to the required levels.
After melting the wax raw material, it flows into a special tray. The strained timber should be placed in bags or on a grid. After melting the wax, what remains is merva.
A wax melter is a useful device that allows you to give wax a liquid consistency and remove foreign impurities from it. For the process to be effective, it is important to choose the right device and follow the recommendations for its use.
