what can be used as column packing?

stoker · Post by **stoker** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:19 am

what can be used:

SS scubbers
copper Scubbers
rash rings in various shapes and materials
marbles (glass)

can't be used:

sand
plastic

can anyone compleat it?
can I use little stones? (those of water filtering units, or those to cover the botom of an aquarium with.)

ty
stoker

linw · Post by **linw** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:36 am

Personally, I can't see any point listing all the things you shouldn't use as it would be a VERY long list!

My question would be why not use the best as it is available and quite inexpensive? Incidentally, you have omitted the best which is structured copper mesh. The next best would be the scrubber. The reason they are the best is that they are able to hold a large amount of distillate which enables good separation. Apparently, the mesh also helps ensure that the distillate doesn't track out to the column wall.

stoker · Post by **stoker** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 7:15 am

I can't find copper mesh or copper scubbers in the local shops and I don't want to order them on the internet.
the reason i mentioned sand is because I've read something in 'the complete distiller'.

would the stones do their job?

Post by **Tater** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 7:41 am

Now you guys do know that stoker is a kid.

possum · Post by **possum** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 10:35 am

Stoker, I have heard of people making thier own rasching rings out of small diamater copper tubing cut into very short length.

For a long time I did'nt have a credit card, and could not buy anything on line.

TEC · Post by **TEC** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 10:44 am

I have also heard of using copper shavings. Could there be a machine shop around you that works with copper? If not, do you know someone with a lathe? Just chuck up a piece of scrap copper pipe and make your own.

stoker · Post by **stoker** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:54 am

tater wrote:Now you guys do know that stoker is a kid.

thank you for that very constructive criticism.

I think I'll just try it, I have those laying around somewhere.
http://www.aquaplantsonline.nl/catalog/images/lava.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

For a long time I did'nt have a credit card, and could not buy anything on line.

same problem

i have also heard of making rash rings yourselve, that must be a lot of work.

Peachey · Post by **Peachey** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:19 pm

I've just added a 3M Gold scrubber from my local Supermarket, to my column. It says it contains Copper and Zinc. I've done a bit of research on this site, and it seems to me that a little zinc wont hurt your Spirit (so fingers crossed). I also brought a stainless steal scrubber which I'll use if the 3M one taints the spirit.

pothead · Post by **pothead** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:22 pm

zinc is poison, from what I understand....and you should NOT use it, Even if it is copper plated.

Post by **Tater** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:28 pm

Sorry you took it that way stoker.

ponyboy · Post by **ponyboy** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:34 pm

If zinc is a poison please post some evidence. It is in the vitamins I take and the zinc lozenges my doctor said I should take for a sore throat.

I know the metal often contains cadmium and lead which are toxic and I would not use zinc in my still for that reason, but to say zinc is poison may cause people to question the advice.

Post by **Grayson_Stewart** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:37 pm

I've posted internet research why you should not use it and as far as I know nobody chose to argue against it after the post.....search for it on here.

ponyboy · Post by **ponyboy** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:44 pm

I understand why it should not be used and there are many reasons why, but I believe we should post facts here.

Post by **Tater** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:50 pm

I think they are a few facts posted somewhere on here

Post by **Grayson_Stewart** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:50 pm

I believe I just said I posted information that wasn't disputed by the 500+ members here...but you do whatever you feel is right in your heart.

Peachey · Post by **Peachey** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:16 pm

Hmmm. You think I should take the 3M one out and put the stainless one in then???

pothead · Post by **pothead** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:21 pm

Absolutely. Stainless is ok, but pure copper is better.

but I would still try to get some pure copper packing if I were you. There are plenty of places to get it online.

ponyboy · Post by **ponyboy** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:33 pm

I would remove it. Zinc is a very soft metal and will likely leach out, what will the scrubbers be like after a few runs.

Peachey · Post by **Peachey** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:37 pm

Thanks guys. Copper/Zinc Alloy scrubber now in the rubbish

. Stainless Steel scrubber now in the column.

Comic Book Guy · Post by **Comic Book Guy** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:29 pm

copper is great to use. zinc is theoretically safe to use as long as it does not come into contact with the distilate, but it does tend to corrode very quickly, especially in acidic conditions. stick with copper or SS

hornedrhodent · Post by **hornedrhodent** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:36 am

Peachey wrote:I've just added a 3M Gold scrubber from my local Supermarket, to my column. It says it contains Copper and Zinc. I've done a bit of research on this site, and it seems to me that a little zinc wont hurt your Spirit (so fingers crossed).

It sounds like brass rather than copper plated zinc. I doubt if zinc would be dissolved out of brass.

Peachey · Post by **Peachey** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:20 pm

The packet said it's a Copper/Zinc alloy. But I've ditched it... didn't want to run the risk of tainting the spirit, or poisoning myself.

Thorin · Post by **Thorin** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 11:46 pm

zink in VERY small dosages is good for you, like alchohol can be good for you in small dosages. BUT is you get too much of it, it can be very poisonous... atleast that's what i have read about it....

Thorin...

possum · Post by **possum** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:31 am

THe size of the dosage makes the difference between medicine and poison....you are so right on that Thorin.

smart move removing that questionable scrubber.

stoker · Post by **stoker** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:07 am

where do you guys find the pure copper scubbers? (not from the net)

Post by **golden pond** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:10 am

Hardware store, General store.

stoker · Post by **stoker** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:15 am

I've never ever seen them, the biggest local hardware store has all kinds of scubbers, but none made of copper.
did anyone in Europe see it?

jbrew9999 · Post by **jbrew9999** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 1:00 pm

Grocery stores will likely have some scrubbers. Some will carry copper plated ones and some will carry real copper ones.

pothead · Post by **pothead** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 2:58 pm

stoker wrote:I've never ever seen them, the biggest local hardware store has all kinds of scubbers, but none made of copper.
did anyone in Europe see it?

There is a brand called "Chore Boy" I am not sure what countries it is sold in, but I'm sure you can find out if you do a search.

possum · Post by **possum** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:44 pm

Ask a crack smoker, they know where choreboy's can be found. Convenience stores sell them around my area (just for crack heads), but they may not be available in europe.

P.S. I AM NOT A CRACKHEAD