distillate coming out cloudy

[mgman71]

hey guys, i've been distilling for awhile, just finished doing a stripping run and started the final though the reflux column. Problem is the alcohol in the collection container is slightly cloudy! I've never had that happen before. I pack the column with raschig rings, i loaded in some new ones this time but forgot to wash them first... i'm thinking that might be why, any other suggestions? I dumped everything back in and going to start again on the weekend.

[kiwistiller]

could be a) you flooded the column and the still puked
b) you're dragging tails over, or
c) there is crap / dirt / generally nastiness in your still.

by the by, stainless or copper mesh will give you better results as packing

[mgman71]

hmmmm, i think you might be right about the puking, i may have it to full

[kiwistiller]

if it was puking, you'd have noticed a sudden increase in collection, and possibly gurgling noises coming from the column. ring any bells?