You said :
... It actually puts out almost the same high ABV in this mode as it does when using the stainless scrubber packed 18 inch reflux extension with a little tuning...
Is there any advantages in using marbles instead of stainless still?
What I have is similar to your combo and I think it is a good idea.
Currently I am using sometning similar to the marbles, bur most like half marbles. What I like about them is that the surface is not glossy. I think this way they hold more liquid.
I found them in the dollar store. Here is a picture:
If you care for life on earth - never do something, which makes someone very rich.
Yes, I am still using the combos still until I source all of the components for my new rig and get it built... See the Packing HETPs section of the parent site for more "why" regarding scrubbers being better than marbles... I've used both but use SS scrubbers more often than marbles... I only use marbles now if I can running in combo pot still mode and want a small amount of reflux...
Here's a short hypothesis regarding why marbles do sometimes work as well as scrubbers... Marbles absorb and retain heat better than scrubbers so in very short packed columns they can work as well as or better than scrubbers... Kinda like pouring water on hot rocks in a sweat lodge... Again, just a hypothesis based on personal experience...
I am familiar with those glass beads from the dollar store and have a couple bags kicking around that I have yet to try in my column...
rad14701 wrote:Yes, I am still using the combos still until I source all of the components for my new rig and get it built...
Here's a short hypothesis regarding why marbles do sometimes work as well as scrubbers... Marbles absorb and retain heat better than scrubbers so in very short packed columns they can work as well as or better than scrubbers... Kinda like pouring water on hot rocks in a sweat lodge... Again, just a hypothesis based on personal experience...
I had the same feeling about the glass beads. I am making neutral with them, but slower than s.s. With the glass beads I leave my 24” column to 1 drop/sec. With the s.s. I can go three times faster (3 drop/sec). The reason I tend to use glass is because I am not sure if the stainless leaves something behind. Especially the kind of s.s. the is attracted slightly to a magnet. Probably I am a paranoiac on purity, but I prefer to be on the safe side.
It is very interesting to me what kind of rig are you planning to build. Perhaps I can do some research together with you, because I have plenty of time and I have nothing else to do. My job is to create and fix very similar automatic systems (but not for alcohol).
If you care for life on earth - never do something, which makes someone very rich.