SPP and passive reflux

[Chroi]

Despite conventional wisdom that packing a pot still head does nothing, I've noticed a minor ABV bump (a couple points) when I pack my 2"x18" section with copper scrubbies running 6-8% UJSSM

I have some SPP on the way for a VM build.

Do you think SPP in the section would provide a worthwhile ABV bump? Anyone tried this?

[T-Pee]

I've seen consistent commentary that passive reflux as you describe does indeed provide a small increase in ABV but only a few points.

Bottom line: If you want reflux, build a reflux still.

tp

[rad14701]

Some experience a couple %ABV increase while others see no improvement at all... It's really not worth the expense and bother to pack a pot column... Some say that a small amount of packing can help reduce puking or at least keep a major portion from getting into the collected spirits but that also means the puke could plug things up and cause unwanted pressure buildup...

[skow69]

SPP would probably make an incremental improvement over the scrubbies, but that is all. Charge on to the VM.

[DAD300]

I have run my SPP packed column as a pot still (top capped, no reflux condenser) and can achieve 80% easily during hearts. My column is SS Triclamp and putting an thin ptfe endcap (cut from a bucket lid) above the takeoff is easy. I also have no physical valve on the takeoff, so never an accidental bomb.

Odin presented the idea that the density of SPP, mass of the metal, and that SPP achieves it's best HETP when flooded, may be causing the extra distillations even without induced reflux. When I did this, I made no attempt to equalize. My takeoff was full open the entire time.

Why would SPP flood without induced reflux? Because the SPP slows the vapor more than other packing, as the vapor rises, it is encountering relatively cold SS SPP up the column and causing passive reflux. Once it is flooded it seems to stay that way. Imagine a packed thumper 30" deep.

While I don't have a glass column, I have no other explanation and accept this.

I've also had another experience that shows this in action. I have added 1.5-2x the amount of SS Scrubbies I would normally put into a column. Creating more density/mass/restricting the vapor path. I started with two large SS Scrubbies per foot in a 2" column and got to four. 4 had a better HETP with no disadvantages.

The hole idea of packing, putting anything into the vapor path is to restrict the vapor and hold the reflux in the packing/column. I don't think most experiment/try to find the proper amount of packing or how tight to pack it.

Testing packing a column, with anything, calls for precautions. I still outside.

[Chroi]

I have run my SPP packed column as a pot still (top capped, no reflux condenser) and can achieve 80% easily during hearts. My column is SS Triclamp and putting an thin ptfe endcap (cut from a bucket lid) above the takeoff is easy. I also have no physical valve on the takeoff, so never an accidental bomb.

Odin presented the idea that the density of SPP, mass of the metal, and that SPP achieves it's best HETP when flooded, may be causing the extra distillations even without induced reflux. When I did this, I made no attempt to equalize. My takeoff was full open the entire time.

Why would SPP flood without induced reflux? Because the SPP slows the vapor more than other packing, as the vapor rises, it is encountering relatively cold SS SPP up the column and causing passive reflux. Once it is flooded it seems to stay that way. Imagine a packed thumper 30" deep.

While I don't have a glass column, I have no other explanation and accept this.

I've also had another experience that shows this in action. I have added 1.5-2x the amount of SS Scrubbies I would normally put into a column. Creating more density/mass/restricting the vapor path. I started with two large SS Scrubbies per foot in a 2" column and got to four. 4 had a better HETP with no disadvantages.

The hole idea of packing, putting anything into the vapor path is to restrict the vapor and hold the reflux in the packing/column. I don't think most experiment/try to find the proper amount of packing or how tight to pack it.

Testing packing a column, with anything, calls for precautions. I still outside.

this is what I was fishing for. Thanks DAD300 I will be trying a few experiments soon. Was the boiler charge a wash or low wines?

[DAD300]

My data is usually Wash ~12% or AG at 8-9%, occasionally I add some feint tails, but not the norm. I have only done strips and run once on a keg.