Bad copper scrubber used as column packing

[BoomTown]

You’d think I’d know better, but I got bamboozeled by a company selling cooper scrubbers. I bought them as column packing, the labeling claims they were all copper. They weren’t. After a run, I stoned to cleaning the column and the scrubbers had disintegrated to a black, mush. Cleaning turned into a process mirroring the cleaning of a black powder rifle.

I’m not sure what the allow was, or maybe it was a plastic they’d managed to electroplated with the copper, but the look exactly like real copper mesh. The temperature in the column couldn’t have been higher than 190F.

The yield from the run was 5 Liters at 170p. But now I’m not sure what to do with the yield.

Anyone else ever have this problem? What do you suggest?

[Hambone]

Make sure your copper scrubbers aren’t magnetic. Some are copper plated steel wool…

[Deplorable]

Not knowing what the base metal or treatment of the scrubbers was, is enough to cause me to write the distillate off as solvent.
If you want to use copper mesh for packing, I have been really happy with the mesh I bought from MoonshineDistillers. I would buy it again from them.

[Hambone]

“Chore Boy” scrubbers are good…don’t know about bulk price…

[cob]

Anyone else ever have this problem? What do you suggest?

https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... e#p7506392

Put copper gauze in the search bar.

[Stonecutter]

I searched the manufacturer website and found nothing about copper scrubbers. The Amazon description states that they are copper “sponges” it could very well be that there is some kind of plastic intertwined with that copper. As for your distillate I agree with Deplorable. Not worth consuming if there is a risk of accidental poisoning. Here’s a link to some copper I’ve been fairly happy with. The only complaint I had was that it was woven pretty loose so ya need a hefty amount to stuff.

Coldbreak MESH100 Copper Mesh, 5" x 100', Pure 100%, USA Made

[6 Row Joe]

I order a couple rolls from Mile High when I turn in a order.

[Saltbush Bill]

Here’s a link to some copper I’ve been fairly happy with.

Stonecutter, Ive used that stuff in my Boka for years now, beside cleaning it once in a while in a dunder/ backset bath its been maintenance free and lasted well. It can be a bit pricey to buy first off , depending on how you source it.......but its hard to beat as a packing for reflux stills or any other distilling purpose IMO.

[jonnys_spirit]

Here’s a link to some copper I’ve been fairly happy with.

Stonecutter, Ive used that stuff in my Boka for years now, beside cleaning it once in a while in a dunder/ backset bath its been maintenance free and lasted well. It can be a bit pricey to buy first off , depending on how you source it.......but its hard to beat as a packing for reflux stills or any other distilling purpose IMO.

I've got some of that same stuff from Amazon marketed as "Rodent Copper Mesh" or something along those lines... It works for stillin and also I snip bits and pieces off to staple up under cabinets where rodents might get in during the colder months. Apparently they don't like it so they stay way - at least on the other side of the mesh...

Cheers!
-j

[Bushman]

After having the copper tested I made my own.
https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 17&t=47650

[Deplorable]

I searched the manufacturer website and found nothing about copper scrubbers. The Amazon description states that they are copper “sponges” it could very well be that there is some kind of plastic intertwined with that copper. As for your distillate I agree with Deplorable. Not worth consuming if there is a risk of accidental poisoning. Here’s a link to some copper I’ve been fairly happy with. The only complaint I had was that it was woven pretty loose so ya need a hefty amount to stuff.

Coldbreak MESH100 Copper Mesh, 5" x 100', Pure 100%, USA Made

I have a roll of that as well brother. I agree with your assessment. It's very losely woven. The stuff from moonshinedistiller.com is heavier gage and a tighter weave. It holds its form better. My packing consists of 3 rolls of each, the Amazon cold break mesh is wider by an inch, but still takes more of it to make up the same density as the other stuff.

[BoomTown]

Thanks to everyone who gave this topic some thought. I dumped the contaminated product, did a vinegar run, and a steam run on the rig.

I also bought some copper fabric, which IS 100% copper, tightly woven, heavy as a preacher’s heart, and I baked it at 350 degrees for half an hour, and then dropped it into boiling water mixed 50/50 with fients I’ve been collecting for years. Boiled it for 10 minutes, and rinsed it alternately with white vinegar and fresh water, it’s now stored in a sealed Ziplock baggy. It’s shiny as a newborn’s butt now, and I plan to wrap it round a spiral of #6 copper wire, spot soldering it to keep it from slumping too much in the column, and making a beer run soon as we get back from the Cape.

I’ve committed back to using Uncle Lum’s All Grain mash once again, as I’m now down to the last 3 gallon of stuff I kept from our commercial distillery venture 5 years back. That’s on par, taste wise with Elija Craig now, and reserved for celebration events only. Planning to make it last 3 years, while I make and age a few more gallon. Am now 74 years old, so may not live long enough to enjoy this next generation, but hey — if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing it right. This generation will be made in a 100% Copper rig, which should result in a sweeter, more complex spirit. Will age in the same barrel as the original…as It’ll never go to market.

Anyway, thanks again for the research and advice folks. If you happen to be coming to the DC metro area, drop me a note, and I’ll invite you you over for a dram or two.