Raschig Rings
Pieces of tube, approximately equal in length and diameter, used in large numbers as a packed bed within columns for distillation and other chemical engineering processes. They are usually ceramic or metal and provide a large surface area within the volume of the column for interaction between liquid and gas vapors. Raschig rings are named after their inventor, the German chemist Friedrich Raschig.
Raschig Rings are used in a column to increase the surface area of the refluxed liquid alcohol moving down the column to allow greater mixing of alcohol vapor from below. This helps compress and separate the fractions. It will allow for better collection of hearts. Normally used for production of vodka or neutrals.
See also Spiral Prismatic Packing.