How much copper mesh for a column?

[TheMechwarrior]

All,

I'm putting together a taller 3" version of my 2" VM still and I'd like some guidance on the amount of FSD copper mesh I'll need for my 1500mm column?
My 2" has a 1200mm column for those interested in the comparison and pot scrubbers were a perfect fit for the 2".

[MacStill]

I just checked with a few off cuts I have lying around & rolled up a few different sizes, I've roughly calculated the amounts required for 100mm column length.

2" = 120g
3" = 230g
4" = 500g

It's only meant as a guide, it will vary a little depending how tight each person rolls it :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[TheMechwarrior]

That's bloody awesome Mac, thanks :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[The Stig]

I'm a bit confused ....in the pic there is a rolled up "wad" for want of a better word .

Do you just keep pushing these rolled wads in against each other ? ....how long are they each ? Mac when you say 2" = 0.12kG ,is that per wad or for a fully packed column and if so what length

EDit : OK I think I got it ...the wad is 100mm long and weighs 0.12KG so for a 1 meter 2" column I would need 1.2KG worth

[MacStill]

EDit : OK I think I got it ...the wad is 100mm long and weighs 0.1KG so for a 1 meter 2" column I would need 1KG worth

Yep that's it :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[benmick6]

great help thanks. will order a 1kg roll when I get the elements.
Ben

[MacStill]

We have received our new shipment of copper mesh, it's the exact same stuff we have always stocked that has a small amount of oil coating it that needs cleaning prior to use.

The deal with the oil free mesh fell through, but this gear is rated highly by those using it and is now available in our webstore :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I just need to update the product description ;-)

[danwbrews]

I'm a newbie and this is my first build. I know this is an old post but I've been looking for it for days to find out about how much packing I need for my refux column .
Thanks for the info. I just got my #4 of copper mesh to pack my column. This will help me figure out how long to cut it.
This forum is so much better for finding information than all others. Ya'll are very clear (for the most part) and are hard core because of you're knowledge, but I have found that's because you care about the craft.
Thanks or being here.
danwbrews

[Arismac]

I use two rolls of firmly wound copper mesh and insert them into a T500 below the spirit outlet. This should give a total length of about 600mm (8 inches) of mesh in the column. I no longer use any saddles above the copper mesh.

I also double still the spirit and to produce a very good neutral spirit.

It is worth remembering that the mesh provides a far greater total area of copper than saddles or tubing. This means a far greater "extraction" surface for the sulphur per column length. Therefore directing the rising vapour through a density of copper mesh is probably the best answer for a reflux column.

[Thrudd]

I use two rolls of firmly wound copper mesh and insert them into a T500 below the spirit outlet. This should give a total length of about 600mm (8 inches) of mesh in the column. I no longer use any saddles above the copper mesh.

And no SS scrubbers below the copper mesh?

[howard]

I just checked with a few off cuts I have lying around & rolled up a few different sizes, I've roughly calculated the amounts required for 100mm column length.

2" = 120g
3" = 230g
4" = 500g

It's only meant as a guide, it will vary a little depending how tight each person rolls it :handgestures-thumbupleft:

i get 4 x rolls out of 500gm for my 2" column, so very close to your calculations, 125gm per roll for me (i roll tight)