SPP packing

[HiString]

Just curious how many are using SPP packing in their columns and what are their opinions of it.

Comments on other forums indicate that it is a better alternative to scrubbers or mesh, giving a considerably faster run without compromising quality of the output.

[Darwin award]

Yeah, I've read about it, those that are using it promote the benefits to the point of religious zest....Now maybe that's because it works so very well but that kind of thing enthusiasm makes me nervous :? It also seems pretty expensive.....

[scythe]

I only know of one user here on this forum.
He had to order it in from the states and i think it was about $300 plus postage.

It does give you faster run times.
Structured copper mesh is your best bang for buck, I believe Macstill has done more in depth research than most, altho maybe not as much as the user here on the forum.

Search the forum for SPP or structured prisimatic packing and you should find the thread.

Russians seem to love it for their vodka making and you can get high output rates for smaller diameter columns, like 5l/hr or more for 2".

[scythe]

Try this:
https://cse.google.com/cse/home?cx=009613617091886963315:_1fjqgxdrsk&hl=en

[hillzabilly]

Just had a quick snoop,seems ta be for smaller columns,for me going from a 2inch still and 25lt boiler to a 4inch and 8olt boiler gave me a much quicker collection rate and the option of useing plates for flavoured spirits,plus the safety of knowing I was not ringing its neck and worried about flooding or having to use a power control to fine tune it,safety and ease of operation are what motivates my outcomes.If I were solely makeing neutral then I would probably want to give them a try,but I will be keeping an open mind until I have a lot more information as the cost seems a bit high to fill my 4inch still,anyhooo got a pic for any who have not seen the stuff.cheers hillzabilly :D

[Meatheadinc]

Bang for buck you cannot beat scoria. Similar output figures to spp and much much cheaper. Downside is it does take some time to break it down to desired size to suit column dia.

[Kenster]

Meat. i use scoria as well... the driveway size...1/4 minus they call it... works well. What size do you use or think is best...larger..1/2''?
I figure 1/4'' has a greater surface area...it does stink up pretty quickly though but with a good boil or two, cleans up quite well.Amazing how much 'greasy shit' it catches.
I did price the spp some time ago but my bank manager said i was already over extended.(ha ha)

[Meatheadinc]

I break my own ( tip: use a tomahawk) and aim for about 1/4 "
Its so cheap i dont bother boiling just get some freash stuff and add the rest to the driveway

[WTDist]

Is scoria better than standard SS scrubbers?

[Meatheadinc]

It depends who you ask but in my mind yes. It can handle a semi aquatic environment just like spp. Eg can be pushed hard
No other packing ive tried can. Eg copper packing or scrubbers

[HiString]

Thanks for the comments guys, pretty well summed up what I'd read around here and HD. Manu on HD sell SPP and it's not too expensive for a 2" boka, especially if available time for runs is an issue.

I'm committed to finishing my 2" LM but already have plans for a 4" plate project, just haven't decided whether to go bubble or perforated.

Cheers.

[TheShining]

This old thread suggests SPP packing was quite expensive back in the day.

Seems to be currently going for around $40 for 500g.

https://kegland.com.au/products/3-4mm-stainless-steel-spiral-prismatic-packing-spp-500g?srsltid=AfmBOoqkqBfFaOzbravZWEaxW79IVNAJ0v0giGaZWHGERCgG3MjaOhc6
https://kegland.com.au/products/3-4mm-stainless-steel-spiral-prismatic-packing-spp-500g?srsltid=AfmBOoqkqBfFaOzbravZWEaxW79IVNAJ0v0giGaZWHGERCgG3MjaOhc6

Would this be a worthwhile upgrade for a T500 reflux column? If so, how much would be needed and which size would be most appropriate of the above options?

[The Stig]

Smaller the better but where are you going to have copper in the vapor path ? Its needed for sulfide removal
You would probably needed at least 1.5kg to fill a T500
But dont expect it to run heaps faster, only larger diameter can do that.

[TheShining]

I would leave the handful of copper saddles where they are at the top of the column and just replace the SS packing.

[The Stig]

The copper saddles do next to nothing in the T500
Best to have a copper scrubber or mesh at the bottom so all the vapor MUST come in contact with copper

[GrumbleStill]

I run the small version in my 2” valved VM.

The column is 1m long and it took 4 bags to fill. A copper scrubby in the base of the column provides the copper contact, and doubles up as a retainer to hold the packing in.

It can produce about 1.3lph of azeo at 1600 watts. Any more power and I’ve found that it floods.

Hope that helps a bit.

Have fun and stay safe.

[patmac]

gday folks, may i ask how much copper spp you would recommend in a 2"boka/reflux?

ive a 50litre keg,2 x 2200 w elements
6 to 4 reducer to a 4 " glass
4 to 2" reducer
1350mm high 2 " copper tower
condenser etc

previously 1/2 packed s/s scrubbers, 1/2 packed copper scrubbers
running TPW.

like the idea of easier cleaning

thanks for any input,or link to more info

thankyou
Pat

[Professor Green]

Welcome to AD patmac,

Please pop into the welcome centre and introduce yourself. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

[Oblivion]

gday folks, may i ask how much copper spp you would recommend in a 2"boka/reflux?

ive a 50litre keg,2 x 2200 w elements
6 to 4 reducer to a 4 " glass
4 to 2" reducer
1350mm high 2 " copper tower
condenser etc

previously 1/2 packed s/s scrubbers, 1/2 packed copper scrubbers
running TPW.

like the idea of easier cleaning

thanks for any input,or link to more info

thankyou
Pat

I would fill the 2" copper column entirely with SPP.

[patmac]

:handgestures-thumbupleft: