Cleaning the column packing in your still

If you own a T500 or other Reflux Colum, you need to clean the packing after a few washes. What is the best cleaning solution for both copper and steel packing? In this test I clean my copper SPP (Spiral Prismatic Packing) and Alembic pot head with three of the most used solutions out there.

[@stuartpowell449]

Great job demonstrating different copper cleaning solutions. I think white vinegar and water mix 50/50 works well also. All are better than nothing and are inexpensive. Thanks.

[@brewingadvice]

Hi Stuart, good idea, I will give that a try.

[@mustavertwang]

Thank you for the guide.I now use table salt and citric acid it worked well.

[@brewingadvice]

Thanks Mark.

[@garrymcgaw4745]

I use 3.5 SSP in my T500 reflux column and haven't really noticed any improvement in the ABV, it always hovers around 90/91 % alcohol at the jar. But that CA and salt works like a dream. Thanks for the tips mate 👍.

[@brewingadvice]

Hi Gary. SPP is supposed to help with the refluxing, but to get higher ABV you need to extend the height of the column. Mine is at 57" high, but only 51" of it actually takes packing. In my first (and last one as I only have done 1 run on it thus far) it created 95.5% ABV. I need to tweak it as I would like the maximum purity you can get which is 96.4% ABV. Copper SSP is best, but it is very expensive. I have just bought 1 Litre of Steel SPP to see how it compares.

[@garrymcgaw4745]

@@brewingadvice ,Yes a 200mm spool and a SCR definitely will help. Love your vids ... keep'em coming. Aussie out.✌

[@transplantinnz2716]

Thanks for the experiment. I’ve started using salt and white vinegar, similar to your findings, even more easily available.

[@brewingadvice]

Good idea. Next time I clean mine I will try just salt and white vinegar and will see what I think.

[@seandesborough9661]

I just use distilled vinegar and reuse it. If it starts to struggle add a little citric acid

[@brewingadvice]

I don't think it will have a great deal of kick for getting out a great deal of build-up, or does it?

[@seandesborough9661]

@@brewingadvice I clean mine on the day of use sometimes I’ll do 2 runs but always cleaned the same day 30 min soak in vinegar if it starts to loose it’s cleaning I add a little citric acid then replace for next time….. I literally pay less than £3 for 5L of it

[@brewingadvice]

Fair enough @@seandesborough9661 . If you clean them that often, then yes, you don't need much cleaning power.

[@seandesborough9661]

@@brewingadvice also use the same on the 100L column still at my friends distillery we just soak the plates overnight in distilled vinegar. And sometimes it’s 5-10 times use before cleaning if we’re doing a full restock

[@brewingadvice]

@@seandesborough9661 , sounds like a plan. I just hate it when people neglect their equipment. I have seen some boilers that had been used for years and never clean. The rubber seals were brown and black goo was sticking to it.

[@PaulSmith-jr1qe]

HI, would you mind letting me know where you got hold of the copper spp.

[@brewingadvice]

Hi Paul, I bought them from an online shop in the UK called 'Do It At Home'. The URL to the Copper SPP is: do-it-at-home.co.uk/en/distillation/688-prismatic-cooper-springs-025l-5060770602144.html?search_query=10245&results=1

[@Joshua-hk6bu]

What about salt, citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide? That would be an interesting experiment

[@brewingadvice]

That sounds like heresy to me! In all honesty, it could be a good mix and one that cleans very well. I will give it a try next time I need to clean my packing.

[@nicolayhansen3211]

Hydrogen peroxide is dangerous for the copper in Stills.. never do it!

[@nicolayhansen3211]

Do your reaction research, its just a Google.