nerdalert226 - 9-5-2012 at 16:44
what would substitute well for expensive column packing used for refluxing?
chemrox - 9-5-2012 at 22:14
What exactly are planning on? Are you trying to substitute a dry column for a condenser to reflux a reaction mixture? If so consider column height,
ambient temperature, reaction temperature for starters. I sometimes use a straight column about 700 mm. If you're simply returning solvent to the
reactor you probably don't want to pack the column because you're not trying to separate vapors. You want a homogeneous vapor head as much as
possible. Just make the column high enough to return the vapor. A fan might help if water is simply unavailable. I have a Dewar condenser for that
kind of situation. You would keep it cold with ice cubes and water. Replace the ice as needed. More information will allow us to be more helpful.
Good luck with your project. BTW I once turned wine into 100 proof brandy using a pyrex coffee pot and a beaker with the coffee pot lid inverted and
ice inside it. It was tedious with constantly replacing the ice and siphoning off the water.
nerdalert226 - 10-5-2012 at 04:26
Thanks for the reply! I will probably not need column packing since i will not need to separate the vapors.
mycotheologist - 10-5-2012 at 12:36
Steel wool is dirt cheap.