Why use copper
Antimicrobial Properties
Pathogen Reduction: Copper's inherent antimicrobial properties help guard against infections in homes, workplaces, and hospitals. Copper surfaces can kill a wide range of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Plumbing and Drinking Water: Copper tubing is widely used in plumbing because it helps preserve the purity of drinking water. Copper's antimicrobial effects inhibit waterborne microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, algae, and infectious parasites. This is crucial in maintaining safe drinking water supplies.
High-Touch Surfaces: Surfaces made from copper and copper alloys (such as brass) like doorknobs, handrails, and tabletops can reduce the spread of disease-carrying organisms. Studies have shown that copper surfaces kill microbes on contact, which can significantly decrease the transmission of infections in public spaces.
Research and Applications
E. coli O157: Recent research has established that the Escherichia coli O157 strain, a particularly dangerous variant of E. coli, dies within a few hours on copper surfaces, even under dry conditions. Conversely, this bacterium can survive for over a month on stainless steel surfaces, which are commonly used in food processing and medical environments.
Hospital Use: Hospitals and clinics have reduced the incidental transfer of microorganisms by using copper-based antibacterial paint and installing copper or brass doorknobs and fittings. This has led to lower infection rates and improved overall hygiene.
Copper in Distillation (Pot Stills)
Sulfur and Yeast Absorption: Copper reacts with sulfur-containing compounds and yeast cells produced during fermentation, which are undesirable as they cause off-flavors and odors. This results in a cleaner, sweeter distillate.
Bacterial Contamination: Copper reduces bacterial contamination in the distillation process, ensuring a purer final product.
Heat Transfer: Copper has excellent heat conductivity, which is beneficial for both heating the mash and cooling the vapors during distillation.
Ethylcarbamate Prevention: Copper helps prevent the formation of ethylcarbamate, a carcinogenic compound that can form from cyanides present in certain fruits.
Aroma and Quality: Even if the mash is not microbiologically perfect, copper can improve the aroma and overall quality of the final product.
Historical and Modern Use
Copper has been used in the construction of stills since ancient times. Despite technological advancements and the introduction of new materials such as stainless steel, copper remains preferred, especially in traditional distilling regions in Europe. This preference is due to copper's durability and its positive impact on the quality of distilled products.
Economic and Environmental Benefits: Copper is also valued for its recyclability. Almost all the copper used can be recycled without losing its properties, making it an environmentally sustainable choice.
Versatility: Beyond health and distillation, copper is used in electrical wiring, electronics, and renewable energy technologies due to its excellent electrical conductivity.
