The simple distillation system requires the two liquids have a large difference in boiling points. The simple distillation system uses less heat, and is easier to set up, but provides less accuracy in separating alcohol from water. Another word for the closed distillation system is a still, which is derived from the word distillation.
Use a heat source whose temperature can be quickly raised or lowered, such as a heating mantle or bunsen burner, but these may be hard to control the temperature. You can also use a standard propane or electric heating source.
As the vapor rises from the distilling liquid, only the most volatile liquid rises to the top. In a mixture of alcohol and water, alcohol would make its way to the top ring. Insert a thermometer to gauge the temperature of the gases inside the system.
The distillation process goes heating, evaporating, cooling, and finally, condensing. As the vapor condenses to a liquid, it will become heavier. The liquid alcohol will then drop into the collection vessel. The condensing column may be lined with cooling water to speed the process.
This is an ancient technique of separating alcohol from water, practiced since the 7th century. Freeze distillation is sometimes known as the Mongolian still.
The freezing point of water is 0 °C (32 °F) while the freezing point of alcohol is −114 °C (−173 °F). In other words, alcohol will never freeze under ordinary conditions. Siphon the liquid from the frozen substance once a day. The longer you leave your container in the freezer (or outside), the higher the alcoholic content of your remaining liquid. For larger amounts, use larger containers. Be sure to use food grade plastic containers, as lower quality plastics may contaminate your beverage.
The remaining liquid will be higher in alcoholic content, though not pure alcohol. It will also have a stronger flavor. For that reason, this is a popular distillation technique with hard apple cider (or apple jack), ale, or beer. The name apple jack comes from the freeze distillation process, which has historically been known as jacking. [8] X Research source This method does not allow you to remove impurities like heat distillation would.
Dehydrated isopropyl is an essential part of creating biodiesel fuel. This process is known as extractive distillation.
Make sure all your materials are clean, including the jars and your baster. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly sold over-the-counter in pharmacies in 16 fl oz (470 ml) bottles. You’ll need 32 fl oz (950 ml) for a 1⁄2 US gal (1. 9 L) glass jar.
Use any brand of salt you choose, as long as it’s not iodized. You may use any amount of alcohol and salt you like, as long as it follows the ratio of four parts liquid to one part salt.
Make sure your lid is well fastened before shaking. Watch to make sure salt is well combined with liquid before ceasing to shake.
Don’t allow the two layers to remix This happens because the salt bonds with the water rather than the alcohol bonding with the water. [13] X Research source When you open the jar, do so very carefully to prevent excess shaking. Excess shaking will disturb the salty contents at the bottom of the jar and require you to repeat the distillation process.
The baster can be used very gently to remove one small bit at a time from the mixing container. Be careful not to shake, pour or tilt the mixing jar as you remove the distilled alcohol.
