Tobacco extraction using heated Ethanol

[Exchaner]

For those who don't have access to 190 proof, here is a possible way to convert regular vodka into higher proof without using a distiller. The only problem is where to find the water-absorbing granules.

 

[Bunnykiller]

wonder what would occur if you placed an amount of 80+ proof alcohol into a sealed container with damp rid ( not mixed of course)? Would the damp-rid remove the water only or both the water and alcohol?

 

[Exchaner]

wonder what would occur if you placed an amount of 80+ proof alcohol into a sealed container with damp rid ( not mixed of course)? Would the damp-rid remove the water only or both the water and alcohol?

If Damp Rid is made from Calcium Oxide, it might possibly work but I am not sure. Someone mentioned it in another forum. It reportedly absorbs only water - not alcohol, but I still would be concerned about a possible reaction. Isn't calcium oxide also known as lime or quick lime? The video also mentions Magnesium Sulfate and Copper Sulfate as suitable agents.

 

[gt_1955]

For those who don't have access to 190 proof, here is a possible way to convert regular vodka into higher proof without using a distiller. The only problems is where to find the water-absorbing granules.

...

He started with 95% ethanol anyway

Yeah, I had seen a similar vid previously, but I'm a visual guy and like to actually see something happening ... Also, the drying of the ethanol can take days but at least you can reclaim the drying agent for later use.

 

[Exchaner]

The granules in the video are called molecular sieves - size 3A. Available here:

Molecular Sieve 3A Reagent 500g | eBay

 

[gt_1955]

Dumb question: how do I know it's for soaking up the water and not the ethanol?

ETA: as in is the correct molecular sieve for our purpose ... I can't see anything on the page. Because it's 3A?

 

[Kingboomer]

Guys, there's a much simpler way. Take your cheap vodka and place it in your deep freeze for a few days. The water will freeze, the alcohol wont. Then just pour off the alcohol. It takes a while doing this, and it's not 100%/200 proof, but it will get most of the water out. This is known as freeze concentrating in the home brewing community. I've done this with ciders and meads, but I'm almost certain it would work for our purposes as well.


-Kingboomer

 

[gt_1955]

boomer, not in my freezer it doesn't

ETA: had a bottle in there @-18C for 6 months

 

[Exchaner]

Also, the drying of the ethanol can take days but at least you can reclaim the drying agent for later use.

As I recall from the video, a few hours will do, perhaps overnight. And you can do it with any grade alcohol - not only with 190.

 

[Exchaner]

boomer, not in my freezer it doesn't

ETA: had a bottle in there @-18C for 6 months

Same here.

 

[gt_1955]

As I recall from the video, a few hours will do, perhaps overnight. And you can do it with any grade alcohol - not only with 190.

Yeah, I know

More water, more molecular sieves required.

 

[Exchaner]

Those sieves can hold an awful lot of water. I doubt if you will need that much more with regular vodka. He has another video specifically made for vodka. Having a hard time finding it.

 

[gt_1955]

Those sieves can hold an awful lot of water. I doubt if you will need that much more with regular vodka. He has another video specifically made for vodka. Having a hard time finding it.

It was only a comment ... 500g will hold 11x it's volume? That's a lot of vodka

Love to see that vodka video when you find it ... no pressure though

Still, if I want to reuse the extracted ethanol (from vodka), I'm still up for distillation of the PG/ethanol mix. Which brings up 1 point I'm not clear on ... will distilling (without vacuum) destroy the flavoids? I don't think so, but I'm asking anyway

 

[Exchaner]

500g will hold 11x it's volume? That's a lot of vodka

I am not sure about 11x though, but your guess is as good as mine. I noticed in the video that he only used half the volume of alcohol in sieves. I'd say with 80 proof, you probably would double the amount. Still looking for his vodka video.

 

[gt_1955]

I hope this isn't verboten, but a good read

Home Distillation of Alcohol (Homemade Alcohol to Drink)

 

[gt_1955]

Dumb question: how do I know it's for soaking up the water and not the ethanol?

ETA: as in is the correct molecular sieve for our purpose ... I can't see anything on the page. Because it's 3A?

Further research says "Yes" (the "A" stands for angstrom)

 

[usr/]

I hope this isn't verboten, but a good read

Home Distillation of Alcohol (Homemade Alcohol to Drink)

Added to bookmarks! Thanks gt

 

[gt_1955]

Added to bookmarks! Thanks gt

No worries mate

utube has some videos by Red Nile (the guy from the video linked above) on making 85% ABV, from sugar

 

[Exchaner]

Also, the drying of the ethanol can take days but at least you can reclaim the drying agent for later use.

The more I read on the subject, I am starting to see your point. Someone said near the bottom of the link you posted, that some dehydrating agents can only absorb 25% of their weight in water. Kind of impractical if you're starting with 80 proof. I'd go with Calcium Oxide if possible contamination was not a concern.

 

[gt_1955]

It's looking more and more to me that I will be using ISO, with a distillation afterwards to remove it.

Damn our nanny state govt