There are several ways to separate alcohol from water. The most commonly used method is to heat the solution. Because it has a lower boiling point than water, alcohol will quickly turn into a vapor. This vapor is then condensed (condensed) into a separate container. You can also freeze the alcohol mixture to remove some of the non-alcoholic components; the remaining liquid will have a higher alcohol content. Use regular table salt to separate the isopropyl alcohol from the water. The result will be thick isopropyl alcohol, and not alcohol to drink
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Method 1 of 3: Distilling Alcohol from Water
Step 1. Set up a closed system for distillation
The simplest distillation system uses a circular-bottomed glass vial (or boiling bottle), a condensing unit, and a second glass container for the separate liquids. We recommend using a fractional column (or fractioning) inserted between the boiling bottle and the condensing unit to separate the alcohol from the water.
- A simple distillation system requires two liquids that have a very large difference in boiling points.
- Simple distillation systems do not use much heat and are easy to assemble, but the alcohol separation accuracy from the water is quite low.
- Closed distillation systems are also called " still " which is a derivative of the word " distillation " (distillation).
Step 2. Heat the water and alcohol mixture in a bottle based on a circle
The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius, and the boiling point of alcohol is 78 degrees Celsius. Thus, alcohol evaporates faster than water.
- Use a heat source whose temperature can be easily adjusted, such as a heating mantle.
- You can also use standard propane or a powered heat source.
Step 3. Insert the fractioning column into the mouth of the bottle
Fractioning columns are straight glass tubes covered with rings of metal, or glass, or plastic beads. These rings or beads help to hold the lower volatility gas to lower levels in the column.
- When the vapor rises from the distilled liquid, only the most volatile liquid (easy to turn into vapor) rises to the top.
- For a mixture of alcohol and water, the alcohol vapor will reach the top ring.
- Insert a thermometer to measure the temperature of the gas in the system.
Step 4. Let the steam cool and condense
When the steam enters the condensing column, the temperature will be cooler. When in a cold environment, the vapor will condense back into a liquid.
- When vapor condenses into a liquid, its mass becomes heavier. The liquid alcohol will drip into the storage container.
- The condensing column can be coated with cooling water to speed up the process.
Method 2 of 3: Separating Alcohol Through Freezing
Step 1. Start with 5%-15% alcohol
You need a container that can be safely frozen and thawed, and a place (either freezer or outdoor temperature) where the temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius. Similar to the distillation method which relies on the difference in boiling points, this method also takes advantage of the difference in freezing points between alcohol and water.
- This ancient technique of separating alcohol from water has been around since the seventh century.
- This technique is also known as Mongolian still.
Step 2. Put the liquid alcohol into the container
Since water expands when it freezes, make sure the container is large enough to hold the additional frozen liquid without breaking. The water content in the liquid will expand, but the amount of alcoholic beverage will decrease due to water extraction.
- The freezing point of water is 0° Celsius while the freezing point of alcohol is 114° Celsius. In other words, alcohol will not freeze under normal conditions.
- Siphon liquid from frozen substances once a day. The longer you keep the container in the freezer, the higher the alcohol content of the liquid in the ice will be.
- Use a larger container if you want more alcohol. Make sure you use plastic containers specially made for storing food, as regular plastic can contaminate your drinks.
Step 3. Remove the ice from the container
This ice is mostly water, while the alcohol which has a lower freezing point will remain in the container.
- This remaining liquid will have a higher alcohol content, even if it is not pure alcohol.
- It will also feel stronger. Therefore, this technique is popular with hard apple cider (or apple jack), ale, or beer.
- The name apple jack comes from the frozen distillation process, formerly known as jacking.
Method 3 of 3: “Salting” Alcohol from Water
Step 1. Sprinkle salt on the isopropyl alcohol to start the azeotropic distillation
This distillation process utilizes dehydration to separate water from alcohol. Dehydrated isopropyl can be used as a fuel, flea repellent for pets, antiseptic for humans and pets, or a deicer for windshields.
- Dehydrated isopropyl is an important part in the manufacture of biodiesel fuel.
- This process is also known as “extractive” distillation.
Step 2. Prepare the necessary materials
You will need a genuine isopropyl alcohol mixture (50%-70% isopropyl alcohol mixture) and a container to hold this liquid when finished, a wide-mouthed jar (2 liters size), 450 grams of non-iodized table salt, and a large pipette (baster) with a nozzle. which is conical.
- Make sure all materials and tools are clean, including jars and pipettes.
- Isopropyl alcohol is usually sold in pharmacies in 30 ml (aka 1 pint) containers. You will need 60 ml of alcohol to fill a 2 liter mixing jar.
Step 3. Fill the mixing bowl with table salt until full
Make sure you don't use iodized salt as it will contaminate the distillation process. Usually, one standard package of table salt is enough to meet your needs.
- Use the brand you like, as long as the salt is not iodized.
- You can use as much alcohol and salt as you want, as long as it's a 4/5 liquid to 1/5 salt ratio.
Step 4. Add alcohol in a mixing jar and shake well
The mixing jar should now be full. If there is too much, there may not be enough space left in the jar for expansion due to the reaction of mixing alcohol with salt.
- Make sure the jars are tightly closed before shaking.
- Pay attention to make sure the salt mixes evenly with the liquid before you finish whisking.
Step 5. Let gravity separate the contents of the mixture
Usually, it will take 15-30 minutes for the salt to settle to the bottom of the jar. The liquid that rises to the surface will have a higher alcohol content. This is dehydrated isporopyl alcohol.
- Do not allow the two mixtures to mix again.
- When you open the jar, do so carefully to prevent the jar from shaking too much. If you shake too much, the salty part of the bottom of the jar will be disturbed and the distillation process will have to be repeated.
Step 6. Use a pipette to extract the distilled alcohol from the surface of the jar
Get your alcohol container ready, and label it “distilled isopropyl alcohol”.
- Use the dropper very carefully to take the liquid little by little from the mixing bowl.
- Try not to shake, spill, or tilt the jar when the distilled alcohol is removed from the jar.
Warning
- Home distillation may be illegal in your area. Check your local regulations for more information.
- Isopropyl alcohol should not be drunk. This alcohol is used as a fuel or topical treatment. The lethal dose for isopropyl alcohol is 235 ml or 1 cup.
