Hash talk #2

[Allotrope1000]

Hi, Group.
I keep losing the threads to post "Hash talk", so recreated this to post two pics of my RSO lab set up.
- One is using a Buchner funnel and Gast DAA vacuum pump to filter raw alcohol soltion.
- Two is filtered solution boiling down to yield finished RSO. Same line from the one liter filter flask directs alcohol vapor from flask into iced down 3 lb coffee can for reuse.
The set up is simple and works great.

[DabberDog]

That's simple enough I might be able to pull it off in a double-boiler setup!
I'm curious about two things.
You are chilling the coffee can, not the condensation line. I have only ever seen the condensation line chilled. What I imagine is a high-low setup with the flask high, condensation line in a bucket of ice water down lower, and a catch jug at the bottom.
I'll make the uneducated comment that it seems like you would lose quantity or proof.

[Allotrope1000]

Hi, Dab.
The 99% iso- propanol vapor exits the filter port on the flask and cools to liquid (really warm) while venting down the 3/8" ID aquarium hose into the coffee can, where the ice bath surrounding it keeps it cold. No ice water touches the alcohol in the condenser can.

The only thing thing affecting the 198% proof is some possible absorption of water vapor from humidity in the air, mostly avoidable by keeping the liquids mostly sealed up.

[Bowhunterwoody]

Granted, I've only done this a half dozen times, but I don't reclaim my solvent, so i do it in an open pan. So how do you get the thick oil out of the erlemmeyer flask when you're done. Seems like you'd need a really long pipett or syringe.

[Allotrope1000]

Good question, Bowhunter!

After all but 100 ml or so of the alcohol solution has boiled off (remember, recycling the solvent is an important secondary goal), I pour it out of the filter flask (hot, pours out like water) into a small beaker and boil the remaining +/- 60 to 80 ml of alcohol to atmosphere (yes, exhaust hood is running) and flame test the final product for elimination of the alcohol. When done, I pour the hot, finished RSO into a 40 ml brown glass bottle, label, cool and store in freezer.

I am totally confident in this process. Been using for five years. Once I run out of isopropyl (Ace Hardware, Swan brand, 99%, $27/gal), I'll switch to the more expensive 190 proof Everclear.

Happy Holidays to All!

[Allenpro]

Everclear is hard to find in Maine/New Hampshire and its not 180 proof if you do find it so I uste a distiller and reclaim the solvant. Works pretty good but I need to catch it in time before it turns to putty and remove the rest with a coffe cup warmer