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

[DabberDog]

Checking out prices for Everclear (which is not available in California), I've gotten a few things from these folks. The price is cheaper, depending on where you live. I get the 4, quart size bottle deal at less than $22 per quart.
Lab & Food Grade Alcohol | 200 Proof Ethanol | Shop BVV

[Ckbrew]

Have you run into any issues with alcohol degrading the seals in the vacuum pump? 190 proof ethanol (everclear or graves) is sold in Rhode Island. That is the closest place I have found to buy it. I once bought it from a liquor store in New Jersey and they shipped it to me but the shipping was more than the cost of the booze. It can be bought online. Look for lab grade 95% ethanol, it is less expensive than 190 proof drinking alcohol. Back in the day we used to make a killer punch with the everclear. Cut up fresh fruit in small chunks and soak the fruit in the everclear. then add to a cooler with fruit juices and sherbet. If it was done right the alcohol could not be tasted but it got people plastered.

[DabberDog]

Had an army buddy who did that shot thing. He was also the one who drank half gallons of rum in an evening. Dick Ridenauer. Swear to golly, that was his name.

[Bowhunterwoody]

Handle of Grave's 190 proof is about $35 in CT.

[DabberDog]

Does the name have anything to do with what happens when you drink too much?

[Allotrope1000]

Hi, Ckbrew.
I can't comment on vacuum pump seals degrading in alcohol. Sorry, I don't put the boil off under vacuum. I simply vaporize the alcohol out the filter flask noozle at 1 atm into the coffee can for retention.

BTW, your RSO set up is still top flight!

[Allenpro]

I have a tinchure curing/soaking in the freezer for a couple of years now becasue I just havent had time to cook it down to RSO. I set the jar on the counter to remind me to cook it this week and today I noticed my wife openiing the jar and pouring some in a small bowl. Truth is I made it for her she like tinture but she didnt like this mix, I asked if the flavor had improved now and she said no but its great for cleaning my little paint brushes. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG!

[Ckbrew]

No problem, just boil it down and serve it to her. Tell her it is a special blend.

[DabberDog]

Tell her not to touch your stuff.

[Allenpro]

@ CK, She dumped the liquid she used to clean the brushes and I will cook down the remainder tomorrow on the porch when its 10F degreess
@ DD, your single arent you? I may be again soon

[Allotrope1000]

Years ago during the height of the drug war, I was traveling and my wife cleaned out the freezer, accidentally tossing a quarter oz stored in a small cookie tin. No big deal.
@Ap, can you really blame your wife for not knowing the importance to you of some replaceable tincture?
Cook up your RSO, spread some on home made or store bought chocolate chip cookie dough, and make her a batch of yummy, edible laced cookies. It's all in the presentation.