Ethanol production

This article deals around the production of ethanol.

Fermentation

See Ethanol-based hand sanitizer + include fermentation from other crops (ie grain, ...)

Distillation

To make ethanol, commercial devices are available^[1], ie Mr. Distiller which is a countertop appliance about the size of a large coffee machine</ref>, but diy-still designs have now also become available via the internet. ^[2] ^[3]^[4] Popular diy stills include pot stills, and reflux stills. The latter may be equipped with a long fractionating column for optimal efficiency. Another subtype is the crockpot-type still which uses ice for cooling , and stills that use either worms or jacketed cores as condensors. ^[5]

A DIY reflux still with fractionating column (instant 94% ethanol) can be made with metal tubing and a pot still. See this website

The "two dollar crockpot still" is a cheap diy-still made out of a crock pot, a piece of 1/4 inch copper tubing and a plastic milk jug filled with ice.^[6]

Note that a reboiler may or may not be present in the design. Also note that some stills are heated using wood^[7] However, as ethanol tends to be best distilled at 77°C-78°C^[8], the use of gas or electricity may be preferred as it allows more accurate temperature control.

Applications

Small scale distillation is practiced by many for the purpose of making moonshine^[9]^[10], although sometimes it is also practiced for creating (bio)fuel ^[11].

For AT-purposes, ethanol is also useful as it can be used in healthcare: this in the intrest of disinfection (see Ethanol-based hand sanitizer) and as an ingredient in making tinctures. Finally, ethanol is also a good preservative, hence increasing the shelf life of certain foods/beverages.

References

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External links

[1] ttp://www.milehidistilling.com/mr-distiller/ "Mr. Distiller" priced at $230]

[2] Photos of diy stills

[3] Instructables still-designs

[4] Jorneytoforever still

[5] Popular diy home stills and practical building

[6] Crockpot still

[7] Wood-fired still

[8] Mini still explained: making the mash

[9] Moonshining

[10] Moonshining and diy stills

[11] Biofuel-still design

[12] Nixon-Stone stills

[13] Moonshine Still: another Nixon-Stone still

[14] Historical stills

[15] Historical stills

[16] Historical stills

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