drosser said:Ethanol seems to be popular for an alternative fuel for cars. If you distilled the ethanol by cooling it and exceeding the saturation point, because it has a lower density than water (.789 grams/cubic cm), the ethanol it would float to the top. You could take the mixture below the freezing point of water and poor the ethanol off the top. My question is, could this work as a distillation method, or am I just wrong?
gravenewworld said:yes it works, but you are only going to be able to get the ethanol pure to a certain amount before the water will stop freezing out--just take like how a bottle of 80 proof vodka won't freeze if you put it in the freezer.
The process of distilling ethanol by refrigerating involves cooling a mixture of ethanol and water to a temperature below the boiling point of ethanol, causing the ethanol to condense and separate from the water. The condensed ethanol is then collected, resulting in a higher concentration of ethanol.
The temperature needed for distilling ethanol by refrigerating depends on the concentration of ethanol desired. Generally, a temperature between -7°C to -5°C is recommended for distilling 95-96% pure ethanol.
To distill ethanol by refrigerating, you will need a refrigeration unit, a condenser, and a collection vessel. It is also recommended to have a thermometer, a hydrometer, and a water bath for precise temperature control.
Distilling ethanol by refrigerating is generally considered safe as long as proper precautions are taken, such as using proper equipment and following recommended procedures. However, ethanol is highly flammable and should be handled with caution.
The main benefit of distilling ethanol by refrigerating is that it allows for a more precise and efficient separation of ethanol from water. It also does not require as much energy compared to other distillation methods, making it a more environmentally friendly option.