Arielle Cruz
Hand sanitizers typically contain 60% to 95% alcohol concentration, which is effective for killing germs. However, the high alcohol content has led to a dangerous trend of people, especially teens, ingesting hand sanitizer as a cheap way to get drunk. This has resulted in a significant increase in calls to poison control centers. As a result, some people may be interested in learning how to filter out the alcohol from hand sanitizer to prevent misuse. While it is possible to separate the alcohol using salt or distillation techniques, it is important to prioritize safety and legality when attempting any extraction process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals used | Salt |
| Tools required | Distillation set, flasks, coffee filter, heat source, fan |
| Safety precautions | Well-ventilated area, protective gear (gloves and goggles), no open flames |
| Process | Add salt to hand sanitizer, separate alcohol from gel, distill alcohol, filter with a coffee filter |
| Potential issues | Impurities, difficulty separating certain ingredients by distillation, toxic exposure, fire hazards |
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Salt separation
Salt can be used to separate alcohol from hand sanitiser. This process involves adding salt to the hand sanitiser gel, which causes the alcohol to precipitate out and separate from the other gel ingredients. This is because salts are more soluble than alcohols in water, and as the concentration of salt increases, its ionic components compete with the alcohol for space around the water molecules. Eventually, the salt outcompetes the alcohol, causing it to separate from the solution. The brine (dense plug of water and gel) will sink to the bottom, while the organic layer, mostly pure ethanol, will remain floating on top. This process can be used to collect the ethanol for consumption, although it is important to note that the alcohol in hand sanitisers is denatured and can be dangerous for consumption.
To perform salt separation to collect alcohol from hand sanitiser, follow these steps:
- Start by obtaining hand sanitiser that contains ethanol as the primary solvent. Check the ingredient list to ensure it contains mostly ethanol, water, and possibly glycol or polymeric thickeners.
- Add a sufficient amount of salt to the hand sanitiser gel. The amount of salt needed may vary depending on the volume of hand sanitiser, but a generous amount is usually recommended.
- Mix the salt and hand sanitiser together. The salt will disrupt the ability of the polymeric thickeners to maintain viscosity, causing the solution to become more liquid-like.
- Allow the mixture to sit for some time. The brine will start to sink to the bottom, while the organic layer, mostly ethanol, will rise to the top.
- Carefully collect the ethanol from the top layer, being cautious not to mix it with the brine. You can use a spoon, pipette, or any suitable tool to carefully scoop or pour out the ethanol.
- The collected ethanol can now be filtered using a coffee filter to remove any remaining impurities.
It is important to note that attempting to separate and consume alcohol from hand sanitiser can be dangerous. The alcohol in hand sanitisers is not meant for consumption and can cause severe health issues. Additionally, working with flammable substances over a heat source requires extreme caution.
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Distillation
Distilling alcohol from hand sanitizer can be a useful skill in survival situations. It can be used as a fire starter, stove fuel, or antiseptic for wounds. However, it is important to note that distilling alcohol from hand sanitizer should only be done in dire circumstances and with extreme caution.
Firstly, you will need to gather the right supplies. This includes a still, which can be purchased online or from a specialty store. You will also need two large, clean, dust-free containers to hold the distilled alcohol and the hand sanitizer. One container should be made of a non-porous material such as glass or stainless steel to ensure that there are no impurities. Additionally, you will need a thermometer to monitor temperatures, access to high-proof alcohol such as Everclear or vodka, and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethyl alcohol.
Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin the distillation process. Before starting, prepare your still according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, combine equal parts of high-proof alcohol and hand sanitizer in one of your large containers and mix them thoroughly.
During the distillation process, it is important to be cautious as alcohol is flammable and you will be working over a heat source. Monitor the temperature with your thermometer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your still to safely collect the distilled alcohol.
It is worth noting that some people use salt to separate the alcohol from hand sanitizer. Salt causes the alcohol to separate from the gel, allowing it to be collected as a liquid. However, this method may not produce pure alcohol, and further distillation may be required to remove any contaminants.
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Safety and legal considerations
In terms of legal considerations, manufacturers and distributors of hand sanitizers must carefully navigate the regulatory landscape, especially with the evolving nature of guidelines during the pandemic. Companies must ensure they are aware of and compliant with the latest regulations, guidelines, and requirements set by relevant authorities, such as the FDA and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Proper labeling of hand sanitizers is of utmost importance. Labels should include specific alcohol content, flammability warnings, unfit for human consumption warnings, ingredients, directions for use, and warnings to keep out of the reach of children.
Manufacturers should refrain from making unsubstantiated claims about their products to avoid potential litigation and ensure that their products meet the recommended alcohol content levels, typically a minimum of 60% alcohol concentration for effective sanitization. Pre-production and post-production quality control measures are essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of hand sanitizer products. This includes specific tests such as Gas Chromatography for alcohol content and titration for hydrogen peroxide content. Certificates of analysis should be issued to provide assurance of quality.
Additionally, companies should be vigilant about their supply chain and undertake risk assessments to ensure compliance. This is particularly important when a company is not directly involved in the manufacturing process and must rely on third-party suppliers. Conducting analytical testing on samples from current inventory or incoming shipments can help identify potential issues and ensure the safety of the products. With the potential for product liability suits, companies must carefully consider their liability exposure and develop strategies to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with non-compliant or dangerous products.
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Evaporation
The extraction process involves distillation, which separates substances based on their different boiling points. Ethanol has a boiling point of about 173°F (78°C), while water boils at 212°F (100°C). During distillation, the hand sanitiser is heated, causing the ethanol to evaporate first because it requires less heat than water. The vapour then rises, cools down, and condenses back into a liquid, resulting in a collected liquid with a higher concentration of ethanol than the original hand sanitiser.
It is important to note that the evaporation rate of alcohol from hand sanitiser can be influenced by the type and concentration of gelling agents used in the formulation. For example, increasing the concentration of cellulose derivatives such as HEC and HPMC has been shown to increase the evaporation rate of ethanol. On the other hand, using carbopol as a gelling agent leads to an increase in hydro-alcoholic solvent evaporation time compared to cellulose-based gels.
The extraction of alcohol from hand sanitiser through evaporation can be dangerous due to the highly flammable nature of alcohol. It is crucial to ensure that no flames or sources of ignition are present during the process. Additionally, some hand sanitisers may contain additives that can be harmful if inhaled during the extraction process, so it is important to check the labels and select high-quality hand sanitisers without harmful additives whenever possible.
The reclaimed ethanol from hand sanitiser can be used for various purposes, such as a disinfectant for surfaces, in scented products like air fresheners or personal care products, and in DIY projects requiring ethanol as an ingredient. However, it is important to prioritise safety when using extracted alcohol and ensure proper handling practices are followed at all times.
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Filtering
To filter out the alcohol from hand sanitiser, you can use salt. Salt separates the alcohol from the water in the hand sanitiser. This is because salts are more soluble than alcohols in water. As the concentration of salt increases, it competes with the alcohol for space around the water molecules. Eventually, the salt pushes the alcohol out of the solution, and the brine (salt and water) sinks to the bottom, while the alcohol floats to the top. This alcohol can then be collected and filtered with a coffee filter.
However, this method does not produce pure alcohol. To further purify the alcohol, distillation can be used. Distillation involves heating the mixture to separate the alcohol from the water. The alcohol has a lower boiling point, so it evaporates first and can be collected by condensing it back into a liquid. This process can be repeated to remove any remaining impurities.
It is important to note that not all hand sanitisers are made solely of ethanol. Some contain isopropanol or other inactive ingredients that can be difficult to separate through distillation. These inactive ingredients may have boiling points well over 200°F (93°C). Therefore, it is important to research the specific ingredients of the hand sanitiser before attempting distillation.
For businesses and institutions with excess hand sanitiser, the EPA provides guidelines for recycling and proper disposal. This includes reclaiming the industrial ethyl alcohol from the hand sanitiser for use in other products, such as lab chemicals, cleaning agents, or cosmetics. Alternatively, the hand sanitiser can be managed as hazardous waste and sent to RCRA-permitted cement kilns for energy recovery through burning.
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Frequently asked questions
Pour a small amount of hand sanitizer into a shallow dish and place it in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to sit exposed to the air for several hours or overnight. You can use a fan to speed up the evaporation. This method works because alcohol evaporates faster than water and other components found in hand sanitizer.
Salts are more soluble than alcohols in water. As the concentration of salt increases, it competes with the alcohol for space around the water molecules. Eventually, the salt outcompetes the alcohol, causing it to separate from the solution.
Always prioritize safety and legality when handling hand sanitizer. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling large quantities of alcohol vapors. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, to protect your skin and eyes from irritants. Keep in mind that alcohol is highly flammable, so avoid any sources of ignition. Also, be aware of the legal implications of distilling alcohol in your region.
