Noah Vinter
There are various methods for separating alcohol from other substances, including water, carbonyl, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Distillation is a commonly used method for separating alcohol from water, as alcohol has a lower boiling point than water. Hydrocarbons are also used to separate the active compounds in cannabis from the plant material. This method is known as hydrocarbon extraction and is considered the most flexible in terms of input material and output SKUs. However, CO2 extraction was once popular due to its ability to produce a clean final product without the risk of residual solvents, but it has fallen out of favour due to its high costs and limited flexibility.
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What You'll Learn
Distillation
The distillation process can be enhanced by using a simple distillation system or a closed distillation system, also known as a "still." A simple distillation system is easier to set up and requires less heat, but it may not provide the same level of accuracy in separating alcohol from other substances. On the other hand, a closed distillation system, which includes a round-bottomed glass flask (boiling flask), a condensing unit, and a second container for the distillate, offers more precise separation.
To further improve the separation of alcohol from aromatic hydrocarbons, a fractionating column can be inserted between the boiling flask and the condensing unit. This fractionating column is typically a straight glass cylinder lined with metal rings or glass/plastic beads. It helps to separate the alcohol from other substances more effectively.
In addition to distillation, other methods such as hydroformylation of alkenes followed by hydrogenation and direct and indirect hydration methods are also used to produce various types of alcohols. However, distillation remains a popular choice due to its effectiveness and versatility.
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Boiling points
Boiling point is a critical parameter in separating alcohol from aromatic hydrocarbons. The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas phase. Different substances have distinct boiling points, and this property can be used to separate them through techniques like distillation.
The boiling point of a substance depends on its molecular structure, particularly the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms it contains. Aromatic hydrocarbons, for example, are cyclic, planar molecules with a ring of resonance bonds, while alcohols are organic compounds with a hydroxyl functional group (–OH) bound to a saturated carbon atom. The presence of the OH group in alcohols significantly modifies the properties of hydrocarbons, making them hydrophilic (water-attracted).
The difference in boiling points between alcohols and aromatic hydrocarbons can be attributed to their varying intermolecular forces. Alcohols experience hydrogen bonding, which occurs between the partially positive hydrogen atoms and the lone pairs on oxygen atoms of other molecules. This type of bonding results in higher boiling points for alcohols compared to aromatic hydrocarbons. The additional energy required to break these hydrogen bonds contributes to the higher boiling points observed in alcohols.
The length of the molecule also influences the boiling point. Ethanol, for instance, is a longer molecule with an extra eight electrons due to the presence of an oxygen atom. This increases the size of the van der Waals dispersion forces, leading to a higher boiling point. Therefore, the combination of hydrogen bonding and molecular length influences the boiling point of ethanol, making it a suitable choice for separation through distillation.
Distillation is a commonly used technique to separate alcohol from aromatic hydrocarbons. By heating a mixture, the component with a lower boiling point will vaporize first, allowing it to be collected separately. This process can be adjusted to target specific boiling points and collect the desired substances. For example, when separating ethanol from water, the mixture is heated to the boiling point of ethanol, which vaporizes and can be collected. The solution is then heated further to the boiling point of water, allowing pure water to be collected.
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Hydrocarbons vs CO2
Hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide (CO2), and ethanol are all solvents used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material. The best extraction method depends on various factors, including cost, efficiency, yield, safety, use cases, and the quality of the extracts produced.
Hydrocarbons vs. CO2:
Both hydrocarbon and CO2 extraction methods involve mixing the solvent with the cannabis plant material to dissolve the active compounds. However, there are several differences between the two methods:
Cost:
CO2 extraction has high setup costs due to the requirement for high-end, industrial-grade equipment for precise measurements, temperature control, and separation of the final product. Hydrocarbon extraction technology has advanced to include practices similar to chromatography, allowing for the separation of various compounds in the cannabis plant. While hydrocarbon extraction also has costs associated with equipment, it offers more flexibility in terms of input material and output SKUs, which can impact overall costs.
Efficiency and Yield:
Hydrocarbon extraction can be made more efficient through biomass reduction prior to the extraction process, which reduces hydrocarbon use and labour costs. CO2 extraction, on the other hand, involves using supercritical CO2, a state between liquid and gas, to act as a solvent and dissolve the active compounds. This process can be more energy-intensive and less flexible with material compared to hydrocarbon extraction.
Safety:
Both methods carry some safety risks and require knowledgeable management and skilled labour. Hydrocarbon solvents are extremely volatile, making them easier to evaporate and remove from the oil. However, some jurisdictions have deemed hydrocarbon extraction too dangerous and have restricted it. CO2 extraction, when done properly, can produce a very clean final product without the risk of residual solvents, which is an advantage over solvent-based extractions like hydrocarbons.
In summary, the choice between hydrocarbon and CO2 extraction depends on specific needs and goals. Hydrocarbon extraction offers flexibility, efficiency, and a range of final form factors, while CO2 extraction is known for its ability to produce a clean product without residual solvents but may be more costly and less flexible.
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Ethanol extraction
In the case of bioethanol production, liquid-liquid equilibrium extraction of ethanol with mixed solvents is employed. This process utilises solvents such as aldehydes mixed with m-xylene, furfural, and benzaldehyde, which have low solubility in water. The separation selectivity of ethanol relative to water is a key factor in the efficiency of this process. The NRTL model has been applied to describe the liquid-liquid equilibrium in these systems.
The choice between hydrocarbon and ethanol extraction methods depends on the specific use case, budget, and goals. Hydrocarbon extraction can be used with any kind of cannabis starting material, while ethanol extraction is typically used with low-quality trim. Experimentation and experience are necessary to optimise the results of each extraction method.
In summary, ethanol extraction is a versatile process that can separate ethanol from water or other substances. It is used in the production of bioethanol and the extraction of cannabinoids. While ethanol extraction may have higher setup costs and require more post-processing, it offers advantages such as lower electricity usage and the ability to work with low-quality input materials.
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Closed-loop extraction
The "closed-loop" refers to a system where the entire extraction process occurs within a closed vessel, preventing the solvent from contacting the outside atmosphere. The "loop" portion refers to the recovery and reuse of the solvent. In this system, the solvent is typically butane or propane, and the colder the solvent tank, the faster and more efficient the butane recovery. The butane vapor is attracted to the cold solvent tank, where it re-condenses into a low-pressure liquid. Once all the butane has been evaporated from the collection base, the extracted oil remains.
Closed-loop systems offer several advantages over open-loop systems. They eliminate potential gas leaks by enclosing solvents within the extraction system, enhancing safety. These systems also ensure that the final product is free from any solvent residue, making it safer for medical-grade applications. Closed-loop systems are mandated by law for concentrate producers in Colorado.
While closed-loop extraction is commonly associated with butane or propane, other solvents can be used as well. These include hydrocarbons like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, benzene, chloroform, methanol, and even water. However, many solvents are carcinogenic or highly flammable, necessitating strict adherence to safety procedures.
In summary, closed-loop extraction is a safe and effective method for extracting compounds from cannabis plants, particularly when using hydrocarbons as solvents. This technique prevents solvent exposure to the atmosphere, reduces the risk of gas leaks, and yields solvent-free extracts suitable for medical use.
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Frequently asked questions
Distillation is the best method to separate alcohol from aromatic hydrocarbons. This is because both substances have different boiling points and are miscible liquids. The mixture is heated to 80°C (176°F) and the alcohol evaporates and condenses in a separate container.
Other methods to separate alcohol from aromatic hydrocarbons include freezing the mixture, which allows for the partial removal of non-alcoholic components, and using ordinary table salt to separate isopropyl alcohol from water.
Ethanol extraction is popular due to its high throughput and relatively low impact on human and environmental health. It has been designated as a "green circle" chemical by the Environmental Protection Agency, indicating that it is of low concern.
