Ethanol production contributed $34.7 billion to the country’s GDP. Manufacturers use that solvent to make sanitizers, extract oils, and as a cleaning agent.
Alcohol grading depends on the solvent’s concentration and the impurities present. In this article, you’ll learn what makes 200 proof ethanol vital in extraction procedures. And factors making it better than 190 proof or Everclear.
What is 200 Proof Ethanol?
Vendors call the product 100% absolute, anhydrous, or dehydrated alcohol. However, it’s challenging to gain a 100% solvent concentration because it evaporates fast. Therefore, you’ll only get 99%+ ethanol processed from advanced molecular filtration techniques. And that means that the final product will contain little to no water.
The solvent doesn’t have any toxic additives such as kerosene, isopropyl alcohol, or acetone that render it bitter and foul-smelling. And that characteristic is because many people consume pure alcohol. For example, you’ll find the liquid in whiskey, rum, and vodka beverages. Or as the leading solvent that cannabis manufacturers use in the extraction process.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a technique that pure ethanol creators use to ensure purity. Some contaminants tested using that method are heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and thallium. And after analysis, the pure ethanol has a concentration of 99.98%, with the rest being trace amounts of water.
How Does 200 Proof Ethanol Affect Extraction?
When you use HPLC certified 200 proof pure alcohol, you’ll have a high-quality end product. How? By preventing the solubilization of unfavorable impurities such as chlorophyll, pyrogens, and microbes.Also, the little water in absolute ethanol catalyzes the oxidation of pathogenic cell membranes and prevents combustion hazards.
The product helps you prevent disease transmission to your customers. When ethanol eliminates microbes such as mites, microbes, and fungus, you’ll get that benefit. Furthermore, alcohol increases your company’s yield and enhances quality consistency.
200 Proof Ethanol for Winterization
Do you know why marijuana industries prefer using alcohol in the winterization extraction technique? Because the solvent is the best in solubilizing alkaloids, terpenes, and cannabinoids. That property enriches the customer’s weed experience. Moreover, ethanol is recyclable because of its high volatility, thus saving you costs.
Apart from cannabis extraction, essential oil manufacturers also benefit from ethanol as the ideal solvent. Therefore, they remove waxes and lipid impurities. And they prevent the accumulation of residues, which reduce product flavor and cause throat irritation.
Ethanol is a pioneering solvent that could lead to the innovation of new medications and treatment modalities. Recent research supports that statement by confirming that pure alcohol preserves the integrity of tissues and nucleic acids of many plants. Thus serving as the basis for recycling the plant biomass waste acquired after extraction.
200 Proof Ethanol for Terpene Extraction
Ethanol facilitates the extraction of over 100 terpenoid molecules, together with significant cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. Distillers thus prevent the evaporation of those compounds, which could happen with steam distillation or vaporization. Therefore, extracting a highly potent product.
Terpenoids present in cannabis or aromatherapy essential oils improve the entry and therapeutic value of the active ingredients. That process is through increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration.
You, therefore, get wholesome benefits such as improved mood and well-being with little to no side effects.
What is 190 Proof and Everclear Ethanol?
Everclear Ethanol
Everclear is an alcohol brand that an entrepreneur named Luxco created in 1950. That company sells colorless and odorless 190 proof/95% ethanol.
Manufacturers make the solvent from selected grains, hence the name grain alcohol. And distilleries alter, dilute, package, and distribute Everclear to food-based industries.
Many articles report mixed reviews on Everclear ethanol. Some people are afraid of that solvent because, after ingestion, it leaves a burning aftertaste. Therefore, they mix the alcohol with fruitier and sweeter liquids to mask that unpleasant sensation.
In contrast, bartenders prefer Everclear because it brings out the added flavors in a cocktail.
190 Proof Ethanol
The solvent contains 95% food-grade alcohol, similar to Everclear. That classification means that water accumulates a 5% range in any product volume sold. Moreover, the ethanol doesn’t have any denaturants. Thus, it’s safe for human consumption.
What are the Differences Between 200 Proof Ethanol and 190 Proof or Everclear?
Alcohol Per Unit Volume
There’s a significant difference in the water content found in 95% and 100% ethanol. You’ll get more of that solvent when you purchase absolute alcohol instead of Everclear. Consequently, you’ll produce high-quality and high-yield botanical extractions and tinctures.
Product Availability
Some states in the U.S, such as California, Ohio, and Maine, ban the sale of Everclear. In contrast, you’ll often purchase 200 proof ethanol without a permit. And some reputable companies, such as Simple Solvents, will deliver the product to your home or business address. However, ensure that you comply with your state’s laws and regulations.
Product Quality
HPLC purity guidelines certify that 200 proof alcohol is free from impurities that could interfere with the extraction process. Therefore, using the organic, food-safe solvent will ensure your business thrives.
Caution
Consuming pure grain alcohol is harmful to your health because your liver can best handle 20 -40% of alcohol present in vodka, whiskey, or rum. Examples of side effects include liver disease, nerve damage, confusion, and loss of physical control.
Use ethanol in a well-ventilated room and away from direct heat or flames. That measure prevents fire accidents because the solvent is volatile and highly flammable.
Conclusion
200 proof ethanol is the common solvent that most extraction industries prefer. Manufacturers rigorously test the alcohol, thus certifying that it’s free from heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and denaturants. Moreover, you’ll get a higher percentage of the solvent when you use 200 proof than 190 proof or Everclear ethanol.
High purity and concentration give 200 proof ethanol an edge in extraction procedures. Thus, cannabis and essential oil companies use the solvent to obtain fragile organic compounds such as terpenes and alkaloids. Consequently, manufacturers satisfy customers with the potent product, leading to more profits.
Original Article: https://www.simplesolvents.com/simple-solvents-blog/why-is-200-proof-ethanol-important-for-extraction-vs-190-proof-or-ever-clear#/
