What can I use?

chris · Post by **chris** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:03 am

I am building a still for my final project in college but have run into a problem. I'm not allowed to run anything flammable or toxic in the lab. I just need something I can run in the lab for the in class project then I can mash outside. Any ideas?

My column is copper and boiler is aluminum (15 Gallon Keg) my packing is ceramic so most substances should not harm the packing.

LeftLaneCruiser · Post by **LeftLaneCruiser** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:50 am

You could try a steam-destillation of herbs. Boil water in your boiler, have herbs, seeds or whatever in a basket above the liquid. No need for a column. Or remove the packing material from the column and have the stuff to be extracted in the column.

This way you can extract essential oils from plant material. Which is considered an interesting hobby in itself.

There are quite a lot of recipies on the net, even on this very site.

KJH

Josesillo · Post by **Josesillo** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 6:41 am

you can make an oil-water separation if it's only for a presentation
and use cooking oil so it won't be toxic or flamable

Yttrium · Post by **Yttrium** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:04 am

How about distilling sea water into something drinkable? Add in a story about how limited the supply of fresh water is in some parts of the world to get bonus points in the class...