Different Types of Solvent Extraction (Ethanol, Hexane, Heptane)

There are various types of solvent extractions. The most common ones are ethanol solvent extraction, hexane solvent extraction, heptane solvent extraction, but there are numerous other processes you can try out.

When you use these procedures, you are able to separate different chemical compounds on the basis of their solubility. As the name implies, at the basis of the processes, there is a solvent, a fluid that can dissolve other materials.

This procedure is utilized across various industries. It is especially popular for botanical extraction, but you can also use it for perfumes and other cosmetics. Nowadays, cannabis oil solvent extraction is a very common procedure. By utilizing ethanol from the Simple Solvent store, you can get high-quality CBD oil and other cannabis extracts.

The great thing about this process is that it allows you to remove hazardous substances from sediments and sludge. In that sense, solvent extraction can be great for hazardous waste generators. By simply reducing the overall amount of waste, the company would have to spend less on its environmental procedures.
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It is worth noting that these procedures will not damage chemical compounds, unlike some extraction methods. They can be scaled and, depending on the solvent that was used, they can be relatively cheap compared to some technologically advanced processes such as CO2 extraction.

What constitutes a solvent?

As just mentioned, a solvent is any substance that is able to dissolve other molecules (also referred to as solutes). A solvent can come in various aggregate forms. Although liquid substances are the most common ones, you can also rely on gas and solids.

During the process of extraction, solvent molecules will start pulling solute molecules. As they remove them from the initial matter, solutes will get spread all over the solvent.

​When the mixture becomes homogenous, you won't have the ability to separate it physically. In other words, you would need to utilize another chemical procedure in order to separate solute and solvents.

A lot of things can be utilized as a solvent. However, they will not provide the same results. In fact, certain types of solvents are so dangerous that they've been banned by regulatory bodies. Ideally, you should utilize something such as pure ethanol.

What does solvent extraction entail?

The process of solvent extraction is mainly utilized with force. You would need rinsing or some other high-pressure method that would forcefully apply solvent only to the material. The whole procedure is done in two different phases.

When using immiscible liquids (these are liquids that won't dissolve in other liquids), a layer will be formed on top of each other. This is because these liquids are different in terms of their orientation as well as polarity. The chemical density of a substance will determine which liquid goes on top and which one is on the bottom.

Let's take water as an example. This liquid has a higher density compared to ether. So, when you combine the two, water will go on the bottom while ether will float on top of it.

Every extraction method utilizes a specific type of equipment. Because of that, certain processes can be really expensive. At the same time, solvent extraction can also be performed with some sort of funnel. Certain types of extraction, such as ethanol extraction, can even be done at your own home.

First, you will need to add a mixture that needs to be separated. When you add both of these solvents into the funnel, they will then be separated into two different phrases.

Then, you will have to shake the funnel. After a few minutes, you will have two separate layers for collection. Depending on what you need, one of these two will either be in the top or bottom layer.

What is the main difference between distillation and extraction?

Like with extraction, you can also utilize solvents for distillation. During an extraction process, you are able to purify substances that are in a solid or liquid state. On the other hand, distillation can only be utilized for liquids.

Companies and users can rely on numerous types of distillation techniques. Among others, you can use vacuum distillation or steam distillation. In most cases, these distillations can utilize the same types of solvents; it’s just that the procedure will be a bit different.

During distillation, the vapor will be condensed and cooled. This new condensed liquid can then be sold to other companies that would require such a chemical for their manufacturing processes.

At this point, one portion of the substance will have a higher boiling point. It will not vaporize the remains at the bottom of the recovery still. The main reason why you should rely on such a type of distillation is that this portion of the substance (remaining within the recovery still) can still be utilized as an alternative fuel.

Nowadays, more and more companies recycle materials created during solvent extraction. Not only is this an environmentally sound solution, but it is a great way of getting rid of hazardous materials without breaking the bank.

Is solvent extraction good for the environment?

Solvent extraction can be really environmentally friendly. It all depends on the solvent that you’re using, as well as the process. Perhaps the best example of clean solvent extraction are methods that rely on water for removing substances.

Furthermore, companies are investing big bucks in developing new, advanced processes and solvents. Perhaps the biggest emphasis nowadays is on bio solvents that can be dissolved in the ground itself and that do not require any special disposal methods.

Besides being eco-friendly, solvent extraction is better than other processes due to its low energy consumption. But there are some other benefits to it. For example, it is a great method if you wish to use it within a closed-loop recovery and recycling system.
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With this system, you are able to treat waste and then use it once again. In order for this to happen, solid waste has to be treated at 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.