Ethanol supplier needed

[Nickj]

Hi,

I'm in need of about 10 gallons of ethanol for use as an aquatic insect preservative. The home improvement stores and pharmacies carry alcohal that is 70% ethanol 30% other stuff for about $13/gallon. Apparently that other stuff like acetone and methyl alcohal is hard on the bugs. What we really need is 70% of 180 proof ethanol and 30% water. The 180 proof stuff goes for over $100/gallon from the lab suppliers I've found so far.

Any suggested sources of low cost ethanol

Thanks

Nick

[C1ay]

The local liquor store. Ask for EverClear. It'll be around 95% (190 proof) and you can add your own water.

[UncleAl]

So test and then use isopropanol. It's not a big deal.

[Biochemist]

The 180 proof stuff goes for over $100/gallon from the lab suppliers I've found so far.

Any suggested sources of low cost ethanol...

Hmmm. Ethanol USP should not cost nearly that much. I suspect the sale is taxed as if it is for retail sale for oral consumption. As I recall, ethanol USP (190 proof) was really cheap in 5 gallon drums in the 1970s.

 

The federal excise tax is (I think) about $13.5 per 100 proof gallon. Most states add taxes as well.

 

Per C1ay's suggestion, a bottle of Everclear (alcohol 95) is usually about $11.00 per liter in most states. I think that is your best bet.

[HydrogenBond]

Make your own. Go to your neighborhood wine making supply store and get some wine yeast and some advice. If you use sherry yeast you can hit 20% ethanol.

 

Get a 55 gallon plastic garbage barrel, (polyetylene is best). Start with pure sugar water. 5-10lbs/gallon. When the fermentation stops let it settle.

 

Next get or make a distillation apparatus. If you have time a cold finger and hot day might work. You should be able to hit 190proof; pure moonshine ye ha!. I beleive the law allows you to distill up to 10-15 gallons per year. Check your local laws.

[Dark Mind]

Orrrrr... just buy EverClear :).

 

You should have to be like sixty years old in order to buy that stuff... I got drunk off the vapors from my Grandpa drinking it :eek2:. ;)