What forms of ethanol are available?
Ethanol (C2H5OH) is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid that is produced by fermenting corn, wheat, potatoes, and other starches. There are several varieties of ethanol that can be purchased for use in the extraction process.
Ethanol with a proof of 200 percent USP, ethanol with a proof of 190 percent USP
The amount of water in the solution dictates the concentration or purity of the ethanol. Ethanol with a proof of 200 is constituted entirely of ethanol, whereas ethanol with a proof of 190 is composed of 5% water and 95% ethanol. Businesses can choose to reproof their ethanol with distillation equipment in order to extend its shelf life.
This can be an economical technique, as purchasing pure ethanol can be costly. Typically, the ethanol employed in the extraction processes is of USP grade. This is an abbreviation for United States Pharmacopeia and indicates that the product is suitable for use as a food, drug, or medicinal product.
Ethanol that has been denatured
Additionally, businesses can use denatured ethanol. This sort of ethanol contains a toxic component and is therefore not suited for consumption. While denatured ethanol can be purchased and stored without a license, other kinds of ethanol require special licensing (more information on denatured ethanol). It is available for purchase and use without registration with the government.
To summarize, there are three primary options: ethanol with a proof of 200 proof USP, ethanol with a proof of 190 proof USP, and denatured ethanol.
For US-based businesses, regardless of the type of ethanol used, an application must be submitted to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Your business may be qualified for tax-free alcohol depending on the products you manufacture.
You can apply for a Tax Free Alcohol permit online if you use ethanol for research, medical, or mechanical purposes. Because ethanol is flammable, it must be stored in properly marked containers and in accordance with all applicable local fire codes.
Maratek can assist you with acquiring ethanol for your cannabis oil manufacturing if you are interested in learning more. Contact us immediately. We will be delighted to assist you in identifying the optimal ethanol solution for your business’s specific requirements.