2nd STB extraction, Minor Problem

[Vega]

Few things to note:
228g Mimosa Hostilis. Root bark
VMP Naptha
3000Ml H20


So recently, when the 2nd extraction began, the bark was placed in un-ground into the basified water. I assumed this posed no problem at all and that the High pH of the water would break down the bark over time, with a little aid from myself,.. This did not quite occur.

What actually happened was some of the bark dissolved into the mixture, while about 50 - 60% of the bark remains, my problem here is now I need an effective way to break down this bark so I can extract the spice out of it, at least I think?

So guys, I come here now, curious if the bark even needs to be broken down completely, or just needs to spend a long time soaking, or if I really messed up and there is any remedy to this, any ideas?
All help is GREATLY appreciated, thanks, Vega.

 

[Infundibulum]

Hi Vega,

Tricky situation you got yourself into!

High pH breaks down the cells and releases the goodies, it does not powder the bark! But it can soften the bark to a great extent. One may be able to mash the bark in the basic solution using a potato masher and applying massive caution to avoid lye burns.

alternatively, you can neutralise the solution with some acid, strain the bark pieces, chop them finely and redo the STB adding more lye.

But it is also advised to not do anything at the moment; whole chunks of bark may not be as bad after all. So just leave the STB solution for a week, pull, and if the yield is grossly suboptimal then you can apply the above more drastic interventions in an attempt to increase the yield.

 

[Vega]

Thank you Infundibulum, I will be sure to post results.

 

[PerPLexED]

Second his idea. Continue to do a pull, if your yield is low, then worry.

Infun, wouldn't he be able to strain the bark pieces, put those into a neutralizing solution, then break them up? Seems like a lot of extra NaOH needed if he neutralizes, then re basifies. Although, i could understand this would be a great safety measure.