A few questions on first STB extraction

[Alfredo_Guzman]

Working on my first extraction, leaning towards STB and have been reading up on the different methods. I did have a few things I was wondering about:

1. Is it better to shake or very gently agitate the naptha/lye/bark solution? I have seen some different opinions on this, shaking too much leads to emulsion but not shaking enough will cause low yield.

2. Was reading the dream weaver tek - is it worth including the extra step of mixing water with the naptha/dmt solution? This was the only STB tek I came across that included this, if it doesn't result in any significant loss I don't see why not if it removes impurities. Maybe be a waste of time and effort?

3. Is any significant difference in quality/quantity of end product if tap water were used instead of DI water?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[pete666]

1. Is it better to shake or very gently agitate the naptha/lye/bark solution? I have seen some different opinions on this, shaking too much leads to emulsion but not shaking enough will cause low yield.

There are more variables...

1. Every bark is different. Allows your bark shaking without mercy for selected TEK? Yes? Then more shaking means better yield in terms of quantity. No? Then you either have to find TEK which allows it or you have to be careful with shaking, so you won't get emulsions. My choice is to find the best tek, so I can shake like crazy.
Emulsion is usually not a big deal, there are ways how to get rid of it, so some experimentation is advisable.

If I was you, I would start with ordinary STB. If naptha is used, I would add NaCl to avoid emulsions.

2. Are you after pure white product without purification? Then don't shake much and rather do more pulls. But for first extraction I would suggest maximal shaking so you get as much as possible, even if it is not snowy white. Next extractions can be tweaked

2. Was reading the dream weaver tek - is it worth including the extra step of mixing water with the naptha/dmt solution? This was the only STB tek I came across that included this, if it doesn't result in any significant loss I don't see why not if it removes impurities. Maybe be a waste of time and effort?

pH of tap water can be anything between 6,5-8,5. If it is low, dmt forms salt, which is soluble in water. If buffer capacity of water was high, you would be losing dmt. Check this.
This step is useless, as far as you separated layers correctly. Use glass pipette with rubber bulb, never turkey baster.

3. Is any significant difference in quality/quantity of end product if tap water were used instead of DI water?

di water ensures there won't be any unwanted reactions. Nobody knows what can react with what, so it is better to be safe than sorry