Grey Solvent Layer

[Snarr]

SWIM was doing a third pull on a batch of spice using a STB tek. While letting the MHRB solution sit for about a week, the solvent layer (naptha) turned gray.

What went wrong?

Is there any way to salvage the solvent?

When filtered off it had the hue of the MHRB juice. The solvent had been used for about 8 pulls during the span of its life time (through 3 batches), and had a re-x where the yeilds were less than what went in. SWIM thought that he would do one more pull using the same naptha, and this time dry evap to get all the spice out.

But then the gray struck. Is there any way to salvage the solvent so SWIM can dry evap. Or is it lost?

SWIM tried adding more base, but it didn't seem to help. SWIM heard salting is an option with emulsions, but SWIMS unsure if this is considered an emulsion.

SWIM don't know if it is worth mentioning, but the solvent was used previously in an a/b extraction prior to this one.

Also of 3 jars 2 turned gray and one separated without issue.

 

[transitory]

Hello Snarr

While letting the MHRB solution sit for about a week, the solvent layer (naptha) had the hue of the MHRB juice . . . What went wrong? . . . Is there any way to salvage the solvent so SWIM can dry evap?

This can happen if the solvent is left to sit for extended periods and/or heated during the extraction. I believe that plant oils, fats and pigments have moved into the solvent layer. I have had a VERY purple solvent following extended, heated pulls which cleared up 90% following a sodium carbonate wash. By all means try but I personally wouldn't want to perform a dry evap. on such obviously contaminated solvent. I would do a sodium carbonate wash then evap. 75% then freeze precip. The following info was gained from the FAQ . . .


sodium carbonate wash;

1. Add between a pinch - 10g sodium carbonate (to make a basic solution) to 100ml clean water. [Edit: quantity is now corrected- thanks endlessness!]
2. Mix spice-containing solvent & sodium carbonate solution together.
3. Separate the solvent from the sodium carbonate solution using pippette/turkey baster/syphon/separatory funnel.
4. Optional: Repeat steps 1-3 if desired, but not necessary.
5. Optional: Wash again with pure water without sodium carbonate, though one risks losing yield.

 

[endlessness]

yes, I would also recommend a wash, evaporate most and then freeze precip

edit: info on post above is perfect now

 

[Snarr]

Thanks for the info. I will wash it up and see how it turns out