Questions about STB

[shago]

How much time should SWIM left the bark soaking in the basified solution? Noman's says about one hour, but I've read about people leaving it to soak for 3 or more hours.

Does the basified solution corrode plastic easily? (e.g. plastic can, plastic bottles)

 

[DoingKermit]

If you are using finely powdered MHRB, then you do not need to wait as long as three hours. The first extraction i ever did i waited 24 hours, thinking the bark needed time to break down. Since powdered bark breaks down really quickly (specially when using the 1g Lye: 1g Bark ratio) it won't take long.

I usually throw the bark in when the jar is a bit cooler to touch. Some people say you can throw the bark in immediately, which would probably still give ok results. I still think, even if using finely powdered bark, you should wait about an hour.

If you use HDPE grade plastic, then you won't have to worry about contaminating your product. I hope that helped clear it up for you.

 

[shago]

ok, thank you.