quick first time Noman extraction questions

[Carpeljets]

Hey everyone, I've been a lurker on here for quite a while and I've finally obtained all the materials to attempt my first extraction. However, I have a few simple questions. I've read that with pre-powdered rootbark Noman's tek slightly overestimates how much water/lye/naptha to use. If anyone has any suggestions on ammounts please tell me, I plan on using 100g of pre-powdered bark for my first attempt. Also, this is probably a really stupid question but what is generally used to measure out the ammounts involved? a measuring cup? a scale? I've been a little confused on that and no teks really seem to explain how I'm measuring the water/lye/naptha/rootbark. Any and all help would be appreciated, I'd like things to go as smoothly as possible.

 

[Dimitri]

Fluids (water, naphtha) are measured by volume (in milliliters - measuring cup, syringe, etc.), while solids (MHRB, granulated NaOH) are measured by weight (in grams - scale). SWIY should be fine with Noman's suggestions on how much to use. Use high quality chemicals, you don't want your D. to turn green or anything like that.

 

[XENONSION]

pre-powdered bark with noman's tek...i've found that you need a bit more water/lye solution to get it to work well. Following the tek's suggested amounts, you MAY have problems with emulsion layers and not getting it separated. The powder seems to make a thick slurry that traps the solvent easily in it.

I would suggest going with 25% more water/lye solution. and seeing how that works for you. Our trials have only been done using 50gr. batches at time.

STB teks seem better suited for whole bark, not pre-powdered. A/B extraction works very well for your powder though, you may want to consider going that route.

 

[The Dream Walker]

I've been powdering my MHRB and Noman's approximations haven't failed me yet! I think that as long as you mix carefully and patiently, everything works out great.

 

[karma1485]

Ive also found that when using powdered bark and nomans extraction tek that you need a bit more water and lye.... good suggestion about using 25% more water and lye. Perhaps try 10% more to start then add more when/if needed. You shouldnt have problems with the emulsion forming if you are careful NOT TO SHAKE the mixture, tilt only. Good Luck! Dont forget that the first extraction is the most difficult, it only gets easier, and you will get better with practice.

 

[XENONSION]

I've been powdering my MHRB and Noman's approximations haven't failed me yet! I think that as long as you mix carefully and patiently, everything works out great.

the pre-powdered stuff you buy is super fine. Not sure how it compares with powdering it yourself, I usually just chop it up into bits and pieces for a STB extaction.

 

[Carpeljets]

Thanks for all the good replies guys, I think I'm gonna use more lye/water and see how it works. Another question, I know lye can burn skin if you're not careful, is it going to damage a scale if I just put it straight on there? Also, what about separating the layers? Where do you get a separatory funnel and how easy/efficient is it to use?

 

[Dee Em Tea]

I think it would be fine to put the ley straight on the scales, but it would be easyer to just put a bowl on there to scale it. As for separatory funnels,I suppose there very handy and easy to use, but Swim. just got him self one of those little pumps from the carparts shop they use to take gasoline out of the petroltank, and found that it works a treat.
As for where to get a sep. funnel:There are quite a view online vendors for laberatory stuff, you'll just have to search a bit on google, and surely you'll find what you're looking for.