I've been following Noman's tek. For my first extraction I used 100g of MHRB(pre-powdered), 100g of Lye, and approximately 2000ml of distilled water. I mixed the lye and water in a jar, then added the bark. I got a black, soupy result. It's still caked to the walls of the jar, weeks after extraction(not enough water maybe?).

For the second extraction I used the same measurements, but added the bark to the jar first, then mixing in the premixed lye and water solution. After shaking the jar, I noticed there was a solid object inside, a sizeable clump. I still had the "soup", but it was more diluted. It doesn't stick or cake to the walls of the jar. [Edit] There is also a brown spot on the bottom of the jar that does not react to the solution inside. Maybe root bark stuck to the bottom?

I assumed it was a ball of the premixed MHRB, and shook it harder to break up the clump to no avail. I thought the problem might be a lack of lye, so I added 2 spoonfuls and shook some more. Nothing.

I've since continued the second extraction process, currently in the freeze-precipitation phase. I noticed the jar of naptha was missing, replaced by a snow globe this morning. So I still got my elf spice, but I'm wondering, did the clump form due to the order of operation? And how could I break up the clump?

Has anyone had experience with this? Seems like lye should always go before bark, less problems!
Cheers!

Lunacye,

im no expert but youve got no replies so here goes - i think it might be the order like you suggest. i ALWAYS start with water, slowly add lye. Let sit/cool for awhile. Add MHRB. Shake vigorously for a minute or two. Let set 2 hours. then pull with hot naptha and freeze precipitate.

Never failed yet.

-spiceworm

Would like to pull this from the grave.

Obviously lye burns are horrible and should be avoided at all costs however if one were to add bark to water then lye to the mixture the concentration of the lye would never be enough to burn you (from my experience once mixed the black mixture has never stung me whenever any bit lands/washes on me)

So unless like OP said (just one anecdotal) it forms clumps then wouldnt Water>Bark>Lye be the safest order?

Thoughts?