So far, SWIM has acidified 100g of MHRB with decent amount of Distilled Vinegar. SWIM let the acid soak the bark for a good two weeks, with frequent boils and with more acid added. Then after it was filtered out, and decanted out to be crystal clear red acidic liquid, and reduced to 450mL of acidic solution by putting it in the oven to evaporate in low heat. Then it was defatted x3 with Naptha.
After that, it was bassified(if that word exist..) from a mix of water and Sodium Hydroxide+Potassium Hydroxide (SWIM is using Drain Cleaner that states it has both, and it states its concentrated lye). But SWIM problem is the solution is kinda reddish black instead of the brownish black. SWIM doesn't know the target color it has to be. During the process of bringing it to a basic solution, there was a time that it had a black greyish sludge(kinda looked like flakes) on the bottom, and a clear red/brown liquid on top. I am not quite sure if thats normal or not...Also, SWIM is wondering if you can test the PH of the Bassified solution with Litmus paper, because the solution is already dark, but does it affect the reading?
But SWIM has already did a Naptha pull, but the question is, my solution seperates fairly quickly. Like, it takes only a minimum of a minute to see the sharp line between the two layers. But with a vigurios shake, it takes only 5min. Is that normal? Maybe because the Naptha is a Light Hydrotreated Distillate?
If someone is kind enough to help, it would be most grateful thing for me.
...still a bit of a noob, just need a bit guidance. Again, sorry for my english. I can clarify if needed.
Thanks in advance.