Butane
extraction tubes come in a variety of flavors. I personally tend to
avoid plastics like PVC and acrylic so I used a chrome bathroom sink
fitting that has a threaded end and a non-threaded end.
For
the top (threaded) end I used a galvanized cap that screwed onto my
sink fitting. I then drilled a hole in the cap that fit the tip of my
butane can.
The
other end is just a piece of metal screen held on with a worm clamp,
which is then covered by a coffee filter secured with a rubber band.
Be
sure to look into the reactivity of butane with any of the materials
you decide to use while extracting because some materials can leech
toxic substances into your final product. Also be sure to thoroughly
wash all your equipment before use; preferable once with water and
again with high purity alcohol.
Step 2: Prepare your supplies
You will need: 1x Flask (250ml)*1 1x Funnel 1x Can of butane *2 per extraction ~1oz Suitable plant material 1x Bowl *3 1x Final container *4 2x Oven mitts 1x Exacto Knife or pin ~2oz Alcohol *5
*1: Since I have access to a lab I use flasks but any kind of glass container will work, a mason jar would be perfect. *2:
The more pure the butane the better, look for quintuple or more
refinements. Colibri and Vector are two that I know work well. Try to
get the largest container available, I use 8oz. *3: Big enough to hold hot water and your flask. *4:
Use a container at least three times the size of the expected final
amount. For ~2 oz plant material, I used a 1oz final container. A screw
cap is also advisable, they can be obtained at any smoke shop. *5: High purity ethyl or isopropyl alcohol is used to rinse all equipment to remove residue after extraction.
(Don't mind the test tubes, they were not required.)
Step 3: Extraction
Fill
the tube with your plant material. Gently knock the tube to settle the
leaf matter but do not push it down because it will become to compact.
Proceed with extreme caution! -Do all extraction outdoors or in a very well ventilated area. -Beware of all fire and electrical sparks. Butane is highly explosive, even electric motors can cause ignition. -Wear proper, snug fitting, attire that will not catch fire or obstruct movement. -Keep a fire extinguisher on hand at all times.
I
will assume no responsibility for personal injury or damage to property
through the use of this technique. Proper consideration of all risks is
imperative.
Replace the end cap and
insert the butane nozzle. Position the screen end over the funnel
inside your flask to collect the butane that pours out. Now depress the
butane and hold it down until the can is depleted. (This next pic
actually shows me using the plate evaporation method from an old
attempt. Just imagine that its going into the flask instead of the
pyrex dish. )
Remember to wear your oven mitts, the tube and butane get very cold.
This
is where I deviate from most other butane oil methods, I do my
evaporation in a flask instead of an open dish. By not using a plate to
evaporate, I don't have to scrape the THC oil up after evaporation.
This method will also yeild more than the plate method because you
invariably lose some while trying to collect it with a razor after
evaporation.
Now
we will place our butane filled flask in a hot water bath to evaporate
most of the mixture. Do not evaporate all of the butane, leave enough
to approximately fill your final container.
Pour the remaining oil into the final container.
You
can now gently dip the final container into the hot water to speed up
the evaporation, but be sure to avoid boil overs. I was inattentive and
let the butane boil over at this stage but look at how pure of a THC
polymer was suspended in the water!
After
the butane stops bubbling in the hot water inside your container, you
should set the vessel out overnight uncovered to ensure full
evaporation.
Step 4: Enjoy your work
The final results are remarkably pure.
You can now proceed with smoking the oil any way you please. I suggest ash bongs and Hot knives. This stuff melts like honey!
**Use of this procedure may be illegal in your area, be sure to know your local laws before attempting**
