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recover into a vacuum. This ensures that solvent vapors do not enter the work space when opening the
collection base.
During this recovery, it is important to monitor temperatures of the coil bath and the heat bath. Add more dry
ice as needed to maintain temperature. Failure to do so will result in longer recovery times and increased
pressure in solvent tank.
c. When is Recovery Finished?
The easiest way to tell when recovery is finished is by checking the sight glasses on the collection base. This
will show when the majority of the solvent is separated from the extract. This however, may not be the most
accurate way to measure what percentage of solvent has been recovered.
The Mercurius Active is set up to recover 99% of solvent if operated correctly. By using both a pressure and
weight measurement, you can accurately determine if this has been achieved. First, it is recommended to
recover both the column and the base into negative pressure. This will ensure that the majority of the solvent
has been removed from the system.
Second, weigh the solvent that has been recovered. The solvent should have been weighed prior to running
the system. Prior to starting recovery, but after circulation has started in the condenser, tare the scale. You
can now monitor the weight of solvent recovered. When both the gauges on the system read negative, and
the weight inside the tank matches the starting weight, you have finished recovery. Close all valves and turn
off pump.
Post Run Procedure:
Once recovery has finished, close recovery and LP valves, then shut down warm water circulation. It is
recommended to allow recovery to happen until collection chamber hits negative pressure, ensuring that all
gas has recovered.
Before the chamber can be opened, positive/negative pressure must be relieved. Open the vacuum valve to
equalize pressure in collection chamber. Drain the jacket of warm water by removing supply hose from the
input barb and allowing liquid to drain to the reservoir via the return hose. Once water is drained, the bottom
platter of the collection chamber is ready to be removed. Carefully loosen each side of the clamp before
removing.
DO NOT LEAVE LIQUID SOLVENT IN COLLECTION CHAMBER. FAILURE TO FULLY
RECOVER WILL EXPOSE ATMOSPHERE TO FLAMMABLE GAS.
