TEFLON TECH

What is Teflon Tech?

It is a triboelectric separation technique adapted for cleaning hash. The technique utilizes the electrostatic properties of Teflon (PTFE) sheets or rods to remove unwanted material from hash. It works by separating positively charged trichome stalks and other plant contaminants from trichome heads. When your hash already has a high ratio of heads to stalks, it's more efficient to remove these smaller contaminant particles using Teflon Tech than to try and isolate the heads from the larger pile. Materials with similar triboelectric properties to Teflon can also be employed.  To induce a (-)12 kV electric field with Teflon, a nylon brush or microfiber cloth can be employed by exploiting its triboelectric interaction with a less electronegative material.

How does it work?

First, the hash needs to be charged, which can be accomplished through methods like direct electrode contact, vibration, tumbling, or UV light. Teflon is highly negative on the triboelectric series, so rubbing it with a more positive material (like nylon) gives it a strong negative static charge. Due to their shape, density, and chemistry, trichome heads and contaminants can hold different electrostatic polarities. Smaller unwanted particles, such as stalk fragments and plant debris, are picked up by passing the negatively charged Teflon over the hash, leaving the desired heads behind.

How is Teflon Tech different from the standard glove tech? 

One of the most significant differences is the reduced chance of contamination. With Glove Tech, the hash is in constant contact with nitrile gloves and nylon mesh, which increases the potential for microplastics and other foreign contaminants. In contrast, with Teflon Tech, only the unwanted fraction comes into contact with the Teflon.

Another difference is the reduced workload. Teflon Tech is typically used at the end of an automated sieving process (using airflow, vacuum, and vibration) that has already removed the majority of contaminants, leaving the hash at a purity of +90% heads. The charged Teflon can then quickly remove the remaining contamination. Glove Tech, by comparison, would require more labor to remove the majority component.

Do I have to use teflon?

No, other materials high on the electronegative chart, such as PVC, can also be used. To induce a negative charge on your chosen material, simply rub it with another material lower on the chart.

Can I achieve the same effect with high voltage power supplies and electrodes?

Yes, an inexpensive bipolar ion generator such as:  (search Amazon for model TFB-YA178) can be used. Caution should be used, if the HV output leads are grounded the supply can be damaged and it will stop functioning properly.  To verify operation of the supply it is best to use an electrostatic field meter such as the SIMCO FMX-003 Electrostatic Field Meter.

This power supply can also be used to neutralize the charge in the air and on materials.  These lower priced supplies may produce inconsistent results due to variations in pulse rate.  Higher-quality high-voltage power supplies are available for under $500 USD, but using triboelectric principles for static separation remains a low-cost and reliable method. Scaled systems have been designed that are capable of processing kilograms of material per hour without using HV electric power supplies.

Are there any tips for getting this to work correctly?

Of course there are, one of the common mistakes I see people making is grounding the charged surface.  Care should be used to isolate the charged surface from ground so that the charge is maintained.  Working in a low humidity environment will increase the effectiveness of any static or electrostatic separation.