WATER SIEVING

What is different about HASHCRU's water sieving techniques?

HASHCRU's system for water sieving hash that does not employ nylon mesh bags, paddles, or standard sieves. The process leverages true micron filtration, controlling environmental conditions, water flow, hydrogenperoxide, and using basic principles of physics to separate trichomes from other materials in water.  More information below about the hardware and methodology for a revolutionary water based trichome separation process.

Is there a recommended wash basin or configuration for removing trichome heads from plant material?  

To optimize trichome head quality and yield, prioritize wash basin designs that maximize horizontal surface area and minimize vertical travel through biomass. Commercial prep sinks are suitable for DIY wash basins; they can be fitted with a perforated stainless steel false bottom (2mm holes) and sanitary fittings, enabling washing without a work bag. Alternatively, blueberry or vegetable washers offer continuous feed and a design conducive to preventing trichome gland rupture. Their integrated bubbler system, water jets, and optional paddles agitate the material as it moves along a wet conveyor belt to effectively remove trichome heads from biomass.

How is the material agitated in the wash system?

During the initial wash cycle, the material is agitated by the continuous flow of water through the wash basin.  After the material has released resin with this method hydrogen peroxide is applied to the recirculation tank at a concentration of 0.037% after the material quits dumping trichomes from the addition of hydrogen peroxide, a vortex is created using a 3-D printed plastic piece similar to the agitator inside the Bubbleator® machines sold by Mila Jansen and the Pollinator, or the LOWTEMP OSPREY agitator.

How do I collect hash from the wash?

Ditch traditional wash bags for initial trichome collection; a hydrocyclone is the superior choice, especially for continuous flow washes. It eliminates water backup and clogged bags, ensuring uninterrupted collection. After the wash, all material can be sieved using the HASHCRU Guillotine Stack System or your preferred sieve system.

What is the advantage of using  a Hydrocyclone, or collecting hash without bags?

Traditional hash collection using mesh "wash/mesh/bubble/hash bags" is effective, but it's a labor-intensive, batch-by-batch process. The hydrocyclone offers a revolutionary, continuous alternative for collecting hash directly from your washer.

Here's why it's a game-changer:

Continuous Flow, Not Batches: Instead of manual filtering, your hash-infused water continuously feeds into the hydrocyclone. This transforms a stop-and-go process into a smooth, uninterrupted flow.

Precision Density Separation: Leveraging the density difference between desirable trichome heads and water or fine plant matter, the hydrocyclone precisely spins out the heavier hash, directing it to a concentrated collection point.  In addition there is a potential for finer separation by adjusting parameters like feed pressure, cyclone design, and orifice sizes, hydrocyclones can be tuned to achieve very precise particle "cuts," potentially separating different sizes or qualities of trichome heads.

Automated & Efficient Collection: The concentrated hash slurry is automatically collected, eliminating the need to lift, drain, and scrape multiple heavy bags. This significantly reduces labor, saves time, and boosts overall efficiency.  

Scalability for Throughput: Designed for high-volume operations, hydrocyclones can handle much larger quantities than traditional methods, making them ideal for commercial producers.

Reduced Labor & Consumables: Say goodbye to the strenuous work of handling bags and the ongoing cost of disposable filters. A hydrocyclone system means less physical strain and lower operational expenses.

By integrating a hydrocyclone, you're not just collecting hash; you're streamlining your entire extraction workflow, enhancing consistency, and stepping into the future of efficient hash production.

How do I use the hash-vac to sieve water hash?

Assemble your desired sieve stack using the HASHCRU Guillotine Stack System. Begin with your smallest desired head size at the bottom (e.g., a 45 µm screen for 45 µm+ heads), followed by 70 µm, the Headhunter SRS, 120 µm, 160 µm, and 220 µm screens. Optimize the stack configuration through experimentation based on your material's specific trichome head sizes and ratios, as growing conditions can influence these.

Construct a sieving box for the stack that includes a vibrator and an airtight seal for vacuum application. Install hydrocyclones between the stack and the vacuum source to capture material smaller than the sieve openings. During operation, continuously run the vibrator. Apply power to the vacuum to maintain water flow through the sieve and ensure efficient hydrocyclone operation.

A lid can be placed ontop of the stack configured with holes that allow various water jet nozzles to be placed in the lid.  If the stack maintains an air tight seal water can be fed through the nozzles by the vacuum action of the sieve, or a pump can be placed in line to pump water into the top of the lid.  The nozzles spray down and rinse the hash.  It is imparative that reverse osmosis water be used for the rinse down.  If mineralized water is used in the rinse down, when the water evaporates it will deposit the minerals in the hash and they will be present when the hash is burned or vaporized.   

After sieving/classifying the hash, dry the material using a freeze dryer, or on the sieve with the hash-vac: applied vacuum/airflow/or N2, and 520 nm LEDs.